The outfield of World Sport Park is being rolled. Photos by Balbir Singh.
By Balbir Singh
The World Sports Park, managed by Indy Park and Recreation, is getting ready to host its first international cricket tournament Pepsi ICC Americas T20 Division 1 Qualifier from May 3 to 9. Hosts United States of America, Bermuda, Canada and Suriname will feature in the four-nation tournament. The two top teams in the four-nation contest will advance to the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015 to be held in Scotland and Ireland in July and August. The World Sports Park Cricket ground is lush green with Bermuda grass.
Rated as one of the world’s best turf managers (golf and cricket) Mark Perham, and Joe from New Zealand are preparing two pitches for the Round Robin league matches. The 22-yard turf wickets are being rolled systematically.
Mark Perham.
Replying to a question about the nature of the pitches, Mark said “the pitches are new ones. After working on these tracks for few more days, one may predict how these may behave.”
“My first priority is that the pitches are consistent,” Mark Perham said on the sidelines of the pitches. The rollers are being used in a systematic manner. The power driven rollers were being operated (virtually moving at a snail’s pace) at a very low speed so that the moisture is dried in the sun before the roller is used for another round. The process continues to getting the pitch ready.
Because of the prevailing weather conditions at present in Indianapolis, the ground is soft. One thing is certain that the pitch will not assist the fast bowlers despite green tops. That is why Mark and Joe are emphasizing on “consistency.” With proper laying of the drainage, the ground can be readied for play within a short span after rain.
At present there seems to be no provision for changing rooms for the teams. Whether the host players will have a chance to play before the tournament at the World Sports Park to have a feel of the ground is to be decided by the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA). Hosting a coaching camp for combined practice in Indianapolis can give some home advantage to the USA team.
The Pepsi ICC Americas T20 Division 1 Qualifier has come to Indianapolis due to the efforts of Mayor Greg Ballard. The Indianapolis World Sports Park is a hybrid facility that blends community park amenities with a professional-grade, 40-acre modular complex designed for top level tournaments. Soccer, lacrosse, rugby, hurling, Gaelic football and cricket are some of the sports the park will accommodate.
The USA squad, captained by Muhammad Ghous, will play their opening match against Bermuda on May 3. The inaugural match will be played between Canada and Suriname. Though Canada and Bermuda are strong contenders, the USA players are capable of pulling off upsets in the tournament.
Jatin Patel, Global Development Manager USA Cricket Academy was also present at the World Sports Park. Meanwhile two local matches were played on Sunday at the second cricket ground of the World Sports Park.
Pepsi ICC Americas T20 Division 1 Qualifier Fixtures:
3 May – Canada v Suriname, USA v Bermuda
4 May – Canada v Bermuda, USA v Suriname
5 May – Canada v USA, Bermuda v Suriname
6 May – Rain Day (no scheduled matches)
7 May – USA v Bermuda, Canada v Suriname
8 May – USA v Suriname, Canada v Bermuda
9 May – Bermuda v Suriname, USA v Canada
10 May – Rain Day (no scheduled matches)
Story courtesy of http://sportswire4u.blogspot.com