Sheffield Shield season opener puts new MCG surface to the test

The newly reconstructed Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) playing surface has been put to the test in recent days during the Sheffield Shield season opening fixture between Victoria and New South Wales.

The $1.7 million turf resurfacing program saw almost 20,000 metres2 of turf stripped and re-levelled, amounting to approximately 3,000 metres3 of material or around 150 truck and trailer loads.

The program of works took three weeks to complete, with work commencing on Monday 29th September, less than 48 hours after the AFL Grand Final.

The program is the most extensive conducted by the MCC since it reconstructed the field and converted the stadium to host the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

The works have been completed in preparation for a bumper year of sport at the MCG which will soon after host Twenty20 (7th November) and 50-over (21st November) internationals between Australia and South Africa.

Thereafter, the MCG will host the traditional Boxing Day test match and, in 2015, five games in the ICC Cricket World Cup (including the final on 29th March), AFL fixtures from 2nd April and a State of Origin rugby league tie on 17th June.

Work on replacing the MCG's turf was undertaken by HG Sports Turf Pty who can be contacted at 03 9329 8154, E: info@hgsportsturf.com.au, www.hgsportsturf.com.au

1st November 2014 - STRONG FINANCES BOOST CRICKET AUSTRALIA HEADING INTO WORLD CUP YEAR

29th September 2014 - WORKS BEGIN ON REPLACING ENTIRE MCG TURF SURFACE

28th July 2014 - 2014 MCG OPEN DAY TO FOLLOW AFL GRAND FINAL 

17th September 2013 - RESPECTED FORMER SCG AND MCG CURATOR DIES