From Volunteer to Head Groundsman: Callum Lewin’s Journey at Leicestershire Cricket Ground

After 15 years of service to Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Callum Lewin stepped into the role of Head Groundsman in 2025, following the retirement of long-serving Andy Ward. His story is one of passion, initiative and a hands-on love for the game that started in the most grassroots of ways.

“I started doing grounds at my local cricket club, just helping out,” Callum explains. “I emailed Leicestershire asking about jobs and they hired me the next day.”
That direct approach marked the beginning of a long and dedicated career that has seen Callum play a key role in preparing some of the county’s most iconic pitches.

Central to Callum’s work is the use of precise, reliable equipment that supports consistent playing conditions. Two machines in particular play a crucial role in his day-to-day operations: the Dennis Razor Ultra and the Dennis G860.

“We use the Dennis Razor Ultra for mowing the square and outdoor nets,” says Callum. “It has the fitted groomer which is good for getting in between the grass and fetching out the thatch and dead matter which isn’t ideal for a cricket pitch. It also helps the lateral growth and stands it up for cutting. The quality of cut is perfect for what we need - it leaves a nice finish and cuts low enough to cut a cricket wicket down to a match day cut'' (3mm–15mm).

Transport and care for the equipment are also factored into the day-to-day operations.
“We have the transport wheels for the Razor Ultra which help with getting the mower to where it needs to be. We’ve got a concrete path between the groundsman’s shed and the outfield and we don’t want to damage the rear roller over time. The wheels keep the mower off the ground and help prolong its life-it saves driving it across gravel or hard surfaces.”

''Both mowers are very simple mowers to use – all the lads can jump on them and use them without issues.”
In addition to the Razor Ultra, Callum and his team rely heavily on the Dennis G860 for a range of cutting and maintenance tasks.
“We use the G860 for cutting the outfield and sometimes we use it on the square and nets as well. We’ve got a verticut cartridge for it too, which is ideal for getting thatch out of the outfield and standing up the lateral growth on the square. We use a trailing seat on it for cutting the outfield – it helps us get the job done more quickly and also saves our legs. It’s ideal for cricket grounds. It’s our first-choice mower now because of its reliability, robustness, and quality of cut.”

Callum’s favourite part of the job comes back to what brought him into the profession in the first place- working outdoors and staying active.

“I really enjoy working outside in the sunny weather and keeping fit. We don’t get away to go on holiday in the summer so this is the next best thing.” But the unpredictability of the British weather remains the job’s biggest challenge. “When it rains, that’s the most difficult part. But this year has been very dry and that’s brought its own issues – particularly because our irrigation system is still a work in progress.”

Despite the pressures that come with live matches, Callum approaches match days with a structured and proactive mindset.
“A match day can be hectic if the weather’s not great, but generally it’s pretty easy. We get things ready the day before- take the covers off, cut the pitch, roll it and put the stumps in the ground. We have a chat with the coaches about the pitch on the morning of the game and give our thoughts on how it might play and they take that on board. Then we go from there.”

With over a decade and a half of experience, Callum is well placed to offer guidance to aspiring grounds staff. “Go for it. Enjoy it. See what it’s like and spend some time with the seasoned pros to get used to it.”

Among many moments over the years, one day at Grace Road remains a career highlight. “My favourite day at work has to be when Leicestershire beat Kent in the 2011 quarter-finals. Leics won and there was a pitch invasion at the end – the atmosphere was unbelievable.”

And if he hadn’t followed a path into groundsmanship? “I’d probably be a pilot- I love flying.”

From humble beginnings to heading up the groundstaff at a first-class county club, Callum Lewin’s journey is one of persistence, professionalism and passion for cricket. Backed by reliable equipment like the Dennis Razor Ultra and G860, his work continues to set the standard at Leicestershire CCC ensuring players and fans alike enjoy the very best in pitch preparation and surface quality.

Find out more about the Dennis Razor Ultra here
Find out more about the Dennis G860 here