Have you noticed how at the start of every cricket match, we see the ‘pitch report'? The commentators go into great detail describing the pitch conditions.
They also predict how the pitch conditions might affect decisions after the toss, the gameplay, and the eventual outcome of the match. There is talk about the pitch curator and how well he has done his job.
Is the pitch really that important in cricket? Let's find out everything about a cricket pitch and its significance in this article.
What is A Pitch?
The strip of ground between the two wickets is known as the pitch. It measures 22 yards long and 10 feet wide, and this is where all the bowling and batting happens. It's a specially prepared strip—usually flat, dry and with very little grass.
Preparation of the pitch is the task of the pitch curator, a trained professional who decides the type of soil and clay to be used in the pitch to suit the climate of the region and the soil conditions where the cricket stadium is located.
More recently, synthetic cricket pitches have made an entry into amateur cricket. They are made using a combination of synthetic and natural materials. Although used in amateur cricket, synthetic pitches are durable and, as a result, more predictable. The services of professional cricket pitch installers are procured to install weather-resistant, good-quality cricket pitches for a more consistent playing experience.
It's interesting to see how the climate and geographical location affect the cricket pitches. Based on that, pitches are roughly classified as slow, soft, grassy or bouncy. When you listen to the commentators and match analysis, you get an idea of how the pitch characteristics are key in the actual gameplay.
That's why the pitch is studied by teams before every match. Based on the pitch conditions, player selection and the batting lineup are determined.
Why is The Pitch so Important in Cricket?
The pitch determines how the ball will bounce off and reach the batman, and whether the ball movement is favourable for the batsman or the bowler. That's why the pitch is a crucial factor when teams determine whether to bowl first or bat first.
The pitch condition also changes as the match progresses through the day or days in the event of a test match. Immediate weather conditions like rainfall, dew or humidity also affect the pitch conditions.
During the actual match, a change in the pitch can significantly affect the performance of the bowlers and the batsmen. This also has an impact on the success or failure of a team's bowling or batting efforts.
To Sum Up
The pitch is usually referred to as the soul of the game by cricket fans. The strategic decisions of the team selection and order of play are determined by the pitch conditions. As a result, the pitch more often than not makes or breaks the game for every team.
