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Galle groundstaff deploy 28 covers in five minutes to beat rain
The 130-member groundstaff at Galle International Stadium, led by Manjula, took less than five minutes to cover the entire ground during rain on Test match days between India and Sri Lanka. The team deployed 28 covers, each weighing over 650 kg, and used 300 rubber tyres to secure them against crosswinds. Only 16 of the staff are permanent Sri Lanka Cricket employees, 10 came from Hambantota and the rest were hired as daily workers, paid between Rs 900 and Rs 1,500 per day.
The crew watches cloud formation from the nearby Indian Ocean to anticipate showers, then synchronises the coverings: pitch first, square, run-up, and entire field. Four Super Soppers help dry the outfield after rain stops. Most staff will end their work from Thursday and some will return to Hambantota, but their efforts ensured minimal match interruption.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Groundstaff at Test venues across the world are routinely unsung, but the Galle crew's feat is notable given the scale: 28 covers, each over 650 kg, must be deployed within minutes to protect a square that hosts one of Asia's most iconic Tests. The 130-strong team includes only 16 permanent Sri Lanka Cricket employees, the rest are daily-wage workers earning Rs 900-1,500 a day. With the Indian team touring Sri Lanka for a three-match series, the stakes are high for the Galle outfield, which has poor drainage. The risk of losing overs, and match revenue, drives the urgency. Watch for the next rain forecast: if it holds, one week's employment ends Thursday, and most staff return to casual labour.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
