Perth Stadium cricket wicket testing begins

The prototype drop-in wicket for the new Perth Stadium has flourished in its first trial after cricketers tested it during a 90-over trial at the Gloucester Park venue in the city.

Perth Stadium, which is currently 35% complete, is scheduled to open in 2018 and will have four drop-in pitches to accommodate top level cricket.

Drop-in pitches have been used since the 1970s as venues became multipurpose to host prominent events outside of cricket.

Commenting on the new wicket, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies stated “the unique WACA pitch is revered around the world and the goal is for Perth Stadium to replicate these unique characteristics as closely as possible by using the same soil profile and turf.”

During the five-day testing program, the turf underwent a rigorous testing program that saw the wicket rolled, mowed and covered each night to replicate match conditions.

High-profile venues such as the MCG in Melbourne have used drop-in wickets for the best part of a decade while they have also been successful at other major stadia across Australia such as the Adelaide Oval and Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium.

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