A bat and ball sport similar to baseball, cricket enjoys immense popularity around the globe, particularly in England and India. The game requires a large, oval-shaped grassy field. While there are no set size requirements, most cricket fields measure between 137 and 150 meters wide, with a rope placed to demarcate the outer boundary. Cricket fields also include other features unique to the sport.
Pitch
Most action in cricket takes place in the pitch, a rectangular area positioned in the center of the field. Even though overall field size may vary, the pitch must always be 20.12 meters long and 3.05 meters wide. Cricket batters and bowlers take position inside the pitch, which may be constructed from dirt, clay, or very short grass.
Each end of the pitch houses a wicket made of three wooden stumps holding two small wood bails. Batters try and protect the wicket from opposing bowlers. Lines divide the area around the wicket into the popping crease, where the batter stands; the bowling crease, from where the bowler must throw the ball; and the return crease, the line the runner most cross to score a run.
Close Infield
The close infield encircles the pitch. To form the close infield, cricket field makers use each wicket as a center point and draw two circles, each measuring 13.7 meters in radius. In most cricket competitions, only two fielders, other than the bowler and wicket keeper, may take position within the close infield.
Infield
The infield surrounds the close infield and pitch. To form the infield boundary, cricket field makers use each wicket as a center point and draw two circles, each measuring 27.4 meters in radius. Parallel lines connect the outer edges of the two circles to form one large area, with the outer boundary marked in chalk or paint. The majority of fielders roam the infield to play any batted balls and return them to the pitch before hitters score runs. Depending upon the type of cricket competition, rules may restrict the number of fielders allowed in the infield.
Outfield
The outfield comprises the entire area between the infield and the outer most boundary. Depending on the type of cricket competition, rules dictate how many fielders may patrol the outfield, with two being the most common number. Balls that skip into the outfield and bounce beyond the outer boundary earn four runs. Towering hits that soar over the outfield and land beyond the outer boundary score an automatic six runs.
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