How Big is a Cricket Field?
The size of the cricket field is not standardized. The diameter typically used is between 450 feet (137 m) to 500 feet (150 m). The field is made up of an oval or circular shaped ground. The surface is grass. The boundary is indicated by a rope.
The Pitch
The pitch is where most of the game is played. The pitch is in the center of the field. It is a rectangle clay strip 20 m (22 yards) long. There are three wooden stakes at all the ends of the pitch. Known as stumps, these are hammered into the surface.
Bails (wood crosspieces) are on the stumps. Each is connected to its neighbor. Two bails and three stumps make up a set known as a wicket. At one end of the pitch is the bowling end where the bowl is run. The batsman is at the other end.
ICC Standard Playing Conditions
While the size of the cricket field varies, there are minimum and maximum playing surface requirements. The minimum requirement is 150 yards (137.16 meters). This is from the boundary to the pitch’s boundary square.
The shorter of the two must be 65 yards (59.43 meters) at least. The straight boundary has to be a minimum of 70 yards (64.00 meters). The figures are measured from the middle of the pitch.
The rules also state there has to be at least a 3 yard space between advertising boards and the rope. This is necessary so players do not get injured.
Field Components
For certain matches, a couple of extra field markings are used. One is an oval consisting of a semicircle of 30 yards (27.4 m) radius. This is from the middle of every wicket. The circle separates the field between the outfield and infield. The close-infield is defined by a couple of circles with 15 yards (13.7 m) radius.
Pitch Condition
A pitch with longer or moist grass is called a green pitch. This is suitable for the bowler because it makes the ball behave unpredictably. Regardless of the size of the cricket field, the majority of professional games are played on green pitches.
As the match goes on, the pitch gets drier. Pitch watering is not allowed. When moisture dissipates, batting becomes easier. During a five day match however, the pitch gets dusty. This is more favorable to the bowlers because they can control the ball and change the way it spins.
