As you must be aware, there are different types of cricket pitches used for organising matches — flat pitches, green pitches, or dry pitches. You must have heard about them at some point.
But a new type of pitch has been making noise in the cricket market for the last few years. A hybrid pitch.
Now what is this hybrid cricket pitch? How is it different from the traditional pitch? And what are its benefits?
Let’s unravel the details about the hybrid pitch in cricket.
Hybrid Pitch in Cricket
Unlike traditional cricket pitches, which are made up of 100 percent natural grass, hybrid pitches consist of 95 percent natural grass and 5 percent synthetic fibre yarn.
The synthetic fibre is made up of a two green or straw-coloured yarn that blends well with the natural grass. This ensures the pitch retains its authentic, natural look.
What is the installation process for hybrid pitches?
SIS Pitches, the company that specialises in hybrid pitches, uses its patented stitching machine to insert fibres into the surface.
The machine — SISGrass Universal — embeds the fibres 9 cm deep into the pitch in a 2 cm by 2 cm grid, with 1 cm of fibre above the surface.
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What are the benefits of hybrid cricket pitches?
The hybrid cricket pitches can endure wear and tear to a great extent without deteriorating much like the natural surfaces.
This allows the hybrid pitches to be used throughout the cricketing season with fewer repairs.
Since hybrid pitches don’t deteriorate quickly, they allow the surface to maintain a consistent pace and bounce throughout its lifespan.
Are the hybrid pitches used by any cricket authority?
In 2017, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) installed the hybrid pitches at their National Performance Centre in Loughborough. Soon, the ECB approved the use of such pitches in their domestic competitions.
Some of the notable grounds in England, like the Lord’s, The Oval, Edgbaston, and Trent Bridge, have installed hybrid pitches.
In May 2024, the hybrid pitches made their mark for the first time in India, with the HPCA Dharamsala Stadium being the first to install them.
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