Unlike other sports, in cricket, weather conditions play a
central role in determining the outcome of the game and also in player selection. The
pitch surface too, varies from place to place, resulting in different match
conditions even for the same venue!
Weather Conditions
Weather Conditions
| Weather |
Result |
| Hot |
Ball is softer, more spin. |
| Cold |
Harder ball, bounces more, harder to field. |
| Windy |
Ball swings more. |
| Dew |
Bowling is difficult, as there is no grip. |
| Humid |
Softer ball, more swing. |
| Cloudy |
Ball swings more. |
| Elevation (above msl) |
Ball zips faster through the air. |
Pitch conditions
Just before the match starts, the pitch is inspected and depending on its
nature, the amount of runs in the first innings scored can be estimated, and
whether the winning captain would prefer to bat, or bowl first.
Pitch Conditions
| Pitch Type |
Result |
| Hard |
Bouncy and fast aides fast bowlers, good to bat. |
| Soft |
Slow, helps spinners and medium pacers. |
| Dusty |
Spinners delight |
| Flat & smooth |
Batsman's paradise, lots of runs scored. |
| Sprinkle of grass |
Ball bounces more, ideal for the fast bowlers. |
| Uneven |
Low scoring match, hard to score runs. |
| Cracks on surface |
Aids spinners |
| Inclination |
Ball breaks (angle changes) after pitching |
Field Conditions
Field Conditions
| Field Type |
Result |
| More Grass |
Easier to field, ball travels slower and less 4's
scored. |
| Less Grass |
Ball zips away to the boundary for 4. |
| Large outfield |
Less 6's & 4's, but more chances of the batsmen
getting 2,3 & 4 runs by running between wickets. |
| Small Outfield |
More 4's & 6's, High scoring game. |
| Soft ground |
Less 4's, easier for fielders to dive
around. |
| Moisture on ground |
Less 4's |
| Small gradient, with the pitch slightly elevated as
compared to the boundary |
Ball races to the boundary. |