Sporting legends are made on the pitch, but the people behind the hallowed turf have as much enthusiasm as those playing. Damian Hough, head curator at Adelaide Oval, is one such individual. With a passion for turf and a love for sport, Hough is dedicated to crafting the perfect pitch.
As the head curator since 2010, Hough is responsible for the playing surface for the upcoming Test match between Australia and the West Indies. While it may seem like a mundane task, for Hough, it is a labor of love. I love working outdoors, I love working with turf, and I love sport, he says. It’s a combination of my passions.
Hough vividly recalls his first day walking out on the hallowed turf of Adelaide Oval, describing it as a moment that gave him goosebumps. The pitch itself is meticulously constructed, measuring 25 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 200 millimeters deep. It is a blend of science and gut feeling, a dark art passed down from curator to curator.
Adelaide Oval’s cricket pitches are made of a mix of grasses, with the characteristics influenced by the soil, grass variety, and local climatic conditions. The pitch comprises around 60 percent clay, with a warm-season couch grass for the cricket pitches and a cool-season ryegrass for the outfield.
One key element in Adelaide Oval’s pitch is the soil. The curators have been using a particular type of soil for over 70 years, sourced from Athelstone, a suburb northeast of Adelaide. This soil, filled with heavy clay material, was initially unwanted by developers. However, for curators like Hough and his predecessors, this soil is of utmost importance. It connects them to the history of the Oval and ensures a consistent playing surface year after year.
While tradition plays a role, Hough also emphasizes the need to adapt to changing climate conditions. He explains that factors such as improving irrigation practices, moisture sensors, and the use of drought-tolerant grass species are crucial for the Oval’s future. Hough embraces modern tools, including x-ray-like technology, which helps eliminate some of the guesswork involved in his job.
As the Adelaide Test approaches, Hough admits to being a worrier. He sets high standards for the pitch, aiming for ten wickets and 300 runs each day. He wants the players to shine and deliver an entertaining game of cricket for the spectators.
The Australia-West Indies Test match at Adelaide Oval promises to be an exciting encounter. With Damian Hough’s passion and dedication to crafting the perfect pitch, fans can expect a thrilling contest between bat and ball.
