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5 Things You Need for Cricket Pitch Construction

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Cricket is one of the most popular and widely participated sports in the UK. Interestingly, England boasts some of the best cricket pitches and stadiums in the world, where many global cricketing legends have played and left their mark. 

But these grounds are often not available to regular players or amateurs who are just starting out their playing careers. Therefore, whether you want to build a cricket pitch on your school grounds or at a community park, this guide will come in handy.

Artificial Pitch Vs. Natural Pitch

The first thing that you must decide on is whether you want a natural or artificial cricket pitch installation. Artificial cricket pitches have been growing in popularity because, unlike natural pitches, which are made by carefully preparing the soil and grass, these require very little maintenance. These pitches are now commonly being used in smaller training academies, schools, and clubs.

Another point that works in favour of synthetic pitches is that they are cost-effective and are made for all-weather play, which is especially useful in the UK climate. The drainage system is also better compared to natural pitches, making it easy to resume play even after heavy showers.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself before deciding between artificial and natural pitch:

  1. Is the ground used for sporting activities other than cricket?
  2. Do you have access to proper groundskeeping staff and maintenance workers?
  3. Do you want to offer training sessions throughout the year?

Based on your answers to these questions, you will be able to pick a pitch type that’s right for you.

Aggregates and Soil Composition

To build a natural pitch, you need to work on the specific soil composition, which should ideally include 25-30% clay. This will help provide the much-discussed “bounce” in the cricket play. Additionally, the topsoil needs to be prepared as well, which will contain more sand than clay. 

Your ground needs prep, even if you have chosen to install an artificial cricket pitch. To do this, you will need to prepare the sub-base with a crushed stone or gravel layer. It is important to source top-quality bagged aggregates in Northampton as this will determine pitch readiness for playing, as well as provide proper drainage and prevent water from accumulating.

Purchase the Right Equipment

In order to build and maintain a cricket pitch, you need the right equipment, such as cylindrical mowers and pitch rollers, for example, to maintain proper grass length. Some other equipment such as nets and stumps are also essential to the game, along with pitch marking tools. 

Beyond this, you may also need sprinklers to irrigate the pitch and a surface draining system to drain excess water.

For synthetic turfs, the equipment needed would differ. For example, you may need to install a geotextile membrane and shock pad layer to provide an optimal playing surface, similar to a natural pitch.

Hiring Professional Groundsmen

Whenever you decide to build your cricket pitch, it is important to hire the right professionals for maintenance and upkeep. Groundsmen help to irrigate the pitch, weed away excess grass, and maintain the texture of the pitch. Having the right ground staff is especially important if you are building a natural pitch.

You may also need experienced professionals who can help with the turf installation, levelling, inspection, and ongoing maintenance. With the right professionals, your pitch will offer a great playing experience for both batters and bowlers.

Get Your Finances in Order

When constructing a cricket pitch, you will not just need an initial investment but also need to consider the ongoing costs. A high-quality artificial turf can cost anywhere upwards of £20,000. For a low-quality pitch, the cost can range anywhere from £8,000 to £15,000. 

You will also need to factor in the cost of installing a shock pad layer, drainage system, and procuring aggregates for preparing the sub-base layer. 

For a natural pitch, the costs would range from £10,000-£30,000 for setting up the pitch. Just like the synthetic pitch, you will need to add the cost associated with draining and base layer preparation.

Additionally, regardless of whether you install an artificial or natural pitch, you will need to add overhead costs like salaries and maintenance. Consider your cricket pitch as a long-term investment. 

Wrapping Up

Constructing a cricket pitch requires a lot of preparation and investment. From preparing the ground to deciding on the kind of pitch you would like to set up, there are many layers to its construction. 

Besides, it doesn’t end there! Cricket pitches need regular maintenance and monitoring. Thus, getting professionals on board is the best way to ensure you stay on top of all the requirements and contribute towards building future cricketing legends.

Jane Tudor

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