"...they would get the groundsman to do something about the block hole during the lunch break

I don't think this is a lost art - went to an interstate game at the WACA last year and noted that the bucket of sand/cement, pail of whitewash and broom were all trotted out during the lunch break. Lot of activity around the creases at both ends. (I guess anything that interferes with the surface of the fastest and truest wicket in the world causes heartburn for the curator!)

stales