Law 7 (The pitch)
1. Area of pitch
The pitch is a rectangular area of the ground 22 yards/20.12m
in length and 10ft/3.05m in width. It is bounded at either end
by the bowling creases and on either side by imaginary lines,
one each side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the
two middle stumps, each parallel to it and 5ft/1.52m from it.
See Laws 8.1 (Width and pitching) and 9.2 (The bowling crease).
2. Fitness of the pitch for play
The umpires shall be the final judges of the fitness of the
pitch for play. See Laws 3.8 (Fitness of ground, weather and
light) and 3.9 (Suspension of play for adverse conditions
of ground, weather or light).
3. Selection and preparation
Before the match, the Ground Authority shall be responsible
for the selection and preparation of the pitch. During the
match, the umpires shall control its use and maintenance.
4. Changing the pitch
The pitch shall not be changed during the match unless the
umpires decide that it is unreasonable or dangerous for play
to continue on it and then only with the consent of both captains.
5. Non-turf pitches
In the event of a non-turf pitch being used, the artificial
surface shall conform to the following measurements:
Length – a minimum of 58ft/17.68m
Width – a minimum of 6ft/1.83m
