Tom Parker to step down as SCG curator after 20 years of service

The cricket world often talks about how the players have fared out and how long their careers have been. But for the men who work at the back stage, these questions rarely come to the fore. Tom Parker, the pitch curator of the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is all set to step down from his position in the coming September. The people have spoken about illustrious long careers of the players.

The long career of Parker as the pitch curator deserves a mention too. He has served in the capacity of the pitch curator of the SCG for almost 20 years. Tom Parker has decided to step down from the position by the end of the month of September with the conclusion of the AFL season. At the same time, the curator of the Allianz Stadium, Michael Finch, is also stated to be stepping down from his position.

Both gentlemen will be leaving their respective roles as the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust is all set to get a revamped structure. They are keen on having one group of workers who would manage the grounds. As per the recent reports in Fox Sports, the two groundsmen had assumed their duties at the same time back in the year 1997. Tom Parker is renowned for making spin friendly tracks in Australia.

Making spin tracks in Australia

Australia, a country that is known for having pace decks with good bounce, often witnessed a relatively slower track that assisted the spinners in the matches played at the SCG. The credit goes to Parker. The Asian sides often fancied their chances whilst playing at the venue. Among the most notable games, the new year Tests at SCG remain to be the most prominent ones. The 2018 new year Test will see England and Australia battle it out in the Ashes. The game at SCG will be played starting on January 4.

“There are certainly some special moments that I’ll look back on in coming years. But the opportunity to call the SCG home for the past two decades is what I’m most proud of,” said a nostalgic Tom Parker.