Ian Chappell – The job of the pitch curator is a very different matter these days

Cricket has changed dramatically, particularly in the last two decades, with franchises becoming involved in the game on a large scale.

T20 is the priority of the franchises with the emphasis on power rather than other aspects of cricket. This has shifted the game towards brute power.

The drastic changes in the game have brought even more focus to the preparation of pitches. Whereas a curator in Australia or a groundsman elsewhere previously only had to focus on preparing pitches for first-class matches and the occasional Test, today they have to look after preparing pitches for Tests, one-day matches and T20 matches.

As if that wasn't a huge burden, there is also the development of drop-in pitches (due to Australian Rules Football) and the use of club grounds for interstate cricket. The job of the curator/groundsman is a demanding one.

Apart from the difference in the number of Tests played, the large number of pitches on which Tendulkar has played also suggests that there is now greater variation on the pitches.

In the past, a capable curator/groundsman would have defined his approach to preparing test pitches as follows: “We try to make a good pitch for everyone that will produce a result sometime around teatime on the fifth day.”

The history of the game shows that a pitch that gives the bowlers a chance – be it through pace, spin or a bit of both – generally produces the best matches.

Apart from the fact that the pitches become fatigued when overused, there is also the problem that few tests last the five days allotted. A further level of difficulty is created by the fact that day-night tests become a regular part of the schedule.

In one-day matches, the pitch is expected to be similar to a third-day Test wicket and slightly in favour of the batters.

In the past, a capable curator would have defined his approach to preparing test sites as follows: “We try to make a good site for everyone who will produce a result sometime around teatime on the fifth day.”

This raises the question: What is the ideal place for each type of game?

A Test match should give the bowlers some encouragement and that may mean the game does not last the allotted five days. However, that is not to say that a Test match will not be exciting, especially if the emphasis is on entertainment.

Fifty overs are still a very good game and they deserve pitches that allow the players to show their full potential. This generally means a pitch that encourages the bowlers a little but slightly favours the batters.

The T20 pitch is where the dilemma for curators/groundsmen is at its greatest. This is especially true during the lengthy IPL tournament.

Many matches are played on consecutive days, which can put strain on pitches, and there are shorter boundaries that favour high-powered batsmen. And if that isn't enough to drive a groundsman mad, there is also the worrying aspect of the rope – will it play a role or not?

There is a lot to consider, especially when preparing a pitch for a T20 match. This was evident at the US leg of the 2024 World Cup, where most pitches were deemed too favourable to bowlers.

Proper pitch preparation for T20 cricket can be a jigsaw puzzle. A good surface can vary greatly not only from country to country but also from pitch to pitch. This may be the most difficult and tedious task for a curator/groundsman.

So if you dream of building cricket pitches for a living, you must first make sure you complete the required degree and then set yourself up for a demanding but very satisfying future – if you apply the formula correctly.