Nottinghamshire’s head groundsman Steve Birks is to retire in January after a 28-year profession at Trent Bridge.
Birks, who beforehand spent 18 years at Derbyshire, offered the pitches for a few of the most memorable moments in latest English cricket historical past.
England’s males twice broke the world report ODI rating on the floor, scoring 444 in opposition to Pakistan in 2016 earlier than eclipsing that mark with 481 in opposition to Australia two years later.
It was at Trent Bridge the place England’s Bazball revolution additionally began in earnest when the Check facet chased down 299 in simply 50 overs to beat New Zealand in 2022, with Jonny Bairstow making a 77-ball century on the fifth-day floor.
Nottinghamshire additionally received three County Championships throughout his interval on the membership, two Checklist A trophies and two T20 titles.
“The final 28 years right here have been an absolute pleasure,” Birks informed the membership web site.
“Once I first began working at Trent Bridge, I may by no means have imagined the success we would go on to have, or that we might win so many trophies alongside the way in which.
“I might prefer to thank everybody I’ve labored with over time for making it such an gratifying expertise.”
Birks’s private accolades embrace a number of titles on the ECB’s Grounds Supervisor of the Yr awards, together with the general award in 2017.
Nottinghamshire director of Cricket Mick Newell paid tribute to Birks’s contribution at Trent Bridge.
“Steve’s dedication to this membership has been second to none,” mentioned Newell.
“He has constantly delivered the sorts of surfaces that gamers get pleasure from taking part in on and that ship compelling cricket for supporters.
“On a private observe, I’ve completely loved working with Steve, and he is labored extremely arduous to assist us win trophies over an prolonged time frame.
“In some ways, he’ll be irreplaceable – however he leaves behind a powerful groundstaff group who will proceed his work.
“We want him all one of the best in his retirement, and we thank him for his super service.”
