Cricket pitch

A cricket pitch is the rectangular central strip of a cricket field between the two wickets, where most of the action takes place. It is 22 yd (20.12 m) long (1 chain) and 10 ft (3.05 m) wide. The surface is flat and is normally covered with extremely short grass, but can be completely dry or dusty soil with barely any grass or, in some circumstances (that are rarely seen in high level cricket), made from an artificial material.

As almost all deliveries bowled will bounce off the pitch towards the batter, the state and type of a cricket pitch can significantly affect the outcome of a match. For example, a dusty and very dry pitch often favours spin bowling because the ball grips more on such surfaces, giving the team with stronger spin bowlers a potential advantage.

In amateur matches in some parts of the world, artificial pitches are sometimes used. These can be a slab of concrete overlaid with a coir mat or artificial turf. Sometimes dirt is put over the coir mat to provide an authentic feeling pitch. Artificial pitches are rare in professional cricket, being used only when exhibition matches are played in regions where cricket is not a common sport.

Uses of the pitch

The pitch has a popping crease at each end, which divides the field into two areas for the batters. The ball must bounce on the pitch between these creases, and batters can move within their crease to hit the ball.

Players take turns bowling and batting. Bowlers deliver the ball from one end of the pitch, while batters try to hit it. After each set of six balls, called an over, the roles switch. Fielders may also run on the pitch to stop the batters from scoring. Before a match, players may check the pitch surface but 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, or they may be warned by the umpire.

This rule helps keep the game fair because the ball usually bounces in this area. If a bowler damages it, it could give their team an unfair advantage. If a bowler breaks this rule three times, the umpire will not let them bowl anymore 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 sets out rules covering the preparation and maintenance of the playing area.

Cricket was originally played on uncovered pitches, meaning that the playing surface was fully exposed to the weather. Such pitches often produced unpredictable bounce and sharp turn after rain, giving bowlers a considerable advantage. The move towards routinely covering pitches began gradually and was largely completed by the 1960s.

A pitch is said to be covered when groundskeepers place protective sheets or covers over it to guard against rain or dew. The use or non-use of covers significantly affects how the ball comes off the surface, which can be contentious because even small changes in moisture alter bounce and pace. Law 11 of the Laws of Cricket states that during a match the pitch shall not be completely covered unless otherwise agreed before the toss. When possible, the bowlers' run-ups are also covered in wet conditions to maintain safety. Covers are removed as early as conditions allow on any day that play is expected. Excess water can be cleared from the pitch or outfield with a machine known as a water hog.

During a match, the captain of the batting side may request that the pitch be rolled for up to seven minutes before the start of each innings (other than the first) and before the beginning of each subsequent day's play. If the start of the first innings is delayed after the toss, the batting captain may also request rolling unless the umpires decide the delay has not altered the surface. If more than one roller is available, the batting captain chooses which to use. Regulations aim to prevent unnecessary delays but guarantee the captain's right to the allotted rolling time. Rolling compresses the soil, reducing moisture and changing pace or bounce, and can therefore favour either batter or bowler depending on conditions.

For the 2010 County Championship season, use of the heavy roller was banned because it was believed to create excessively flat pitches and contribute to drawn matches.

Groundskeepers mow the pitch on each day of a match on which play is expected to take place. Once a game has begun, mowings take place under the supervision of the umpires.

England is the hub for considerable research in the preparation of cricket pitches, with Cranfield University working with the ECB and The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG).

Practising on the field

Players are not allowed to 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 in different parts of the world have different characteristics, which can affect 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 nature 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 prepared away from the venue 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, starting with conditions that favor bowlers and later becoming easier for batters. While many venues use drop-in pitches, some, like the Brisbane Cricket Ground, prefer traditional methods.