Nottinghamshire’s long-serving Head Groundsman, Steve Birks, is to retire in January following a 28-year career at Trent Bridge.
Having joined the club from Derbyshire in 1997, Birks has been consistently recognised as among the finest groundsmen in the game.
His accolades include multiple titles at the ECB’s Grounds Manager of the Year awards – including the overall award in 2017, the one-day accolade in 2016 and success in the four-day category in 2011 and 2012.
England Men twice broke the world record ODI score on pitches prepared by Birks – hammering 444 against Pakistan in 2016 before hitting 481 against Australia on the same pitch two summers later.
His pitches also provided the canvas for historic Men’s Ashes Test triumphs in 2005, 2013 and 2015, along with the 2022 fixture against New Zealand which kickstarted England’s enterprising approach to Test cricket under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.
"The last 28 years here have been an absolute pleasure,” he said.
"When I first started working at Trent Bridge, I could never have imagined the success we’d go on to have, or that we’d win so many trophies along the way.
“I’d like to thank everyone I’ve worked with over the years for making it such an enjoyable experience.”
Birks’ work at Trent Bridge helped Nottinghamshire to multiple titles – including the County Championship in 2005, 2010 and 2025, the List A trophy in 2013 and 2017, and T20 titles in 2017 and 2020.
The Blaze and Trent Rockets Men have also tasted success during his tenure – with a Charlotte Edwards Cup triumph in 2024 and victory in The Hundred in 2022 respectively.
“Steve’s commitment to this club has been second to none,” said Director of Cricket Mick Newell.
“He has consistently delivered the kinds of surfaces that players enjoy playing on and that deliver compelling cricket for supporters.
“Along the way, he’s adapted to the changing face of Trent Bridge through successive ground developments, he’s faced all the challenges the Great British weather can bring, and he’s been a really important part of the playing culture of all the teams that call our venue home.
"On a personal note, I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Steve, and he's worked incredibly hard to help us win trophies over an extended period of time.
“In many ways, he'll be irreplaceable – but he leaves behind a strong groundstaff team who will continue his work at Trent Bridge and Lady Bay, and at our newly-acquired facility at West Park.
“We wish him all the best in his retirement, and we thank him for his tremendous service.”
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