Many grounds have irrigation systems that are totally inadequate, given the limited time available for irrigation in the crowded cricket programme.

The performance requirement of the irrigation system is to be able to apply 15-20mm of irrigation uniformity to the whole oval in less than 4 hours overnight.

This requirement is not so important on lightly-used ovals where portable sprinkler can be used successfully during the day if necessary.

Recommendations

Every first class ground in India should investigate the feasibility of installing pop-up irrigation for the outfield. While I would like to see pop-up irrigation installed everywhere, I recognise  that it may not be feasible or appropriate at certain grounds.

Irrigation needs careful consideration where:

1. The supply of quality water is limited or restricted.

2. Water is saline.

3. Effluent water is available.

4. Drainage of the outfield is poor.

It is normal practice to engage a specialist irrigation consultant to carry out a detailed feasibility study and to design the irrigation system, especially where potential problems exist.

The installation  of a pop-up irrigation system can lead to a new set of problems developing. These include thatch, water logging and disease.

An important recommendation is not to irrigate the same amount every night.

It is best to irrigate every third (or second) night applying heavier amounts or irrigation. The rate of irrigation applied should match the evapotranspiration  rate (roughly 0.7 times pan evaporation). This is an important skill for curators to learn.

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