The modern Test game comes under tremendous scrutiny and the state of pitches is no different from any other element.
The modern Test game comes under tremendous scrutiny and the state of pitches is no different from any other element.
In years gone by, the occasional sub-standard pitch could slip by without too much of a fuss being kicked up.
However, right now every Test match really counts, especially when it is in the World Test Championship.
It might be time for the ICC and MCC to introduce a set of basic standards for the preparation of pitches.
The game is crying out for some quality control in this regard as evidenced by the recent Test at the Gabba.
Of course the problem is that all over the world, different people have different beliefs about what constitutes a good pitch.
Most believe that it is all about balancing batting and bowling and creating the ideal platform for an intense five-day contest.
However, what is considered a good pitch in Asia might yield 400-500 first-innings runs while those in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and England might feel that the ideal is closer to 300-400 first innings runs.
Test matches where both sides get knocked over for less than 200 can be exciting but often aren’t the best advert for the game’s ultimate format.
Still, there isn’t just one direction this can go in, while result wickets are what most groundsman err towards some will still trot out the trusty road if needs be.
More and more often flat pitches are being rated poor by umpires even if the match still ends in a result.
A match being over quickly or not reaching a result though isn’t always down to the pitch.
The cricket pitch stands out as an oddity in a sport of its nature, with its closest comparable surface being something like a golf course.
A pitch is of course far more standardised than a hole on a golf course but the blank slate for preparation means that cricketers can expect wildly different surfaces to play on even at the exact same venue.
Test cricket needs to find a way to get closer to preparing the perfect pitch each time.
