Cricket Ground Anatomy Explained: Pitch, Square, Outfield and More
The different areas of a cricket ground explained — from the pitch and the square to the outfield, boundary, crease markings, and sight screens, so you can understand references to ground areas in cricket coverage.
A cricket ground contains several distinct named areas — each with a specific function and set of rules governing play within them. Understanding the anatomy of a cricket ground helps when watching or listening to commentary that references where the ball landed, where fielders are positioned, and why certain decisions are made. Here is a guide to the key areas and markings on any cricket ground.
The Pitch
The pitch is the central strip on which cricket is played — a rectangular area 22 yards (20.12 metres) long between the two sets of stumps, and approximately 10 feet (3.05 metres) wide. The pitch is prepared and maintained by groundstaff before and between innings, and its surface condition (pace, bounce, spin, cracks) determines the balance of play between batters and bowlers. The pitch is the most valuable preparation in cricket; head groundsmen at major grounds are specialists who spend weeks preparing Test match pitches to specific conditions.
The Square
The square is the central area of the ground that contains multiple prepared pitches side by side. Most grounds prepare and maintain 8–15 different pitches within the square, rotating between them across different matches to preserve pitch quality across a season. Only one pitch is used in any match; the others are protected and rested. Players are specifically prohibited from running or walking on unused pitches within the square to prevent damage.
Outfield and Boundary
The outfield is the grassed area surrounding the square — where most fielding occurs. The boundary is a rope (or line) marking the perimeter of the playing area. A ball that reaches or crosses the boundary (with a fielder preventing it from crossing while remaining inside the boundary) scores four runs; a ball struck over the boundary on the full (without bouncing) scores six. Boundary sizes vary between grounds — the MCG's outfield is one of the largest in the world while some county grounds in England have significantly shorter boundaries.
Sight Screens
Sight screens are large screens (traditionally white, now also black or red) positioned at the boundary behind the bowler's arm at each end of the ground — directly in the batter's line of sight from the striker's end. The sight screen provides a uniform background against which the batter can pick up the ball from the bowler's hand. If the sight screen has a gap (due to spectators or advertising boards appearing in the background), the batter is legally entitled to request the gap be covered before facing the delivery. Most modern grounds have permanent sight screens that can be moved or adjusted in size.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the pitch and the square in cricket?
The pitch is the 22-yard strip on which cricket is played — the single prepared strip between the two sets of stumps. The square is the larger central area of the ground that contains multiple prepared pitches side by side; only one pitch is used per match, with the others rested and protected across the season.
What is the popping crease in cricket?
The batting crease — a line 4 feet in front of the stumps. A batter must have their bat or body grounded behind the popping crease to be 'in' and safe from being run out or stumped. The crease extends infinitely to both sides of the stumps.
What is a sight screen for in cricket?
A large screen (white, black, or red) positioned behind the bowler at each end, providing a uniform background so the batter can see the ball clearly from the bowler's hand. Batters can request that gaps or moving spectators in the sight screen area be covered before they face a delivery.