Conditions of cricket pitch are unsatisfactory

Cricketers continue to protest the state of the Paradise Grounds.

At the end of March, a member of local cricket administration requested the Newcastle Advertiser visit the grounds, and investigate reported problems at the facility.

In particular, he expressed concern at the unsuitable bowling and batting nets.

Upon investigation, the Advertiser found the carpeting surface of one of the nets was bubbling, which could potentially cause a bowled ball to bounce higher than normal.

This could lead to a serious injury.

During a match later in the week, umpires were overheard discussing the poor condition of the Paradise A Grounds pitch.

Its bad state almost resulted in the match being called off.

However, the Newcastle Municipality had deployed staff to properly mark the pitch before the match, and other problems previously reported on have been resolved.

Some feel the municipality simply cannot get the balance right.

Questions relating to the state of the Paradise Grounds and its maintenance were posed to municipal officials some months ago.

To date, no response has been received.

New head of Communications, Nto Vikhumbo said she would ensure the outdated enquiries would be addressed.

“I’m in contact with the team and relevant section heads, to make sure that all enquiries are addressed.”