Here's to the groundsmen – the unsung heroes of 2020

Arguably the most important member of any club, but one whose contribution often goes overlooked, is the groundsman. Here former first-class groundsman and MD of cricket pitch specialist total-play Ltd gives a shout-out to these unsung heroes…

Not for them the glamour of applause for a matchwinning catch or spectacular innings; more the quiet satisfaction that, without them, the game simply couldn’t go ahead.

Such is the lot of the cricket groundsman at pretty much every level of the game.

It may not be the most glamorous role, but it is one that requires considerable knowledge, time and dedication to provide a pitch that meets the rigorous standards set by the ECB even at grassroots. Preparing a cricket table to a decent standard is not a quick-fix that can be achieved in a few days – or even weeks.

It takes year-round attention to detail and slog to ensure that seasonal tasks are carried out on time, any issues are quickly and effectively dealt with and that the surface doesn’t get too much – or too little – moisture. When you consider that most groundsmen at league level are unpaid volunteers, this is no mean feat.

Throughout the first lockdown, when uncertainty hung over the 2020 season, groundsmen across the country headed out to spend countless hours mowing, watering and maintaining pitches – applying covers where necessary and keeping the ground in tip-top shape throughout spring and early summer in the hope that their side might just have the chance to play a few games at the end of the 2020 season.

Autumn will have seen them undertake all the usual end of season tasks to put their pitch ‘to bed’ for the winter, with hopes of a more normal start to the 2021 cricket season. Without these stalwarts of the game, cricket pitches nationwide would have fallen into poor condition; compromising the very future of the game at grassroots level.

So, this festive season – wherever and however we manage to celebrate it – let’s all raise an extra glass to the unsung hero of our game: the groundsman.

Got a question for our expert groundsman? Let us know at magazine@thecricketer.com 

During his residency at Northants CCC, David Bates gained a reputation for preparing some of the finest pitches in the country. Having worked as a pitch advisor and trainer for the Institute of Groundsmanship, David now heads up total-play Ltd where he has developed classleading non-turf cricket pitch and pitch cover solutions

For more information, visit www.total-play.co.uk or call 01604 864 575