Non-turf cricket pitches: The future’s bright

In the second of his two-part column David Bates – former first-class groundsman and MD of cricket pitch specialist total-play Ltd – looks at how non-turf cricket pitches are helping to change the game at all levels, and at what the future holds…

Promotional feature

It seems fitting, as The Cricketer marks its 100th birthday, to look at something which has seen the game evolve rapidly over recent decades: the modern non-turf pitch. 

The development of non-turf pitches in the early 1980s and the publication of the ECB’s performance standard criteria in 2007 were the key developments. 

Artificial cricket pitch installers should aim to provide playing characteristics equivalent to those of a good standard league pitch, and these higher quality facilities are helping to revolutionise practice and coaching sessions, offering larger and enclosed facilities that can be used all year round. 

Non-turf ‘Match Pitches’ located next to a square can also offer the chance for more matches to be played without compromising a ground’s natural table – fantastic for increasing participation in both practice and game situations. 

That said, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution for non-turf pitch facilities. While all need to meet the ECB’s exacting standards, each client site’s geology, features, topography, direction of play (orientation), risk of damage from flooding or water course, location/dimensions, the club’s own requirements – and more – need to be considered before finding the right solution. 

These variables, combined with the requirements of the modern game, have led us to develop a range of no less than six ECB-approved non-turf system designs – including our flagship ‘tp365’ design. 

Options within the range include Tufted or Woven playing surface carpets, the ‘tpB1’ engineered base solution which is ideal for a certain type of site, a natural pitch coloured yarn option with our range of ’NPC’ carpets plus the exclusive ‘Protection Tunnel’ netting system. 

And the story doesn’t end here – we are continually working behind the scenes to ensure that emerging technologies are embraced and, where necessary, integrated into systems to further enhance the playing experience. 

What’s next? I am currently working with the ECB testing exciting new technology which we believe will be the origin of the next generation of cricket playing surfaces – and further revolutionise the game.

Got a question for our expert groundsman? Let us know at magazine@thecricketer.com

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 IoG David now heads up totalplay Ltd where he has developed class-leading non-turf cricket pitch and pitch cover solutions

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

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.