Groundstaff in Birmingham using lamps normally reserved for cultivating cannabis as pitch debate rages on
Edgbaston staff using 'cannabis lamps'
The debate over the surface being prepared for the third Ashes Test has taken a bizarre twist, with Edgbaston groundstaff employing 'cannabis lamps' to ready the ground for Wednesday's Third Test.
Heavy rain in Birmingham this week means staff are working overtime to get both the centre wicket and the outfield ready, and they are using lamps given to them by West Midlands Police to help their efforts.
The lamps were confiscated by the constabulary from cannabis growers who had been using them to help cultivate their product.
The lamps are believed to help produce a bouncy and fast pitch, while they are also being used to help dry the sodden outfield, a process that is not helped by Edgbaston's vast pavilion that throws a large shadow across the ground.
Edgbaston staff have used the lamps since they were donated to them in early 2014 to help cope with a water-logged outfield.
Just how big an impact the lamps will have, and what kind of surface head curator Gary Barwell and his staff will produce, remains to be seen.
Still going great effort today already lads @BenSmudger84 @CricketingBears #ashes pic.twitter.com/pc9ZfwdMWA
— Gary Barwell (@barnstonworth) July 26, 2015
The pitches used in the first two Tests were widely criticised, and Lord's groundsman Mick Hunt and ECB pitch inspector Chris Wood were interested onlookers at Edgbaston on Monday as Barwell's team continued their preparations.
The 22 yards to be used for this week's match boasted a thick covering of grass when the covers were pulled back on Monday. Whether it stays that way, however, remains to be seen.
Lots of talk about the pitch at Edgbaston for the third #Ashes Test. Here it is two days before play starts. pic.twitter.com/bn640OSRC6
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 27, 2015
Australia fast-bowler Mitchell Starc said the tourists weren't fussed if the slow and lifeless surfaces seen in Cardiff and London were replicated in Birmingham this week.
Quick Single: Starc ponders prospect of paceman's pitch
"They (England) are not really sure what they want to do now," Starc said when asked about the state of the pitches used in the series so far.
"Some of their team want batting-friendly wickets and that hasn't helped them at Lord's.
"They want to get their bowlers back in the game, but we've got the pace as well.
"So I think as Michael (Clarke, Australia captain) said last week, it doesn't matter what they dish up.
"We've got all bases covered, we've just got to adjust to the conditions the quickest."
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