A cricket stadium has a cricket field, at the centre of which lies the 22-yard cricket pitch. The pitch is made by professionals called pitch curators, who take into consideration the external weather factors, the home side’s strengths, and accordingly manipulate an enduring pitch with the appropriate proportion of soil, grass, clay, and sand.
A cricket pitch must be strong enough to ensure conditions that remain consistent for at least six consecutive hours. A cricket pitch worthy of withstanding a match recognized by the International Cricket Council also takes the amount of dew, wins speed, moisture, and temperature that are subject to change as the match progresses. Conventional pitches are a part of the natural turf, making it easier for the captains to decide what to opt for after winning the toss.
Cricket is played on every continent. It’s popularity has led to cricket stadiums be the centre of attraction. These stadiums often host entertainment events outside of cricket. This makes the natural pitch vulnerable to damage. To avoid this, an Australian media tycoon introduced drop-in pitches in the 1970s.
A drop-in pitch is made by specialized curators who make the pitch outside the stadium. They are bound by a steel frame. After construction, they are transported to the field where they are laid down. Since this is an external surface, the curator now ensures that the amount of grass, clay, soil, and sand almost mimic the natural surface.
While the quality is not a downgrade, being an artificial surface, drop-in pitches do not have the endurance as that of the natural pitch. Drop-in pitches become flat sooner, making it easier to predict the trajectory of the ball. A natural pitch offers variations which keeps the match interesting.
Australia and New Zealand are home to several drop-in pitches. Despite their use globally, it is the Oceania region which spearheads in the maximum use of drop-in pitches.
