AQUAFLEX is being used to monitor the cricket wicket at the High Performance Centre in Lincoln New Zealand, home of the New Zealand cricket team the "Black Caps"

The High performance centre is a custom built facility that started in 1997 when the New Zealand cricket academy began to hold academy games on the Lincoln Green ground which incorporates a four-strip block built with Waikari Clay.

The centre now boasts both indoor and outdoor training facilities where intensive training and selection programmes can be carried out in all weathers.

An accommodation block, consisting of three self-contained buildings capable of accommodating 28 cricket players has been built where cricketers could live when training at the ground.

In 1998 a new cricket ground, the BIL Oval was constructed on the site. This has a seven strip block, again made of Waikari Clay and was sown with Punawai browntop grass. This gives the centre two top-class cricket grounds plus a practice ground and an indoor arena.

The huge investment in the centre demonstrates New Zealand's commitment to the game of cricket.

All the very latest technology has been included, from indoor training aids to innovative turf management tools.

"A lot has been learned by monitoring the data during a match and observing what a pitch does at certain stages of a game"

Writing in the NZ Turf Management Journal, Karl Johnson, Turf Manager of the centre commented on the use of AQUAFLEX as a turf management tool.

"The device allows moisture and temperature to be continuously recorded. Thus we can monitor the pitch right through the preparation period and maintenance procedures can be adjusted to get the best results. A lot has been learned by monitoring the data during a match and observing what a pitch does at certain stages of a game."

Karl Johnson (pictured) is one of a new breed of young turf managers eager to use technology to it's full potential and uses his moisture information along with bulk density data to determine the most effective time to roll.

"Cricket pitch preparation is a combination of science and art" commented Karl.

Who would disagree?

The Lincoln Green and BIL Oval cricket grounds have played host to an increasing number of important games including tests involving visiting international teams such as England A and South Africa A, as well as hosting the women's world cup in December 2000.