The mild climate of the San Francisco Bay Area means sports are played year round. The Bay Area also attracts a large number of people from different points of origin and cultures. These people popularize varying sports that traditionally are not played much in the U.S.  One of these sports is cricket. With its surge, the demand for playing surfaces called “pitches” rises as well. Year-round play on grass can prove costly to maintain. Especially when water prices are sky high and water rationing is in effect during a drought. Thus, an artificial cricket pitch made from synthetic turf is the answer. With an artificial cricket pitch, you get a green field 365 days a year. There is no need to worry about weather or water affecting the playing surface. No matter the forecast, the game can be enjoyed in any season. For the best quality artificial cricket pitch, trust the experts at Watersavers Turf. We maintain a large supply of turfs that will work perfectly for this sport.

Synthetic Cricket Turf Is the Future

Why is synthetic cricket turf gaining in popularity? Pro and recreational players alike have nothing but great things to say about faux grass. It is known that dampness can affect the bounce of the ball. This results in official matches being delayed or canceled. A synthetic cricket turf is designed to drain rapidly in rainy weather so the surface will be game ready in no time. A smooth, level playing field offered by artificial turf also can limit injuries. Grass can get divots, get cut-up or provide uneven surfaces causing twisted ankles and much worse. A soft, no-crumb rubber ground is a lot more forgiving when diving, sliding and even running. And in terms of the actual play, the speed, spin and bounce of the ball can all be affected by an inferior lawn. Synthetic cricket turf provides a more pure game that is much more fair and fun.

How Is It Played?

Resembling a lot like baseball, there are many similarities to the two sports. This may help provide a better framework of understanding of this worldly game. Simply speaking, eleven players make up each team. Instead of a baseball diamond, there is a rectangle known as a pitch with wickets staked into the ground on either end where the batters stand. The person who pitches is known as the “bowler” in cricket. The one who acts as a catcher is referred to as the “keeper”. The other nine make up the fielding players who often have colorful position names themselves. Those can include “silly mid”, “long leg”, “slip” and more. The batsman or “striker” on the opposing team is tasked with hitting the pitched ball so that it does not hit the wickets behind him. If the striker makes contact and the ball is not caught on the fly by a fielder, he may run to the opposite end of the pitch at the same time as his partner runs towards his side. If they make it to the safe zone before the ball either thrown or held by a fielder touches a wicket, they score a run. If the “bowler” manages to get the ball by the striker and hit the wickets knocking them loose, the batter is out. Officially an out is called a “wicket”, and each team gets 10 “wickets.” The game is obviously much more complicated and nuanced. But hopefully, this gives you a good intro.

Cricket Fun Facts

• Cricket originated in England around the 16^th
• It is the world’s second most popular spectator sport behind soccer.
• The most avid fans are from the UK, Australia, South Africa and India.
• The name of the game could have been derived from several sources: “cricc” or “cryce” meaning crutch or staff in Old English, “criquet” meaning wooden post in French or “krick” meaning stick in Middle Dutch.
• The field is often oval, but the official rules don’t specify a specific shape.
• The ball made of hard leather is stitched like a baseball.
• The bat is wood and shaped like a blade.

Choose Watersavers Turf for Your Synthetic Cricket Grass

We are the premier retailer of synthetic cricket grass in Northern CA. We have a wide range of fake grass products. Many of these are designed for all different purposes including the sport of cricket. Contact us today at 844-974-8873 to speak with sports turf expert. We are standing by to answer all your faux grass questions. Our stores also offer free one square foot samples for you to touch and feel.