Players thrive on ‘first class wicket’ thanks to CI action

Ipswich Hornets and community cricketers are reaping the rewards from Cricket

Ipswich’s significant investment into its grounds and facilities.

With the wicket at Baxter Oval getting lower and slower throughout the 2023/24 season, CI took the initiative and engaged with Queensland Cricket to explore options.

QC agreed to support CI with a full refurbishment of the wicket block, sowing the seeds for the start of a stunning transformation.

The sight of an even covering of green grass in the winter months had CI officials confident of sharp improvement and the return of a wicket block with pace and bounce.

And that is exactly what happened as CI was rewarded for its patience.

As tempting as it was to get cricket back on Baxter Oval in August and September, CI opted to play the long game under the direction of CI board member and experienced curator Peter Wood.

The strategy proved a masterstroke, with the wicket block now playing consistently well since the first game back on it in mid-October, thanks to the efforts of ground staff

Marty Tottle, Kevin Howgego and Mick Homburg (CI Life Member).

The improvement has been formally recognised by QC, with captains and umpires collectively ranking the wicket as the third best in Premier Cricket (excluding Allan Border Field).

Hornets matches on Baxter Oval have provided a great contest between bat and ball.

There have been multiple half centuries and centuries scored by batsmen, and numerous five wickets hauls by both spinners and pacemen.

Wood believes the block is now “first class” standard is looking forward to seeing the ground staff produce a quality wicket for the Jets Leagues Club Division 1 grand final beginning on March 22.

The one-day competition final has already been played at the venue in a game that saw the big-match experience of the Laidley Mulgowie Blue Dogs shine through.

In other positive news for the Ivor Marsden Complex, new floodlights (750 lux) are currently being installed at Baxter Oval as part of a joint project between the Cricket Australia Infrastructure Fund and Ipswich City Council.