An ideal cricket pitch is curated by ensuring that the soil, grass, and sand are in right proportion to make it sustainable for the duration of the match. It needs to be sturdy enough to bear the impact of the cork ball constantly while ensuring its durability against the weather conditions.
After the pitch is curated, the curator and the ground staff ensures that the pitch is preserved and protected from any external damage. To do this, they cover the pitch, and an area that is four feet beyond it. This is in accordance with Law 10 of the Marylebone Cricket Club’s Laws of Cricket which also adds that the bowler’s run-up area must also be covered.
On match day, the covers are removed. They are specifically removed before the toss for the captain’s to inspect the pitch and for the umpires to ensure whether the pitch is fit for play. The inspection of the pitch helps the captain reach a decision on whether they should bat or bowl first. Once the pitch is uncovered, the ground staff mark the popping crease and set the stumps before the play begins.
If the weather plays spoilsport during play, then the pitch is immediately covered. However, it must be ensured that the pitch is immediately uncovered as early as possible to avoid the pitch from getting damaged by rain or dew. Should this happen, then it makes the pitch sticky. This type of a pitch is dangerous for play as it poses a risk of injury for the players.
A covered pitch is thus important in professional cricket, be it a five-day test match, a one day international, or a T20 match.
