Groundsmanship in Cricket: Protecting Pitches and Managing Grounds
The groundsman (or curator) is responsible for preparing the cricket pitch and managing the outfield — critical roles that directly affect match outcomes. This guide covers how pitches are covered during rain, the regulations around pitch covering, and what happens when covers fail.
Cricket grounds are living environments — the pitch quality, outfield condition, and drainage all directly affect matches. The head groundsman (or curator) oversees all aspects of ground preparation, working for months before each Test series to produce a pitch that meets ICC regulations while reflecting the home team's preferences. A tour-standard groundsman at Lord's or the MCG is one of cricket's most specialised professionals.
Pitch Covering Regulations
Modern Test cricket mandates full pitch covering at all times when play is not in progress — during rain breaks, overnight, and during lunch/tea intervals. This was not always the case: until the 1960s and 1970s, many countries allowed the pitch to remain uncovered overnight or after rain. Uncovered pitches that were rained on and then dried in sun ('sticky dogs' or 'sticky wickets') produced dramatically difficult batting conditions — pitches that might bounce unpredictably or grip the ball sharply.
Outfield Conditions
The outfield's condition affects match play — slow, heavy outfields (saturated with water) reduce the boundary count by stopping or slowing the ball; fast, firm outfields increase boundary opportunities. ICC regulations require playing surface fitness assessments by match officials before and during matches. The host board can face ICC sanctions for producing pitches or outfields deemed unfit for play — Australia was fined after the 2016 Hobart Test on an underprepared pitch.
Pitch Management During Matches
During the five days of a Test, the groundsman has limited options to maintain the pitch. They can roll the pitch (with the batting team's choice of roller weight) at the start of each day and each innings. Rolling compresses the pitch surface, typically favouring batsmen after the initial loose top layer is removed. Teams sometimes choose the heavier roller to consolidate the pitch; other times they choose the lighter option to preserve some surface irregularity. The groundsman ensures covers are on rapidly when rain starts — preventing water getting into the pitch is their primary match-day responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
What is a sticky wicket in cricket?
A sticky wicket was a pitch that had been wet from rain and was then rapidly dried by sun — creating a soft, gripping surface that was extremely difficult to bat on. The ball would bounce unpredictably and grip sharply off the surface. The term is now used idiomatically to mean any difficult situation. Modern pitch covering rules have eliminated sticky wickets from professional cricket.
Can a cricket pitch be rolled during a match?
Yes — the batting team can choose to have the pitch rolled at the start of each day's play and at the start of each new innings. Teams can choose between a heavy roller (which compresses the pitch more aggressively, favouring batsmen) or a light roller (which preserves more surface character). Rolling is limited to a maximum of 7 minutes.
What happens if the pitch covers fail during rain?
If covers fail and the pitch becomes wet, match officials assess the damage. If the pitch is significantly affected, play may be abandoned for the session or the day. In extreme cases, a wet pitch may cause a Test to be abandoned entirely. If water gets into a section of the pitch, it creates a wet patch that can affect bowling conditions significantly for the rest of the match.