The Groundsman - No.2: More bounce in the pitch

It can often be hard to create a pitch that is quick, full of bounce, and testing for batsmen, but total-play's David Bates has some advice up his sleeve to help you produce the perfect wicket

One of the questions we get asked most frequently in cricket groundsmanship is "how do we generate more pace and bounce in our cricket pitch?" 

A simple question, but one that doesn’t have a simple answer.

First, the 'science bit' – it is all about energy. To get a ball to bounce, you need its energy to be returned to it from the surface. Think about bouncing a ball on concrete and then on mud – the hard surface will return the energy leading to bounce, but on the mud it will leave an indent; dissipating the energy into the surface. The same principle applies to cricket pitches.

The aim of the cricket groundsman is to produce a solid block of clay loam down to 100-120mm, with root mass growing through it to hold it together and moisture content at optimum level. This ensures the soil particles are held together and solid enough to return the energy to the ball and create bounce.

Sounds simple in theory? In practice, not so.

In essence, bounce is all about the pitch profile. A pitch can look great but not perform well – think of historic squares that have great grass cover, but play low and slow.

This is often due to profile issues that have built up over the years, which could include one - or all - of the following:

• Organic layer at the surface
• Limited root density
• Layering of materials
• Low strength soils

All of these factors can compromise the surface and lead to less bounce – and, unfortunately, there’s no quick fix. Even the best preparation techniques cannot overcome a weak profile and significant works will need planning into the end of season programme to help overcome the issues and improve bounce.

Depending on the severity of the problem, the Cricket Square Restoration or Profile Regeneration & Recycling processes defined as part of my Framework for Natural Cricket Table Processes could solve issues and see the pitch back in action the following season.

But for more severe issues, full table reconstruction and the pitch being out of action for an entire season may be the only option.

Either way, the investment will be worthwhile - the secret to a great cricket pitch is its profile.

During his residency at Northants CCC, David Bates gained a reputation for preparing some of the finest pitches in the country. Having worked as a pitch advisor and trainer for the Institute of Groundsmanship, David now heads up total-play Ltd – which designs and installs class-leading nonturf cricket pitches and pitch cover solutions - and sports pitch consultancy Total Turf Solutions.

For more information visit www.total-play.co.uk or call 01604 864575