Cricket NSW and the SCG Trust have announced an action plan to address dangerous playing surface concerns at the historic venue following the embarrassing abandonment of the Blues' Sheffield Shield match against Victoria.
With SCG officials scrambling to resurface the troubled ground in a bid to be ready for the New Year's Test and NSW's next Shield clash with Tasmania being shifted to Bankstown Oval, the Trust and state body on Tuesday night revealed a number of commitments.
These include a revised protocol for field-of-play inspections ahead of first-class or international fixtures and an updated post-match review process.
As well, there will be a thorough review of the Trust's AFL-to-cricket transition plan, including input from Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia, and a study of world's best practice.
Also announced is a joint working party to manage Cricket NSW's training needs, with the ultimate goal of producing a new practice facilities plan.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Cricket NSW chairman John Warn said the state body had a long and proud tradition at the Sydney Cricket Ground, one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the world.
"Cricket NSW is keen to enhance that tradition by working closely with the SCG Trust to ensure that the playing surface and training facilities are of world-class standard.
"It was disappointing that the recent Sheffield Shield match against Victoria had to be abandoned after match officials ruled the playing surface unsafe ... Cricket NSW and the SCG Trust have had positive discussions about how to achieve and maintain the high standards required for first class and international cricket," Warn said.
Trust chairman Tony Shepherd said: "Without cricket, there is no Sydney Cricket Ground and, recent challenges aside, it remains the home of the sport in NSW.
"Cricket NSW's commitment to excellence can be seen in the vast numbers of Australian players produced and the record 46 Sheffield Shield wins.
"They expect that same standard of excellence at their home ground and the Trust will work closely with Cricket NSW to ensure that this is the case," Shepherd said.
Cricket NSW and the Trust said they were looking forward to the SCG being in excellent condition for the return of Sheffield Shield cricket on 27 November (NSW's following match with Queensland), as well as the Big Bash League (BBL) and international matches to follow.
On Monday, Cricket Australia (CA) insisted it was confident the SCG would be fit and ready to host the New Year's Test against the West Indies starting on January 3.
"The Sydney Test is two months away. We have every confidence they will get the playing surface right for that match," said CA head of cricket operations Sean Cary.
