A cricket match is played on a field in a stadium. The field bears a pitch on which the main event of the match takes place. The pitch is 22 yards long and is traditionally made by professionals called pitch curators.
A conventional cricket pitch is made by a combination of grass, soil and clay in specific proportions. These proportions are based on environmental factors and at times as per the preference of the home side. The shortest form of an professional cricket match recognised by the International Cricket council lasts 4 to 6 hours. Thus, the pitch should be fabricated such that for the major portion of the day the pitch behaves consistently.
Factors like dew, moisture, temperature and wind speed can also affect the way in which a pitch changes as the match progresses. Since conventional pitches are a part of the natural turf, predicting it’s course becomes easier for the players. When captains take the field for the coin toss, a significant portion of their decision to either bat or bowl depends on the appearance and consistency of the pitch.
Cricket’s widespread reach has led to it being a centre of attraction in major sporting and entertainment stadiums. Renowned and traditionally rich venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, often host other sports or programs. In such cases, a natural pitches can be subject to damage. In order to overcome this challenge, in the late 1970s, Australian media tycoon hired a pitch curator to fabricate pitches outside the field.
Drop-in pitches are made within a steel frame. These are made at an external venue. Once the pitch is made, it is transported to the venue (stadium) and laid down at the centre of the field. The curation of drop-in pitches require immense skill as the proportion of grass, clay and soil needs to be manipulated such that the quality of the pitch can be withstood when it is exposed to the natural environment in the field.
The biggest disadvantage of drop-in pitches is their inability to endure consistently throughout the day. Pitches often become flat, increasing the predictability of the trajectory of the ball. A natural pitch offers variations that keeps the game interesting. The element of excitement thus cannot be achieved by drop-in pitches.
Drop-in pitches are more frequently seen used in major cricket grounds in Australia and New Zealand. Though there are multiple stadiums who utilize drop-in pitches, the Oceania region continues to be the forerunner in promoting these pitches.
