Section 3: Playing Area
The Ground
Cricket is played on a large, roughly oval-shaped grass field. The Laws of Cricket do not specify an exact outer boundary dimension, but ICC Playing Conditions impose minimum and maximum boundary distances for international matches. Under ICC Test and ODI Playing Conditions, the straight boundary must be a minimum of 59.43 m (65 yards) from the centre of the pitch, and no boundary may be shorter than 64.00 m (70 yards) from the centre of the pitch without the prior approval of the referee. The maximum boundary is 82.29 m (90 yards) from the centre of the pitch.
The Pitch — Law 7 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)
The pitch is a rectangular strip in the centre of the ground on which the main action takes place:
- Length: The pitch is 20.12 m (22 yards) measured between the centres of the two sets of stumps (bowling creases).
- Width: The pitch is 3.05 m (10 ft) wide.
- Surface: The pitch is prepared by the ground authority and must be of natural turf. Under Law 7.4, during an match, the pitch shall not be watered, rolled (except by agreement at specified intervals), or otherwise treated without the approval of the umpires.
The Creases — Law 9 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)
Four creases are marked on the pitch, two at each end:
- Bowling crease: A line 2.64 m (8 ft 8 in) in length, marked level with the stumps at each end, centred on the middle stump.
- Popping crease (batting crease): A line drawn 1.22 m (4 ft) in front of the bowling crease (i.e., in front of the stumps), parallel to the bowling crease. It is at least 3.66 m (12 ft) long. This crease determines whether a batsman is in their ground and whether a bowler has overstepped for a no-ball.
- Return creases: Two lines drawn at right angles to the bowling crease and popping crease, passing through the outer edge of the stumps. They extend from the popping crease to a minimum of 8 ft (2.44 m) behind the popping crease. Return creases are used to determine whether a fielder's foot is grounded in a legitimate fielding position and to judge whether a bowler has bowled from a legal position (Law 21.2).
The Boundary — Law 19 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)
Before the toss, the umpires and team captains agree upon and demarcate a boundary. The boundary is the edge of the playing surface as defined by a physical marker (rope, painted line, advertising boards, or a fence). Under Law 19.1, if a boundary is inadvertently not defined in any particular part of the field, the umpires shall determine a suitable boundary. Under Law 19.5, if a fielder grounds any part of their person on or beyond the boundary while attempting to catch or field the ball, the umpire shall signal a boundary.
The Wicket Keeper's and Bowler's Footmarks Area
Under Law 9.2, the area of the pitch most vulnerable to wear is the area around the popping crease. Under Law 7.3, fielders other than the wicket-keeper are not permitted to stand on the pitch during a match. Under ICC Playing Conditions, a designated "danger area" — a rectangle 5 ft (1.52 m) in length by 1 ft (0.30 m) on either side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the stumps — must not be used as a running track by fielders or the non-striking batsman.