As cricket season heats up, a Monash expert is available to comment on how their research contributes to the performance, technical and safety aspects of cricket.
Professor Jayantha Kodakara, Director of SPARC Hub, Professor in Geomechanics Engineering, Civil Engineering
Contact: +61 408 508 454 or Jayantha.Kodikara@monash.edu
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Night matches and how higher soil moisture levels can influence pitch behavior and field conditions
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Understanding the cracking behaviour of Merri Creek clay, used in the MCG pitches, and why it’s crucial for ensuring pitch stability and performance
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How could groundskeepers use technology to create pitches tailored for balance between batters and bowlers?
The following quotes can be attributed to Professor Kodakara:
“Cracking on clay pitches is a well-known issue in cricket, especially with those used in high-profile venues like the MCG.
“Pitch cracking adds unpredictability and aids spinners, making cricket exciting. However, excessive cracking can pose hazards, especially for batters.
“Poor pitch conditions have also caused match abandonments like when the Melbourne Renegades' game against the Perth Scorchers was called off after just 6.5 overs due to dangerous variable bounce caused by a rain-damaged pitch.
“Such incidents emphasise the importance of pitch quality, and as cricket becomes more data-driven, research into the physical properties of clay could help create pitches that retain their quality throughout a match or a tournament.”
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For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or media@monash.edu
