Dubbo District Cricket Association president Jeff Shanks can't wait for the first game under lights at the new-look No. 1 Oval.
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Not only to see the game he loves being played at an improved and now picturesque field, but also so he can take a photo of the revamped ground and send it on to some greats of the game in Sydney.
"When the Baggy Blues from NSW Cricket came and played here last year they were really impressed by No.1 and they knew it was going to be redeveloped and said there was no reason Dubbo couldn't host high level cricket," Shanks said.
"I'll probably take a photo that first night and send it to them and tell them we're ready and keen."
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Shanks was at the ground on Thursday for the official opening and was delighted by what he saw.
The removal of the cycle track has allowed the field to be expanded, with the outfield running right out to a newly installed white picket fence.
A clubhouse featuring a canteen, change rooms, and function room has also been built.
The newly-laid surface at the city's premier cricket ground could potentially be ready to host games as soon as the second round of the 2020/21 season.
"I think when everyone plays there for the first time it will be pretty special," Shanks said.
And while there's much excitement around the upcoming season, plenty of questions still need to be answered before the opening round.
The impact of COVID-19 is set to continue for some time yet and will affect cricket in Dubbo this coming season.
There's major rules in place about no saliva and potentially no sweat allowed to help shine the ball during matches given so many people touch it, while there is a chance to pandemic could also bring an end to two-day cricket locally.
The COVID plan as well as season structure will be discussed more at Monday night's board meeting.
It's one Shanks thought he wouldn't be attending at the start of the year as he planned to step down as president but the impact and uncertainty around COVID resulted in him staying on to provide stability.
"Under the COVID rules if you have any symptoms you're not allowed to play so if heading into week two if you've got a lot of runs to chase what's to stop one of the fast bowlers saying they've got a cold to bring in a batsman from second grade?" Shanks said.
"I honestly don't think that would happen here but you never really know."
Another change set for the competition this season is around the McDonald's Megahit Friday night Twenty20 competition.
The competition has drawn criticism from some quarters in recent years given some teams have used it as an opportunity to use younger and lower grade players rather than their full strength side.
"We're looking to make it part of the Whitney Cup [first grade competition]," Shanks said.
"That should ensure a high standard. We'll get it sorted on Monday but it might be worth same points as a one-day game to make guys really go at it."
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
