The head curator of Swalec Stadium in Cardiff has been sacked less than a week before the Twenty20 international between Australia and England.
Keith Exton, who prepared the pitch for the opening Ashes Test in July, was shown the door by Glamorgan Cricket Club after a one-day clash with Hampshire was abandoned due to unfit conditions last month when batsman Jimmy Adams was struck on the helmet from a seemingly innocuous length delivery by Michael Hogan.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann was critical of the wicket after the tourists were beaten by 169 runs on a slow surface that failed to generate any pace.
Following an internal investigation it was announced on Thursday that Exton has left his position.
"The club would to thank Keith for his role in establishing the SSE SWALEC as a firm fixture in the international cricket calendar and particularly for his preparation of two Ashes Test pitches during his six-year tenure in Cardiff."
Chief executive Hugh Morris said: "On behalf of Glamorgan County Cricket Club I would like to thank Keith for the contribution he has made to the club and wish him well in his future endeavours."
On Monday, Cardiff will hold a high-profile double-header, with the men's and women's side of England and Australia doing battle at the ground.
Glamorgan were docked two points for a poor pitch last summer too - with the deduction coming off their tally in this year's Royal London one-day cup.
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