Cricket - the field of play
Cricket - the field of play
Though not defined in The Laws, a cricket field usually has a diameter of between 120-150 metres but the size, shape and layout of cricket fields will vary from ground to ground and, in some instances, The Laws are locally modified to incorporate unusual layouts and obstacles inside the boundary. For example, for decades the Kent County ground had an enormous lime tree growing in the outfield and four runs were awarded to any batter striking the ball into it.
Around each ground a painted white line or a rope known as the boundary clearly marks the extent of the playing area.
At each end of the ground moveable sightscreens are sited just beyond this boundary. Sightscreens are white (or black when using a white cricket ball) to provide a contrast to the ball and should be positioned directly behind the bowler to assist the batter in seeing the ball as it is released from the bowler’s hand.
The �infield� is the area within approximately 30 metres of the batters and for certain formats of cricket a minimum number of fielders must be positioned within this area. When fielding restrictions are in force, the, perimeter of the infield will be marked with white discs placed 30 yards (27.4 metres) from the stumps. The infield is commonly referred to as ‘the circle’ or ‘the ring’.
In some matches there may also be a requirement for a designated number of fielders to be positioned as catchers within the ‘close infield’ . When this is the case two circles are marked with white discs 15 yards (13.7 metres) from the batters to indicate the perimeter of the close infield.
The �outfield� is the area of the field between the infield and the boundary and is commonly referred to as �the deep�.
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