Unlike those of most sports, cricket playing fields can vary
significantly in size and shape. While the dimensions of the pitch and
infield are specifically regulated, the Laws of Cricket do not specify
the size or shape of the field.
[22] The field
boundaries
are sometimes painted and sometimes marked by a rope. Pitch and
outfield variations can have a significant effect on how balls behave
and are fielded as well as on batting. Pitches vary in consistency, and
thus in the amount of bounce, spin, and seam movement available to the
bowler. Hard pitches are usually good to bat on because of high but even
bounce. Dry pitches tend to deteriorate for batting as cracks often
appear, and when this happens to the pitch, spinners can play a major
role. Damp pitches, or pitches covered in grass (termed "green"
pitches), allow good fast bowlers to extract extra bounce. Such pitches
tend to offer help to fast bowlers throughout the match, but become
better for batting as the game goes on. While players of other outdoor
sports deal with similar variations of field surface and stadium
covering, the size and shape of their fields are much more standardized.
Other local factors, such as altitude and climate, can also
significantly affect play. These physical variations create a
distinctive set of playing conditions at each ground. A given ground may
acquire a reputation as batsman friendly or bowler friendly if one or
the other discipline notably benefits from its unique mix of elements.
The absence of a standardized field affects not only how particular
games play out, but the nature of team makeup and players' statistical
records.
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