Jamshedpur: If America falls short, move Down Under.

That's why ryegrass from Australia is chipping in where Bermuda grass from the USA failed to grow at the famed JRD Tata Sports Complex football grounds, the venue for nine high-energy ISL matches with home team Jamshedpur Football Club (JFC).

Owner of team JFC, Tata Steel is seeding ryegrass since Tuesday to give natural green density to the 102m by 67m football pitch where Princess 77, a variant of Bermuda grass sown two months ago, has left some barren patches.

Unlike Princess 77 which browns in winter, ryegrass is suitable for the cool season. Used on permanent and temporary turfs, ryegrass germinates quickly and also withstands light shade.

Recommended by an expert team from ISL promoters IMG-Reliance, who were in the steel city on Monday to supervise turf-related specifics, the sowing of ryegrass seeds imported from Australia has started.

As per IMG Reliance suggestions, sand had been put on the rough patches before sowing seeds.

The pitch must be ready by November 25, a week before the venue hosts the first marquee clash between JFC and defending champions Atletico de Kolkata on December 1.

From November 25 onwards, the stadium grass will be mown and maintained for a professional and aesthetic look.

Sounding confident that ryegrass would make the November 25 deadline, Jamshedpur FC CEO Mukul Choudhari said that this variety grew fast. "We will present a world-class stadium and the soccer pitch forms an important component," he promised.

A groundsman said Princess 77 had covered a sizable portion of the pitch, but had left a few uneven patches that ryegrass would cover.

"Not just patches, ryegrass would be grown on the entire playing surface for a uniform look. The turf with the Princess 77 base and ryegrass topping would be a soft cushion for ISL players," he said.