A view of the covered pitch and ground on Day 2 of the first Test match between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. com in Galle: The match was over.
The formalities were completed, and both teams had already left the stadium. The broadcast crew was busy packing up for the next game, but the work was only getting started for Manjula and the 130 groundstaff at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
It rained immediately after the two teams completed their handshakes, but unlike the preceding week, there was no urgency to cover the square or the ground. Overseeing operations, Manjula stood on top of the advertising board and kept a close eye as the covers were neatly folded and parked after a week of intense activity.
Since India and Sri Lanka arrived in the coastal city for the series opener, rain has appeared frequently enough to keep Manjula and his team on their toes. Not all of them are employees of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
Only 16 are permanent staff in Galle, while 10 came from Hambantota to help with the international fixture. The remaining staff were hired as daily workers."
We have 16 permanent employees and 10 come from Hambantota whenever an international match comes to Galle. For the rest, we hire daily workers for the duration of the match and practice sessions, and they are paid between 2,500 LKR and 4,000 LKR per day for the work," says Manjula.
Manjula watching the proceedings at the Galle International Stadium. (Photo Courtesy: Sahil Malhotra) From anticipation to execution, the groundstaff stuck to their methods and ensured there was no chaos, even during a heavy downpour.
The average time they take to cover the entire ground is less than five minutes, and they work quickly depending on the situation. They look for cues, observe the cloud behaviour and are always staring towards the Indian Ocean near the Galle Fort."
We keep our eyes there," he says, pointing towards the ocean near the fort. " When clouds start building up, we know it's coming.
Then we are ready and wait for the official signal to start covering the pitch, square, run-up and then the entire ground. "" The reaction time is very important," he adds.
We keep our eyes on the ocean. When clouds start building up, we know it's coming.
