WICKET PREP
Cricket pitch preparations can take anything from 5-15 days. Every Groundsman’s preparations will be different. No two pitches are the same and neither is the equipment each Groundsman has available. Some clubs have covering systems whilst others don’t. This will have a major bearing on pitch preparations. The size and weight of rollers will also
dictate what can be achieved. Clubs who only have part time and/or volunteer labour may be restricted in the time they have to prepare their tracks. The following extract is taken from the
TS4 ECB Recommended Guidelines for the Construction, preparation and maintenance of cricket pitches and outfields at all levels of the game. The booklet can be downloaded from the ECB website.
W
hen the fixture list is available it is possible to
establish a plan to programme pitch allocation for the whole season. You should aim to
produce equal usage of each pitch. It will be necessary to place the more important fixtures towards the centre of the square and then work out accordingly.
Consecutive matches should not follow on adjacent pitches as this could mean using a strip which may be damaged from the bowlers run-off from the previous match. The two outside pitches are often reserved for junior games or
practice/artificial pitches. To facilitate this, the table should be ‘squared off ’ prior to the playing season, using the 3-4-5 triangle method to establish the corners, stump lines and
individual pitches set out with white ‘T’ markings.
Pitch Preparation Prior to a Match
For first class pitches, this should, ideally,
commence at least 10-14 days prior to the match or, in the case of clubs, schools etc., a minimum of five days before the match.
Select the pitch to be used, outlined by ‘T’ marks to a width of 3.05 metres, preferably using strings, and mow, ideally using a mower with a thin bottom blade and having at least an 8- bladed cylinder set to a height just lower than the rest of the square (eg. 6mm). Cut along the line of the pitch and return on the same line you have just cut. Work your way across the pitch to complete the full width. Dependant on how much grass is present on the surface it may be necessary to repeat this operation. Scarification should be
carried out between the popping creases to reduce the density of grass, using pedestrian or mechanical brush/rake machinery (not thatch removal or similar type tines), hand rake or a strong broom, care being taken not to disturb the soil surface.
The bowling ends should not be scarified as this will assist in reducing the wear and tear, and aid recovery from the damage caused by players. Scarification should continue until the grass sward has been sufficiently reduced in density. There should be no mat of grass and the
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