The Western Province Cricket Association have appointed the talented Ihtishaam Adams head groundsman of Newlands.
Adams has been the venue’s assistant groundsman since 2014. His tenure as former head groundsman Evan Flint’s successor will start on 1 August 2019.
Predecessor’s backing for new Newlands head groundsman
“Ihtishaam’s dynamic commitment and unwavering dedication are his greatest traits. He played a major role as part of my team in my awards as top groundsman in South Africa for the past two seasons,” said Flint, who was named Cricket South Africa’s Groundsman of the Year in 2017 and 2018.
‘Learnt his trade from the very best’
WPCA chief executive officer Nabeal Dien added: “We always like to, wherever possible, promote from within in order to provide opportunities for growth within the organisation. Ithtishaam has learnt his trade over the years from the very best in Flint.
“He has the confidence and knowledge to forge his own successful career as the head groundsman of our wonderful ground. We wish him the very best.”
‘I earned Evan’s trust’
The 31-year-old Adams is a qualified civil and electricial engineer – and used to play for Blue Bells Cricket Club.
“Since childhood, I always had a green thumb. I was my father’s right hand-man in the garden,” said Adams.
“An assistant’s role is to provide a platform through cultural practices and operations in horticulture to manipulate conditions so that you can prepare a turf for sports games.
“I didn’t stand with my hands behind my back. I forced Evan to put pressure on me. I earned Evan’s trust. We would stand on the pitch for a Test at Newlands and troubleshoot for two hours on how we are going to prepare it.”
Newlands will host England and Australia for Tests during the 2019-20 season. Several Cape Premier League matches were played at the venue earlier this year.
