The state of the pitch has always been a bone of contention in many various situations, with home captains being given the advantage of choosing what kind of wicket they wish the game to be played on. Different parts of the world are specialized in building certain types of wickets. Here are a look at 7 of the quickest tracks in the world:
- Adelaide Oval, Australia
The Adelaide Oval in South Australia has historically been a good batting pitch, while offering true bounce and early movement for the fast bowlers. It became the first cricket stadium to use a drop in pitch in 2013, after which the grass cover has been increased, making it a great pitch for true pace bowlers.
2. Sabina Park, West Indies
Situated in the hottest and driest part of Kingston, Jamaica, Sabina Park has always been one of the hardest and fastest tracks in world cricket. Having long been a home to the formidable West Indies pace attack of the 20th century, this is one of the quickest pitches in the world.
3. New Wanderers Stadium, South Africa
Also known as The ‘Bullring’ due to it’s intimidating atmosphere, the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg is one of the faster pitches in world cricket. It has quite a generous green cover, assisting the fast bowlers generously, and the biggest task for the team batting first is to get through the opening overs where the new ball bowlers are deadly.
4. Kensington Oval, West Indies
Another fast pitch from the Caribbean, which was famous and feared in equal measure during the 80s and early 90s for their incredible fast bowling attack which was invincible at home and away. This was one of those pitches, and it has a cover of disease resistant and fast spreading Bermuda grass, which has made this a haven for quick bowlers, with true bounce and movement.
5. Brisbane Cricket Ground (Gabba), Australia
The Gabba pitch, situated in Brisbane has always been known to be a good pitch for cricket. The pitch has been knows to stay true for 5 days, meaning very little cracking in the pitch, thus always making it an intriguing contest between the batsmen and the fast bowlers who get a lot of assistance early on.
6. Basin Reserve, New Zealand.
Wellington, New Zealand is home to one of the quickest pitches in today’s cricket world. The number of wickets taken by fast bowlers to matches played is very high, owing to the green cover that the pitch always sports. Along with that, the bounce stays true for even a 5 day game, offering constant action for the pacers.
7. W.A.C.A, Australia
Historically known to be the fastest pitch in the world, this pitch situated in Perth has however, in the recent years been criticised for slowing in pace. Notorious for assisting the quick bouncers, the afternoon sea breeze that blows offers further assistance for the fast bowlers.
By Aravind Harish
