A pitch is a 22-yard strip of dust, grass, and soil where cricket is played. It is aligned in accordance to the north-south axis of the ground. The manner in which a ball approaches the bowler depends significantly on the type of cricket pitch. The various constituents of a pitch along with the manner in which it is rolled ensures that the pitch is for for play. However, each curator fabricates these pitches based on the external conditions to ensure that the quality of the surface is retained for a prolonged time.
A green top or a green seamer is the name given to a pitch that is dominated by grass covering. A green top favours the pacers as the play commences. The heavily released ball gains further momentum by skidding on the grass top as the ball hits the deck. Furthermore, should the weather lead to dew on the grass, the ball might further skid, creating more problems for the batter.
A green top withers and loses its shine as the day progresses. The grass wears out due to the ball’s consistent impact. Seamers gradually become less dangerous to the batters who are then better able to predict the trajectory of the ball. Thus, seamers are always preferred in any discipline of the sport at the start of a match.
Spinners do not gain much from a grass top. Since the grassy terrain negates friction, the ball is not likely to spin to the extent the spinner might want. For the batter, survival in the initial overs of pace bowling is paramount. As the grass gets old and the swing on the ball decreases, they are then better able to free their arms.
A green top is a common sighting in countries who are recognized by the International Cricket Council to play test cricket. Particularly, countries like England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and West Indies are more likely to have curators who make a grass dominated surface.
