Variety of Cricket Pitches and Ways To Read Them
Variety of Cricket Pitches and Ways To Read Them. Knowing the technical details of cricket is essential in this game. One of the subjects in this reference is the cricket pitch. Thus, in this account, we have talked about types of cricket pitches and their reading methods.
Different Types of Cricket Pitches
There are six kinds of pitches in this game with pros and cons for bowling or batting teams. These are:
- Green Pitch – It contains a higher grass coverage, giving a greener appearance. It is the perfect pitch for test cricket for its slower wear and tear. It may help fast bowlers towards the early hours of the match.
- Wet Pitch – It contains moisture content due to covers’ inefficiency or humidity. Extreme moisture content can lead to calling the match off. If the match occurs, bouncing or skidding of the ball on this cricket pitch will aid bowlers.
- Dry Pitch – It does not have moisture and has a cracked surface. Both batters and bowlers can show their best performance on this pitch. However, if the ball hits a crack, it may deviate and not come to the bat.
- Flat Track Pitch – It is lightly rolled and softer. It does not have grass or cracks and is exposed to minimum wear and tear. The bouncing of the ball is predictable, so batters will find it easy.
- Dead Pitch – It has no moisture or grass, making it flat. Bowlers find it challenging to take wickets on this cricket pitch.
- Dusty Pitch – It is left unrolled and consists of a powdery dust layer. It is advantageous to spinners for softness.
Factors To Read Cricket Pitches
The following considerations are required if you wish to read a cricket pitch. Thus, you can decide your side at a toss and bowling lineup from these factors.
- Grass Coverage – If the amount of grass is more, it is favorable for bowlers in the early hours of the match. Likewise, if the grass quantity is less, slow bowlers will find it easy towards the late overs, while spinners can perform better towards the beginning.
- Moisture – High moisture content on the cricket pitch, is termed wet wicket. It is favorable for bowlers. Skippers can check the day’s weather forecast to decide better.
- Compaction – It refers to the density of any surface subjected to force. It is also a crucial aspect to read the pitch.
The Closing ThoughtsBefore entering the match, one should be well-informed about its technicalities. Whether a cricket player or a fan, this account must have given you the fundamentals about pitches. Also, team leaders can learn more about reading a cricket pitch to decide the best side.