Glamorgan appoint Andy Atkinson

Glamorgan have appointed experienced groundsman Andy Atkinson in a temporary role to oversee preparations ahead of next year's Ashes Test at Cardiff.

The club lost previous groundsman, Len Smith, earlier this month when he took early retirement, adding to a growing list of problems as the club prepares for the opening Test against Australia next July.

Atkinson joins Glamorgan from his current role as the chief pitch consultant for ICC and has previously been head groundsman at Newlands in Cape Town and the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

The main role will be to regenerate the square and prepare a new wicket for the Test, while he will also oversee the installation of the relayed outfield and drainage system this winter. He will also help to find a new permanent head groundsman, which the club hope to appoint in February 2009.

"Andy's appointment brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the club and I am extremely confident that our preparation of the wicket, square and outfield for the Ashes Test will be second to none," said Glamorgan chairman Paul Russell.

The club has been through a difficult few weeks with the departure of chief executive Mike Fatkin along with the ground problems.