Here’s an easy-to-understand guide about the cricket pitch length, how it’s maintained, and the types of pitches used in international cricket.
Overview of a Cricket Pitch
A cricket pitch is a flat, rectangular area of short grass where the main action in cricket takes place. It is where bowlers deliver their balls and batters try to score runs. The condition of the pitch can affect how the ball behaves, sometimes giving an advantage to spin or pace bowlers. Each pitch is different, which impacts the game in its own unique way.
Cricket Pitch Size in Feet and Meters
The cricket pitch is the central strip where the game is played. It is 22 yards (66 feet) in length and 10 feet wide, which translates to approximately 20.12 meters by 3.05 meters. Usually, it’s covered in short grass, but sometimes the surface may be dry and dusty, with very little grass.
The bowling crease at each end of the pitch is 2.64 meters long. There is also a rectangular area called the protected area, which runs down the middle of the pitch and is around two feet wide. Players are not allowed to step into this zone, and it helps maintain fair play.
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The Protected Area of a Cricket Pitch
The “protected area” or “danger area” is a rectangular strip in the middle of the pitch that starts five feet from each popping crease and is two feet wide. Bowlers are not allowed to enter this area during their follow-through to keep the playing field fair for batters. Stepping into this area can create rough patches, leading to unpredictable bounce or turn, which makes batting harder.
If a bowler steps into the protected area twice, the umpire warns them. After a third warning, they are not allowed to bowl again in that innings.
Main Types of Cricket Pitches
Pitches vary worldwide, and these differences affect how matches unfold. The three main types of pitches in international cricket are:
- Green Pitch
A green pitch has more grass, which helps fast bowlers since the ball moves unpredictably off the surface. These pitches are common in places like England and are ideal for Test and One-Day International cricket, where bowlers can make use of the moisture and grass to generate swing and seam movement. - Dry Pitch
Dry pitches, often found in the subcontinent, lack moisture and may even have visible cracks. This surface makes it easier for batters to score runs as the ball does not bounce much. However, spin bowlers gain an advantage as the pitch dries further during the game, allowing for more spin. - Flat Pitch
A flat pitch has very little grass and no cracks, making it predictable. This helps batters score runs easily, as they can anticipate how the ball will bounce. Bowlers usually struggle on these surfaces, and matches on flat pitches often see high scores.
How a Cricket Pitch is Maintained
The maintenance of a cricket pitch involves several steps to ensure fair play:
1. Covering
Covers are placed over the pitch to protect it from rain or dew, which can impact the way the ball behaves. Cricket Law 11 states that a pitch should not be completely covered during a match unless both teams agree. In bad weather, the run-up area for bowlers may be covered. If covers are used overnight, they are taken off early before play begins each day.
2. Rolling
Rolling the pitch helps by pressing down the soil and reducing the amount of grass. This creates a smooth surface that behaves predictably. Before each inning or at the start of each day’s play, the batting captain can request rolling for up to seven minutes.
3. Sweeping
Sweeping is done before rolling to clear debris from the pitch. This helps avoid any unevenness during rolling. Sweeping is also done before meals, between innings, and at the start of each day’s play.
4. Securing Footholds
Batsmen may use sawdust to secure their footholds, as long as it does not damage the pitch. Umpires ensure that footholes are maintained, especially in rainy weather, by cleaning and drying the holes made by bowlers and batters. In longer matches, umpires may also allow the repair of bowlers’ foot holes before each day’s play.
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