What is a drop-in pitch? How and why are they used?

Drop-in pitches in cricket are something that has been going around for a long time now. The first use of drop-in pitches dates back to the 1970s in Australia. Since 1996 use of drop-in pitches has increased even more. In this article, we will take a look at what is a drop-in pitch, how and why they are used in cricket.

What is a drop-in pitch?

As the name suggests a drop-in pitch is basically a pitch which is dropped in cricket grounds. These pitches are prepared away from venues. The pitches are placed in a steel cage and then the curator prepares the pitches in a suitable manner. These pitches are prepared all year round and then placed on the cricket grounds when the cricket season comes back in Australia.

Why are drop-in pitches used?

The drop-in pitches are used in specific multi-sports stadiums in Australia and New Zealand. For example, Melbourne Cricket Ground is the most iconic ground to use drop-in pitches. The MCG apart from cricket also hosts other sports like rugby and football. For being able to host these sports the cricket pitches are removed and the vacant space is filled with sand and the artificial turf is rolled over to maintain uniformity of grass over the ground. Apart from the MCG, Adelaide Oval and the Optus Stadium in Perth also host multiple sports and therefore use drop-in pitches. Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand also uses drop-in pitches.

Size of these pitches

The pitch size remains pretty much the same in cases of drop-in pitches. For example, the pitches at the MCG are 24 metres long, 3 metres wide and 20 centimetres deep. The composition of these pitches can vary depending on the stadium and pitch curators. The pitches at MCG are made using black soil with a little grass cover on the top.

Evolution of drop-in pitches

When drop-in pitches first came into use they faced a lot of criticism as they were too flat. The drop-in pitches for the first few years lacked the pace and bounce for which the Australian pitches were famous all over the world. The arguments that were made in opposition to drop-in pitches were that because they were prepared away from the ground they did not deteriorate naturally. The normal pitches that were prepared on the grounds deteriorated naturally and the difference between the two was evident. The drop-in pitches lacked the pace and bounce and there was no development of cracks in the pitches that assisted the spinners. 

In the last few years, these issues have become a thing of the past. Today the pitches at MCG or Perth or Adelaide are no more benign (flat). These drop-in pitches at the venues offer bounce and pace to the fast bowlers while the spinners also get some turn and bounce in the later stages of a test match.

How are drop-in pitches used?

Once a ground is done hosting cricket matches the drop-in pitches are removed. These pitches are removed and then taken to other grounds where they are prepared for the rest of the year. Once the cricket season returns they are brought to the ground using a 30-tonne trailer and put onto cement tins that are placed 20 cm in the ground. 

Future of these pitches?

There is no stopping drop-in pitches in multiple sports hosting grounds in Australia and New Zealand. In 2021, then Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ramiz Raja suggested the use of drop-in pitches in Pakistan. The former PCB chairman stated that the use of these pitches would help in enhancing the results overseas. In March 2022, the idea of drop-in pitches was put on hold as the PCB looked first for a consultant to advise them on the feasibility of the idea. 

With the criticisms that the current pitches in Pakistan receive the idea to use drop-in pitches would be something that can help in bringing more international cricket to the country.

Also Read: Does India need to stay away from all format players?

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