Cricket Square and Outfield Basics

In this lesson you will learn what lies beneath the square. A cricket square is built from a layer of clay loam, a soil with a carefully chosen proportion of clay, silt and sand. When this soil is rolled at the right moisture and then dries, the clay binds together to form a hard, consolidated surface that gives pace and bounce. The higher the clay content, the harder and faster the pitch can become, but the more skill it takes to manage. A thin root zone of healthy grass holds the surface together. It is important that any loam added later is compatible with the existing soil, because mixing very different loams creates layers that can break apart.

• Squares are built from compacted clay loam
• Clay binds as it dries to give pace and bounce
• Higher clay content is harder to manage
• Top dressing loam must be compatible

In this lesson you will learn how the square is divided. The square is made up of a number of parallel strips, each the width of a pitch, running in the same direction. Each strip can be prepared as a match pitch and then rested. Running the pitches in the same line keeps the square consistent and helps sightscreens and boundaries work. Strips near the edge of the square may give shorter boundaries on one side, so the ground team thinks carefully about which pitch suits each fixture. Over a season the aim is to spread wear across the square rather than overusing one or two favourite strips.

• The square is a set of parallel strips
• Each strip can become a match pitch
• Edge pitches can create a short boundary
• Spread wear across the whole square

In this lesson you will learn about pitch allocation. Before the season, the lead groundsperson draws up a plan matching pitches to fixtures, including league matches, Winter Cup games and the Pat McDonald Tournament where they are played on the square. Important matches are often given the best prepared strips, and enough time is left between uses for each pitch to recover. Practice is usually kept to designated areas or artificial nets so match strips are protected. A written allocation plan helps everyone know which pitch is being prepared and stops anyone accidentally rolling, watering or playing on the wrong strip.

• Plan pitches against the fixture list
• Allow recovery time between uses
• Keep practice off prepared match strips
• Share a written allocation plan

In this lesson you will learn the routine care of the square during the season. The square is mown regularly at a low height, with clippings boxed off rather than left on the surface. Used pitches are repaired promptly by filling foot holes, scarifying lightly, seeding and watering. The surface may be lightly brushed or raked to stand up the grass before cutting. Feeding, pest and disease control may be needed, but any application of fertiliser or chemicals must only be done by trained and appropriately certificated people. Foot traffic on the square should be kept to a minimum, and nobody should drive vehicles or carry heavy loads across it.

• Mow regularly and box off clippings
• Repair used pitches promptly
• Chemical work only by trained, certificated people
• Keep traffic and vehicles off the square

In this lesson you will learn what a good outfield looks like. It should be smooth and level so the ball runs true and fielders can move without stumbling. It should have a dense, healthy grass cover mown to an even height, firm enough to give a fast outfield, but not so hard and dry that it becomes dangerous to dive on. It must drain well so that play can resume quickly after rain. Hazards such as holes, sprinkler heads, loose objects and soft patches should be found and dealt with. The boundary should be clearly marked and free from obstructions close to the edge.

• Smooth and level so the ball runs true
• Dense grass mown at an even height
• Good drainage so play resumes quickly
• Clear hazards and mark the boundary

In this lesson you will learn how to protect the surfaces day to day. Simple measures make a big difference. Rope off the square when it is not in use, put signs up asking people not to walk across prepared pitches, and keep warm-ups and fielding drills on the outfield away from the square. Keep vehicles to agreed routes and avoid the outfield when it is waterlogged, as wheels can cause ruts that take weeks to repair. Dogs, ball games and bicycles on the square cause damage too. Politely explaining why the area is protected usually brings people on side.

• Rope off and sign the square
• Keep warm-ups on the outfield
• Keep vehicles off wet ground
• Explain politely why areas are protected

In this lesson you will learn where club groundstaff find reliable advice. The ECB's TS4 guidance sets out recommended standards for pitches and outfields at all levels of the game, and county pitch advisers can visit to give practical help. The ICC publishes pitch-curation guidance for the professional game which explains the principles behind good pitches. Soil testing laboratories can tell you about your loam and its clay content. Whenever you are unsure, ask the lead groundsperson rather than guessing. A small mistake on the square, such as over watering or using the wrong loam, can affect pitches for a whole season.

• ECB TS4 guidance sets recommended standards
• County pitch advisers offer practical help
• ICC guidance explains pitch principles
• Ask before acting if unsure