A Guide to Cricket Pitch Systems

• T20, women’s cricket and other formats have increased the demand for playing surfaces.
• Frequent usage without adequate recovery leads to deteriorated pitch quality.
• Central pitches in stadiums are heavily used to avoid ‘seat kills’ and maintain TV coverage standards.

TYPES OF DAMAGE

• Superficial Damage – Caused by game-play, such as bowler’s foot marks and in the batting creases batters marking the guard.
• Preparation Damage – Low mowing, extensive rolling, and heat exposure can severely damage the grass plant.
• Covering Pitches – Reduces airflow and increases temperature, harming turf health.
• Frequent Usage – Preparing pitches more than four times per season leads to significant deterioration.

TYPES OF PITCH

With many different systems on the cricket market, the following sections will explore the unique characteristics of the different types of pitches.

NATURAL GRASS PITCHES

Natural cricket pitches are the traditional approach to cricket, comprising 100% natural grass.

Pros:

• Authentic Feel – A traditional cricket pitch provides varying bounces and paces.
• Availability – Natural cricket pitches are the majority of pitches worldwide, are readily accessible and approved for all competitions.
• Low Cost – Natural grass pitches are a low cost option in comparison to other pitch systems.

Cons:

• High Maintenance – A notable drawback of natural pitches is their need for frequent maintenance, a task heavily impacted by weather conditions.
• Reduced Hours – Natural grass pitches cannot accommodate extra hours of play.
• Pitch Recovery – This can be slow and the re-use of pitches may not be possible.
• Susceptible To Disease – Natural grass pitches are prone to diseases and pests, leading to maintenance challenges and potential disruptions in play.

DROP IN PITCHES

A drop-in pitch is a natural grass pitch grown and prepared elsewhere, away from the ground, in 24m long, 3m wide, and 20cm deep steel trays. When the season or event approaches, it is transported and placed onto the pitch using a crane.

Pros:

• Versatility For Multi-Use Venues – Drop-in pitches allow stadiums like the MCG and Adelaide Oval to host multi-sport events and concerts during the off-season, reducing the risk of damage to the surface.
• Quality Control – Grounds teams can prepare the pitch in controlled conditions, potentially resulting in a more consistent and high-quality playing surface.
• Weather Resistance – Depending on where the pitches are maintained, they can be protected from potential adverse weather conditions.

Cons:

• No Extended Play – These pitches do not offer any additional hours of play compared to a natural grass pitch.
• Space Requirements – Large amount of space to store the drop in pitch when not in use in the main stadium.
• Establishment Phase – The drop-in pitch needs time to settle once in situ in the main stadium.
• Reduced Home Advantage – With less time to prepare the pitch for specific playing characteristics, it can neutralise the home advantage.
• High Initial Cost – The initial cost of creating and installing a drop-in pitch can be high due to the infrastructure needed for installation and transportation.
• Complex Installation Process – The installation process of a drop-in pitch can be complex and time-consuming, creating potential unwanted stress in preparing for matches.

100% ARTIFICIAL CARPET PITCHES

These pitches consist of a 100% artificial grass fitted directly into the surface via a compacted stone, shale, or concrete base. They have been available since the 1980s and are an excellent option for schools or lower-level recreational cricket.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective – The initial installation cost is low.
• Less Maintenance Required – Only basic maintenance, such as line markings and debris clearance, is necessary to prepare them for matches, although surface re-levelling of aggregate based systems is needed periodically.
• Weather Resistance – Depending on where the pitches are maintained, they can be protected from potential adverse weather conditions.

Cons:

• Not Suitable For International Or Professional Cricket – This surface is not permitted for use at the highest levels of cricket.
• Inconsistent Playing Surface – Fast bowlers may experience an unusual, skiddy type of bounce, while spin bowlers may encounter a tennis ball-like bounce.
• Prone To Damage – Creases can become torn if players do not wear appropriate footwear.
• Non-Authentic Feel – An artificial pitch lacks the traditional variability, offering uniform bounces and paces, which diminishes the challenge and excitement of the game.

Carpet hybrid cricket pitches

The system is a 50-mm synthetic grass carpet with an open backing. The carpet is laid on top of the traditional clay surface, which allows for the natural grass to grow through and increase the surface coverage.

Pros:

• Durability And Performance – These pitches show less wear and better recovery.
• Adaptability – Can be incorporated into both new and old pitch.
• Slow To Incorporate – These pitches can take up to 20 months to become playable.

Cons:

• Slow To Incorporate – These pitches can take up to 20 months to become playable.
• In Testing – As a new system, performance results are still being evaluated.
• Lifespan – Shorter life span than stitched systems.
• Protection – Damage easily due to carpet at 50mm.

ARTIFICIAL HYBRID CRICKET PITCHES

These systems are a variation of a hybrid carpet system; however, it does not feature any natural grass. It is installed similarly to the artificial mat system but is then filled with natural soil and smoothed over with a roller.

Pros:

• Low Maintenance – With no natural grass the wicket requires less maintenance and repair works.
• Fast Installation – The systems are fast to install and prepare for match days.
• Characteristics Variation – The surface can simulate variations in bounce, seam and spin dependant on the moisture of the soil.

Cons:

• Non-Natural Surface – The surface does not maintain any natural grass.
• Visual Appeal – The wickets don’t have the traditional cricket look.
• Removal Costs – Expensive to be removed and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

SIS GRASS STITCHED HYBRID PITCHES

Our purpose-built SIS Grass universal machine stitches two-tone (green or straw) polyethylene fibres into the natural grass in spacings of 2cm by 2cm and at a depth of 9cm below the surface. SIS Grass hybrid can increase playtime by up to three times, and the pitch is still 95% natural grass. The lifespan of the surface is expected to be 8+ years as a minimum, when maintained correctly.

Pros:

• Cost Effective – Proven longevity and an excellent return on investment.
• Speedy Recovery – Faster grass recovery after matches than other pitch systems.
• Enhanced Surface Stability – Maintains a more consistent playing surface.
• Damage Prevention – Reduction in bowler foot marks and damage to creases.
• Increased Usage – Allows a significant amount of use and extended hours of play.
• Grass Coverage – Helps to maintain a stronger grass coverage and excellent visual appeal.

Cons:

• Water Requirements – Approximately 10% more water is required for pitch preparations.
• Establishment Phase – 3 – 8 weeks until available for first use (dependent on climatic conditions and preparation work.
• Pitch Preparation – Curators need time to adjust and calculate requirements to prepare similar surfaces after stitching.