Every Australian summer means only one thing. Friends, family, a BBQ, drinks, and of course, backyard cricket! The classic dives, the one-hand-one-bounce, the six-and-outs! No matter where you come from, there’s always a laugh to be had.
But why stop with a simple grass pitch? Why not easily, and simply set up the perfect cricket pitch in your backyard all your mates and family can enjoy? Read on to learn more about setting up your cricket pitch!
Tools And Materials Needed
There’s no need to rush out to the hardware store and pay a tonne for a pile of new tools and gadgets. Most of what you’ll need you probably already have around the house. A wide, open flat space of grass with room for a bowler and fielders and you’re halfway there!
Suggested tool list:
- Lawnmower
- Measuring tape
- General-purpose scissors.
- Grass-friendly, white spray paint.
- Wheelie bin, Esky lid, purchased stumps.
- Self-adhesive white tape.
- Garden roller/55-gallon drum, or large paint tins.
- Garden stakes.
- Sand/dressing soil.
Step 1: Design Your Pitch
Considering your playing space is paramount. You want to avoid smashing windows or denting cars as much as possible. Deciding which direction the batter faces is important!
Now, your field. The size and angles of your backyard will determine the best angle for your pitch. You want to think about the space for your bowlers. The space for your batters to strike the ball, slide across the crease and run. No one wants to stand on top of each other (unless you’re playing spinners!) so make sure your pitch position allows the fielders’ space to do their job.
Step 2: Mow Your Grass
Most species of grass-like Couch, TifTuf, and Kikuyu can cut low well and recover, however, Buffalo can struggle so find out what you have to work with. Mark out your pitch, then use a fuel/electric mower with low-cut settings to take your grass down as short as possible (10mm is best). If you have soft, moist grass, add sand/dressing soil to the pitch area to assist in maintenance.
Optional Step: Compact The Pitch
If you want to give your backyard pitch that extra touch of professional appeal, go for the hand-roller. You can pick up a decent one for around $100. Alternatively, an old metal drum or large paint tins can do the trick (just takes longer). This is for the serious backyard cricketers, especially spin bowlers! Sand/dressing soil will also help here.
Step 3: Add Your Stumps And Crease
Every house has an object that can be used as a set of cricket stumps. The wheelie bin or Esky lid option is fine, just use white tape or paint to mark out your three 70cm stumps. If you’re short on space, you can always mark out stumps on a fence or wall. Alternatively, if you have wooden stumps, hammer them right in.
Lay a cricket bat out from your stumps, then place a broom perpendicular to your bat length including the handle. Using the white spray paint, mark your crease along with the broom.
Step 4: Maintenance
After each game gives your pitch a soak and aerate. During warmer months, trim your pitch edge, and mow your lawn three times a month to keep it nice and short encouraging new, fresh growth. Water the pitch three times a week, particularly on hot days or when the soil dries out, preferably in the evenings. Fill in holes, and regularly fertilize to maintain low spots or dead grass.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to create your cricket pitch without the faff, why not use premium turf instead? Get in touch with Sunshine Coast Turf today to learn more!
