Published: Sep 29, 2014, 02:06 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 29, 2014, 02:48 PM (IST)
Sep 29, 2014
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set to undergo changes before the ICC World Cup 2015 in February and March. The final will be staged at the MCG. The work was started on Monday as a part of a major turf replacement program, as a result this the entire MCG arena surface, almost 20,000 square metres will see changes.
This particular program where $1.7 million will be spent is the most extensive undetaken by the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) since the field was reconstructed the field and the stadium saw reconstruction in order to host the 2006 Commonwealth Games, reported the official Melbourne Cricket Ground website.
No fewer than 10 portable pitches will be installed in the centre before a new turf is laid in time for the first Sheffield Shield at the MCG on 31 October . The MCG will stage a Twenty20 on 7 November and one-day internationals between Australia and South Africa.
In addition the portable being installed the turg will see huge changes. MCC arenas operations manager Tony Gordon said “Since the ground was redeveloped for the Commonwealth Games in 2006, turf replacements have been conducted when required to prolong the life of the turf surface.” “This may be due to damage to the turf caused by wear and tear or wet weather.
Gordon added “However, the life span of any natural turf sports surface is not infinite and, while our artificial lighting system has significantly reduced the need for turf replacement, the MCG is a high-use venue.”
