Groundsman: Rose Bowl deck not overly grassy

The weather forecast for the third Test between England and India in Southampton does not have rain on the radar, meaning the grassy covering on the deck ahead of the match is likely to fade away, like it did at Lord's.
The weather forecast for the third Test between England and India in Southampton does not have rain on the radar, meaning the grassy covering on the deck ahead of the match is likely to fade away, like it did at Lord's.
Head grounds keeper Nigel Gray says the grass isn't as heavy as it was in the second Test, but will still provide a bit of variety for both bat and ball as the game progresses. England failed to take advantage of tailor-made conditions at Lord's, and lost the game.
Gray said on Friday: "It will be a pretty good pitch. It has a bit of grass on it and will have good pace and bounce. A good international pitch. Grass is there but there but it isn't oceans of grass."
When asked about the height of the grass, set to be trimmed down from 8mm, Gray said he went by feel rather than a ruler: "I am not one so much for the height of the grass.
"I go for the feel. We do check the height once in a while and whilst it is interesting it doesn't make the entire difference to what a pitch is like.
"There are other factors like how dense the grass is, how green it is. This has got some green on it."
Given he'd been chatting with skipper Alastair Cook and coach Peter Moores out in the middle on Friday, Gray was asked if any preferences for the grass had been mentioned, and he gave it the dead bat, saying: "Not as far as I am aware."
Latest
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside Dan Lawrence
The England captain and his new team-mate added 173 to build England’s advantage.
-
News
Nine rookies in Pakistan squad for South Africa series
Pakistan have included nine uncapped players in their 20-man squad for the two-Tests against South Africa, starting on January 26.
-
News
Labuschagne upset after not scoring ‘big’ hundred
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne might have been the star of the show on the first day of the fourth Test against India.
-
News
Joe Root backs up plea for strong England start with century against Sri Lanka
The skipper had urged his team to impress from the word go and led by example with 168 not out in Galle.
-
News
Joe Root century strengthens England’s grip on first Test against Sri Lanka
Dan Lawrence hits 73 on debut as England reach 320 for four at tea, a lead of 185.
-
News
England captain Joe Root celebrates a century against Sri Lanka
Root brought up his 18th Test ton after being stranded on 99 at lunch in Galle.
-
News
Joe Root 99 not out at lunch as England look to build big advantage
Root and Test debutant Dan Lawrence have steered the tourists to a lead of 71 with seven wickets intact.
-
News
Heather Knight excited by freedom on offer after New Zealand quarantine
England Women will be able to break out of the coronavirus ‘bubble’ lifestyle in a country which has effectively contained the disease.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England day one: Tourists carve out dominant performance in Galle
The tourists skittled Sri Lanka for 135 then replied with 127 for two.
-
News
Stuart Broad and England in ‘dream world’ after superb first day in Sri Lanka
Broad took three wickets and Dom Bess five before Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow took England within eight runs of their hosts’ total.