Notts groundsman Steve Birks has reported that work to improve the outfield at Trent Bridge is ahead of schedule.
The £600,000 project, funded by a grant from the ECB, will see new turf, drainage and sprinklers installed in time for the new domestic season in April and the ICC World Twenty20 in June.
“We started to lay the turf last week and we expect it to bind to the root zone within ten days,” said Steve, who has maintained regular contact with main contractor Steven Pask.
“When that happens we’ll give it a light roll and we may even be able to cut it before Christmas.
“It has taken well and we’ve seen some growth already which is a sign that the mild weather has helped us.
“We should have all the turf down within four weeks and we’re very confident that we’ll be able to stay ahead of schedule.”
In addition to the outfield works, the square has been extended with five new practice wickets installed at the Fox Road end.
