The recommended changes apply to a variety of age levels and come into immediate effect having been approved on November 29
The ECB have approved changes to the length of cricket pitches at a variety of age levels after trials and research over the past three years, as firs
Plans for changes were first reported in the May 2018 edition of The Cricketer, and were approved by the ECB Recreational Assembly on November 29 - applying with immediate effect across England and Wales.
A table of the changes can be found below:
| AGE GROUP | OLD LENGTH | NEW LENGTH |
| U8/U9 | 16 yards | 15 yards |
| U10 | 19 yards | 17 yards |
| U11 | 20 yards | 17 yards |
| U12 | 21 yards | 19 yards |
| U13 | 21 yards | 19 yards |
| U14 | 22 yards | 22 yards |
| U15 | 22 yards | 22 yards |
Junior Cricket Ambassador Andrew Strauss said: “The proposed changes to pitch lengths and formats are a product of extensive research and trialling conducted by ECB over the past 3 years.
“I am impressed by the evidence of an improvement in techniques for batting, bowling and fielding. However, the most exciting feedback has come from the players themselves who found the new formats increased their enjoyment of playing our great game”
Posted by Dean Headley on 02/12/2019 at 19:27
The new lengths are great although the jump from 19 yards at U13 to 22 yards at U14 seems to bigger step. Or go to 22 yds but with a junior size ball for U15
Posted by Frederick Handley on 09/06/2019 at 21:30
I have been running Junior Cricket for over 15 years now and , as the standard has gone up, & the ability of younger players has improved enormously, we now find that more and more "Beamers" are being bowled accidentally due to the shorter pitch lengths , making it anything but "Safer" especially at U11
Posted by Julian Massiah on 16/05/2019 at 21:05
Whose idea was it to make U12s play on a pitch that is a yard shorter than when they were U10(9 years old)? In fact different counties have adopted various different lengths! The problem is with poor bowling coaches not correcting the players' bowling actions . The boys and girls are now all bowling waist high full tosses and then over correcting and bowling very short. My area just played a U13s match on 21 yards as the 19 yard was unplayable.25 overs per side. 3 wides bowled in 50 overs and no injuries.
Posted by Tim Mason on 23/04/2019 at 20:57
I coached under 13 teams for over 20 years at a good independent school. Generally 21 yards worked well but I can see a case for some reduction. However, the reduction to 19 yards seems a bit extreme especially as they will play on a pitch 3 yards longer when they get to under 14s.
Posted by Andrew Cloke on 06/02/2019 at 21:51
In the Tunbridge Wells region we have seen a growth in the number of teams wishing to participate at youth level. Most coaches have welcomed the innovation in formats, including pairs cricket for lower divisions. Shorter pitches do not work for everyone; so it's down to the adult match managers to regulate proceedings so as to accommodate the more and less able players. The most capable 'play-up' and relish the challenge.
Posted by Sapumal Herathge on 09/12/2018 at 23:02
Wrong direction. I seen some strong youngsters bowling very quick at U13 at 21 yards. Making 19 yards on under prepared wickets will make few players hurt. What ECB should be focusing on getting youth to play longer format of the game from U11 onwards than quick bash of 16 over games on weekdays from 6pm. Dedicated Sunday to play longer format of Cricket from age of U11 would be the way forward.
Posted by David Thomas on 09/12/2018 at 20:08
Who are making these decisions and who are they asking ?? I coach in a large private school, coach youth cricket at one of the most successful clubs in England and have a son who captains his county at U10 - never been asked my opinion!!!! Once again the ECB have got it terribly wrong.
Posted by John on 07/12/2018 at 13:16
And then you post a picture of all stars cricket which has nothing to do with the article. How dumb are your journalists? All stars don't play on pitches or matches for that matter.
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.