The Groundsman - Natural v non-turf pitches: Part 1

In the first of a two-part column, total-play Ltd’s David Bates looks at the pros and cons of non-turf and natural cricket pitches…

I come from a natural turf background. As a player and a groundsman, I've always promoted a good quality natural surface – and I still do.

In an ideal world, all matches would be played on a natural surface for the different characteristics it brings to the game and how variabilities highlight the different strengths of players. This is at the heart of what players – and spectators – enjoy most about the game.

On a professional level, I've been involved at the forefront of the design and development of many different types of cricket practice facilities, both indoor and outdoor, and those used for match-play – most recently in ECB trials for hybrid pitches. I have seen the huge potential non-turf facilities offer as the game moves forward, particularly in terms of providing consistent pitch conditions at grassroots level and in developing children's skills.

At the top level, I feel strongly that the game should be played on good-quality natural pitches. However, there is a grey area. If we cannot provide good quality natural pitches a facilitator is better to provide a good standard non-turf match pitch or practice facility.

This is also driven by the success of the shorter formats – where the need for the bat dominating the ball requires a more consistent surface to ensure play that is stimulating and emulates the professional game. Especially at grassroots level then, a good quality non-turf surface is more beneficial than an average-to-poor natural surface, not only from an experience perspective but health and safety.

Historically, non-turf pitches were seen as the 'poor relation' in terms of performance – however, over the past decade a huge amount of research has gone in. The 'new generation' – including our own 'TP' range – give a balanced game between bat and ball while offering more consistent bounce, allowing every aspect and every player to be involved.

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 non-turf cricket pitches and pitch cover solutions, and sports pitch consultancy Total Turf Solution

For more information, visit www.total-play.co.uk or call 01604 864 575