Predicting the playing character of cricket pitches |
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Authors: | D M James M J Carré S J Haake |
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Institution: | (1) The Centre for Sport & Exercise Science, Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, UK;(2) Sports Engineering Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, UK;(3) Sports Engineering @ CSES The Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University The Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Collegiate Hall Collegiate Crescent, S10 2BP Sheffield, UK |
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Abstract: | A cricket pitch is a prepared strip of compacted soil and closely mown turf onto which the bowler projects the ball. The surface
is of fundamental importance to the game and groundstaff seek to ensure that the ball rebound is of sufficient pace, bounce
and consistency to promote skill in both the batsman and bowler. The scientific understanding of the factors that influence
the playing quality of a pitch is incomplete and groundstaff often rely on experience and ‘rules of thumb’. A major programme
of research was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of a range of pitch measurement apparatus that are perceived to
provide indications of playing character. Over three seasons, 18 fieldwork visits were completed at 11 different first-class
county grounds. Pitches were tested at the end of each match and direct assessments of pace, bounce and consistency were achieved
by employing an artificial bowler and high speed video arrangement. Measurements of surface friction, hardness and restitution
were also recorded. It was found that no single pitch measurement was able to provide a reliable indication of pace or bounce,
but, when the measurements were combined in a simple Newtonian model, good predictions of pace were achieved. The study revealed
a simple method by which groundstaff can predict pace during crucial stages in pitch preparation. However, the study also
showed that bounce is affected by levels of pitch deformation and that development of impact models and bespoke measurement
tools is needed to reliably predict variation in bounce. |
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Keywords: | dynamics friction impact pitch restitution |
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