ECB provide funding to Cranfield

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Cranfield University rolls onto the cricket pitch

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has provided funding to Cranfield University's Centre for Sports Surfaces at Silsoe, which has launched a new research programme to look at ways to improve cricket pitch performance from the village green up to the test arena.

This funding will create an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Engineering Doctorate Studentship. This research will investigate the principles between rolling intensity, duration and contact pressure and the initial soil water status of cricket pitches in order to optimise playing performance and enhance safety.

Chris Wood, ECB Pitches Consultant, said: "This research programme has been needed for a long time to assist us in improving participation and playing standards at all levels of cricket. "A fundamental understanding of the scientific principles of cricket pitch preparation will be of great benefit. We look to the experts at Cranfield University to provide innovative understanding and practical solutions."

There has been a large number of quality applicants for this exciting new project, and candidates can expect their careers to rapidly progress to a senior management position.

The Engineering Doctorate, which is only offered by five universities in the UK, integrates management strategy with engineering and physical science research.

Dr Iain James, Research Leader at Cranfield Centre for Sports Surfaces, said: "There are few sports where the playing surface is so critical and scrutinised as in the game of cricket. Cranfield University will apply its expertise in soil mechanics and soil water physics to determine the optimum conditions for cricket pitch preparation."

The Cranfield Centre for Sports Surfaces is a centre of excellence based within Cranfield University. Its remit is to transfer science and technology into practical, functional solutions through its research, consultancy and high-level education. For further details visit: www.silsoe.cranfield.ac.uk/ccss.

For further enquiries please contact Inga Wells, Marketing Manager for NSRI at Silsoe, E-Mail:i.wells@cranfield.ac.uk or Tel: 01525 863321.

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