Cricket pitch

A cricket pitch is the middle part of a cricket field. It is where most of the game happens. The pitch is a flat strip that is 22 yards (20.12 m) long and 10 feet (3.05 m) wide. It is usually covered with very short grass. Sometimes it might be dry soil with little grass, or even made from special artificial material.

The condition of the pitch can change how the game is played. For example, a very dry pitch helps spin bowling because the ball grips better on such surfaces.

In some amateur matches, special artificial pitches are used. These can be made from concrete covered with a coir mat or artificial turf. Sometimes dirt is added to make it feel more like a real pitch. Artificial pitches are not common in professional cricket. They are only used for special exhibition matches in places where cricket is not usually played.

Uses of the pitch

The pitch has a popping crease at each end. This line divides the field into two parts for the batters. The ball must bounce on the pitch between these lines. Batters can move inside their crease to hit the ball.

Players take turns bowling and batting. Bowlers throw the ball from one end of the pitch. Batters try to hit the ball. After each group of six balls, called an over, the players switch roles. Fielders can run on the pitch to stop the batters from scoring points. Before a game, players can look at the pitch but they cannot practice on it.

Protected area

The protected area, also called the danger area, is the middle part of the cricket pitch. It is a rectangle that is two feet wide and starts five feet from each popping crease. Bowlers are not allowed to step on this area after they throw the ball. If they do, the umpire may warn them.

This rule helps keep the game fair because the ball usually bounces in this area. If a bowler breaks this rule three times, the umpire will not let them bowl for the rest of the innings. However, fielders can run on this area to catch the ball.

State of the pitch

A pitch with longer or wetter grass is called a green pitch. This type of pitch helps bowlers because the ball can move in unexpected ways. Another tricky surface is called a sticky wicket, which happens when a wet pitch dries quickly in the sun. This also helps bowlers, especially those who use spin.

As a match goes on, the pitch dries out and may develop cracks or dust. This can make it harder to bat and easier for spin bowlers. Captains think carefully about these changes when deciding whether to bat or bowl first.

Pitches in different places around the world have different qualities, which can affect how the game is played. For example, pitches in hot, dry areas often have less grass, making it easier to bat. The condition of the pitch can change during a match and influence the success of both teams.

Preparation and maintenance of the playing area

See also: Turf management

Law 9 of the Laws of Cricket has rules for preparing and keeping the playing area.

Cricket was first played on uncovered pitches. This means the surface was outside and could get wet from rain. Uncovered pitches sometimes made the ball bounce in strange ways, helping bowlers. Later, people started covering pitches to protect them. By the 1960s, covering pitches became common.

A pitch is covered when groundskeepers put protective sheets over it to keep out rain or dew. Using covers changes how the ball bounces. Law 11 of the Laws of Cricket says that during a match the pitch cannot be fully covered unless the teams agree before the toss. When it is wet, the bowlers' run-ups are also covered to keep them safe. Covers are taken off as soon as possible when the weather allows. A machine called a water hog can remove extra water from the pitch or outfield.

During a match, the captain of the batting side can ask to roll the pitch for up to seven minutes before each innings (except the first) and before each new day of play. If the first innings starts late, the captain can also ask to roll unless the umpires think the surface hasn’t changed. The captain chooses which roller to use if there is more than one. Rolling presses down the soil, which changes how the ball bounces and can help either the batter or bowler.

For the 2010 County Championship season, using the heavy roller was stopped because it made pitches too flat.

Groundskeepers cut the grass on the pitch each day of a match when play is expected. Once the game has started, the umpires watch over the mowing.

England does a lot of research on preparing cricket pitches. Cranfield University works with the ECB and The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG).

Practising on the field

Players cannot practice bowling or batting on the cricket pitch or the area right next to it during a match. They can practice on other parts of the field before the match starts or after it ends, but they must stop 30 minutes before the game begins.

Usually, players practice on the field but not on the main cricket square while the game is going on. Bowlers may practice their run-ups, but they cannot do this during play if it might delay the game. These rules are explained in Law 26 of the Laws of Cricket.

Typical pitches

Pitches look different in various parts of the world, and this can change how the game is played. For example, in places like the Indian subcontinent, dry pitches help spin bowlers, while in Australia, bouncy pitches suit fast bowlers.

The look of a pitch depends on the climate and geography of the country. Some changes can be made to the pitch, such as weeding, watering, and surfacing, but these cannot completely change its characteristics. The type of pitch in a country often influences the kind of bowlers that country produces.

Drop-in pitches

A drop-in pitch is a special cricket pitch made off-site and then placed into the ground for matches. This helps venues host different sports and events. These pitches take years to prepare and can be used for many seasons before they need replacing.

Drop-in pitches were first used in the 1970s for World Series Cricket matches. They were designed to make games more exciting. While many venues use drop-in pitches, some, like the Brisbane Cricket Ground, prefer traditional methods.