Dubai International Stadium’s pitch and outfield conditions are monitored day and night to remain in top condition

 By K.R. Nayar

Toby Lumsden, Head Curator of the Dubai International Stadium and the ICC Academy, literally monitors the playing area even after he returns home through the latest technology.

The POGO stick that keeps track of the pitch and outfield 

Dubai International Stadium has always been proactive in introducing the most modern methods to maintain its high standards as one among the best cricket stadiums in the world today.   The unique Ring of Fire lighting system, without floodlight poles, has been a special experience for the fans. Even when it come to the pitch and outfield, the best methods are followed for their upkeep.

Toby Lumsden, Head Curator of the Dubai International Stadium and the ICC Academy, ensures that the wicket and outfield  remain intact to enable players to give their best. He now has a method to monitor the playing area even after he returns home. Lumsden, literally, thus watches the pitch and the outfield day in and day out.

Toby Lumsden

Speaking to cricketlovers.com, Lumsden said: “I use an infrared camera to help me monitor the pitch and outfield conditions. With the new EYAS (Hawk-eye) technology, utilizing infrared cameras, I can monitor our stadium day and night even from home. The cameras can measure the canopy temperature, turfgrass stress, colour deviation of the turfgrass and dew point.”

Lumsden carries with him nearly three decades of experience and knowledge as a Turf Manager in the fields of cricket, AFL, soccer and rugby. He has worked for the MCG and Lord’s before taking up the role at the Dubai International stadium. “As grass is a living organism, it changes throughout the day and night. We curators (Turf Managers) push the grass to the limits, to try to extract the perfect pitch and fast outfield. Then the grass becomes more susceptible to insect and disease attack. We monitor all of  this very closely with our naked eye, and now with the infrared camera, we are able to detect possible stress points within the grass sward before it becomes evident to the eye,” he explained.

Results via bluetooth that reaches  Lumsden's mobile 

Lumsden then elaborated on how he keeps an eye on the pitch and outfield conditions: “We  use underground sensors to monitor moisture at different depths, temperature and salinity, all taking readings every 10 minutes. I also have a portable sensor called a POGO stick, which also measure temperature, moisture, and salinity all with a GPS unit, so tracking areas is very easy. All these devices help me in accessing the situation and making an informed decision and the next step of action.” 

Lumsden also oversees the ICC-approved playing grounds at the ICC Academy and the net practice pitches there made up of Asian and Australian soil. He ensures that the sub-continental, eight Australian and four English type pitches are in top condition always.