How Long is a Cricket Pitch?

The cricket pitch is without a doubt one of the most important parts of the game. After all, that is where all the action happens in a cricket match! Despite its significance, the size of a cricket pitch is typically one of the game’s lesser-known facts. 

Because there are no clear criteria controlling field size, cricket fields can have a variety of configurations. The outfield and pitch, on the other hand, should be rectangular, with a curving border in the closed infield. While the ground does not have a definite length, the cricket pitch does, and we will go over all of the cricket pitch dimensions and features below. 

What is the Length of a Cricket Pitch?

According to the MCC law, the cricket pitch is 10 feet (3.05 meters) broad and 22 yards (20.12 meters) long. Because the surface is so flat, the ball may bounce on it as it is tossed to the batsman. At each end of the playing field, there is a wicket and a batsman’s ground. The bowler must toss the ball towards one of the batsmen or the wicket at the other end of the pitch; otherwise, the throw is wide.

The cricket crease must be 8 feet 8 inches (2.64 meters) in length. The popping crease, or back edge of the crease marking, must be 4 feet/1.22 (1.22 meters) away from and parallel to the bowling crease.

The bowling crease is 1.22m from the edge of the pitch, and it is marked to at least 1.83m on each side of the two centre stumps.

Cricket Pitch Measurement and Dimensions

A minimum of 1.22 metres must be left behind the stumps to accommodate the return crease and the bowler’s approach area. The cricket pitch is 20.12 metres from stump to stump. A grass pitch is 3.05 meters wide.

The overall size of a turf wicket will differ based on the level of the cricket match. This rectangular zone at either end of the cricket pitch’s size is where the bowler throws the ball and where the stumps and creases are depicted. As a result, the “pitch” is where the majority of the action in a cricket match takes place. 

What Are the Cricketing Terms Used When We Talk about a Cricket Pitch?

The term “square” refers to a distinct area on the pitch. This is where prior games were held, just outside the pitch. Pitches can be placed anywhere on the square and will remain dormant until they are used.

The outfield is located outside the square and stretches to the borders. Despite their common usage, the terms “square” and “outfield” have no practical meaning in the game’s laws. Because the grass is shorter and the ball has already been used in a game, it travels faster over the square.

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