Cricket has been played for over 400 years, undergoing tremendous changes in all aspects. One interesting change is the use of drop-in pitches. In the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, drop-in pitches have become a hot topic, and New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium has installed these pitches.
What is a Drop-In Cricket Pitch?
A drop-in pitch is similar to a traditional pitch, with the key difference being its preparation elsewhere before being transported and placed on the ground. This technique is popular in Australia and New Zealand and used in notable venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Adelaide Oval, Perth’s Optus Stadium, Auckland’s Eden Park, and Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.
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Why Are Drop-In Pitches Used?
For stadiums that hold a variety of sports and events, like football, rugby, and concerts, drop-in pitches are a need. Since cricket is a summer sport in Australia and New Zealand, these stadiums need to serve other purposes in different seasons. Drop-in pitches allow for quick transitions between cricket and other events. Before the cricket season starts, the pitches are installed using cranes in a pit with a cement base. Once the season ends, the pitches are removed, and the pit is filled with sand and covered with artificial turf.
Watch: How Drop-In Pitches Are Installed
When Were Drop-In Pitches First Used?
The concept dates back to 1977 during Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket, which needed to play matches in football stadiums. Australian cricket authorities did not permit the use of cricket venues, leading to the development of drop-in pitches by pitch curator John Maley.
How Are Drop-In Pitches Prepared?
Drop-in pitches are prepared in indoor greenhouses to ensure climate control. They are made from a mix of native soil, clay, and couch grass, and placed in steel trays approximately 24 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 200 millimeters deep. Once ready, the pitches are transported and installed at the stadiums.
How Do Drop-In Pitches Behave?
Drop-in pitches generally favor batters, maintaining a consistent surface without forming cracks. The preparation process in steel trays helps the pitches become hard as the grass holds the soil firmly, ensuring uniformity throughout the match.
As cricket continues to evolve, drop-in pitches represent a significant innovation, enhancing the versatility and functionality of multi-purpose stadiums. With their use in major events like the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, cricket fans worldwide can expect high-quality matches on these meticulously prepared surfaces.
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