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Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 6: The Pitch

2 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Law 6 covers the area of the pitch (22 yards by 10 feet, bounded by the bowling creases and by side lines 5 feet from the line joining the middle stumps), the umpires as sole judges of its fitness, its selection and preparation by the Ground Authority and its control by the umpires during the match, changing the pitch, the minimum measurements of a non-turf pitch, and the length of a junior pitch.

6.61The Pitch: Measurements, Fitness, Preparation and Changing It

The 22-yard by 10-foot pitch and what bounds it, the minimum measurements of a non-turf pitch and the junior pitch length, the umpires as sole judges of fitness, the Ground Authority's preparation and the umpires' control during the match, and the conditions for changing the pitch.

Test 1Length and width of the pitchTake a test

  1. The pitch is 22 yards / 20.12 m in length.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  2. The pitch is 10 ft / 3.05 m in width.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  3. 22 yards is 20.12 m.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  4. 10 feet is 3.05 m.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  5. The pitch is a rectangular area of the ground.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  6. 22 yards is 66 feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  7. The standard length is 22 yards.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  8. The Law gives 10 feet as the width.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  9. Length 22 yards, width 10 feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  10. Law 6.1 is headed Area of pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

Test 2What bounds the pitchTake a test

  1. It is bounded at either end by the bowling creases.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  2. Two imaginary parallel lines bound the sides.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  3. Each side line is 5 ft / 1.52 m from that line.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  4. It joins the centres of the two middle stumps.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  5. Two lots of 5 feet make the 10-foot width.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  6. The pitch extends only to the junction of the two surfaces.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  7. The artificial pitch is closer than 5 feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  8. The strip is not closer than 5 feet, so the normal side line applies.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  9. 10 ft less 8 ft 8 in is 1 ft 4 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 7.2 · applied

  10. It cites Law 7.2 (The bowling crease).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

Test 3Non-turf and junior pitchesTake a test

  1. The minimum length is 58 ft / 17.68 m.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · recall

  2. The minimum width is 6 ft / 1.83 m.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · recall

  3. Law 6.5 is headed Non-turf pitches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · recall

  4. See Law 9.8 (Non-turf pitches).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · recall

  5. 60 ft exceeds 58 ft and 6.5 ft exceeds 6 ft.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · applied

  6. 17 m is below 17.68 m.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · applied

  7. 66 ft less 58 ft is 8 ft.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 6.5 · applied

  8. Law 6.6 leaves it to the national Governing Body.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.6 · recall

  9. The Law states no junior length.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.6 · recall

  10. The Governing Body sets the junior length.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.6 · applied

Test 4Fitness, preparation and changing the pitchTake a test

  1. The umpires shall be the sole judges.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.2 · recall

  2. See Laws 2.7 (Fitness for play) and 2.8 (Suspension of play).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.2 · recall

  3. The umpires are the sole judges of fitness.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.2 · applied

  4. The Ground Authority selects and prepares the pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.3 · recall

  5. During the match the umpires control its use and maintenance.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.3 · recall

  6. A change is possible only on the umpires' finding of danger or unreasonableness.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · recall

  7. Both captains must consent.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · recall

  8. Both captains must consent.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

  9. The umpires must decide it is dangerous or unreasonable first.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

  10. Both conditions of Law 6.4 are met.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

Test 5Cases and reviewTake a test

  1. Consent of both captains is still required.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

  2. Both captains must consent.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

  3. The umpires' finding is required.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

  4. Law 6.4 needs both.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · recall

  5. Law 6.4 does not mention the Ground Authority.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · recall

  6. Worn or unhelpful is not the test.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

  7. The width should be 10 feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  8. 21 yards 2 feet is 65 feet, a foot short of 66.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  9. Law 6.4 gives roles to the umpires and both captains.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

  10. Law 6.2 gives the umpires sole judgement of the pitch's fitness for play; 6.1 and 6.5 give measurements, and 6.6 leaves the junior pitch length to the Governing Body.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1-6.6 · recall

6.62The Pitch: Reading the Law - Statements, Figures, Clauses and Errors

True statements about each clause, working out figures from the pitch measurements, finding which clause says what, spotting errors in notes about the pitch, and cases from the ground.

Test 1Which statement is correct?Take a test

  1. Law 6.1 says the bowling creases bound the pitch at either end.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  2. The sides are imaginary lines 5 ft from the line joining the middle stumps.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  3. The umpires are the sole judges of fitness.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.2 · recall

  4. Selection and preparation are for the Ground Authority.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.3 · recall

  5. During the match the umpires control it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.3 · recall

  6. Both an umpires' decision and both captains' consent are needed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · recall

  7. Minimums: 58 ft by 6 ft.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · recall

  8. Law 6.6 gives it to the Governing Body.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.6 · recall

  9. Where a neighbouring artificial surface is close, the pitch stops at the junction.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  10. The side lines are measured from it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

Test 2Working out figures from the LawTake a test

  1. 66 ft multiplied by 10 ft is 660 square feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  2. 58 ft multiplied by 6 ft is 348 square feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · applied

  3. 660 less 348 is 312 square feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 6.5 · applied

  4. 10 feet is 120 inches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  5. 58 feet is 19 yards and 1 foot.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · applied

  6. 5 feet is 60 inches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  7. 66 ft less 58 ft is 8 ft, which is 2 yards 2 feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 6.5 · applied

  8. 10 feet is 3 yards and 1 foot.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  9. 66 divided by 6 is 11.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 6.5 · applied

  10. 10 ft less 6 ft is 4 ft, which is 48 inches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 6.5 · applied

Test 3Finding the clauseTake a test

  1. Law 6.1 describes the pitch by imaginary lines.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  2. Law 6.3 gives it selection and preparation.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.3 · recall

  3. Law 6.4 requires it for a change of pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · recall

  4. Law 6.6 gives it the junior length.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.6 · recall

  5. Law 6.5 gives the non-turf minimums.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · recall

  6. Law 6.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.2 · recall

  7. Law 6.1 deals with an adjoining artificial pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · recall

  8. Law 6.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · recall

  9. Law 6.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.3 · recall

  10. Law 6.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.2 · recall

Test 4Spot the errorTake a test

  1. The pitch is 10 feet wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  2. The pitch is 22 yards long.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  3. Each side line is 5 ft from it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  4. The bowling creases bound the pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  5. The non-turf minimum length is 58 ft.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · applied

  6. The non-turf minimum width is 6 ft.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · applied

  7. Law 6.2 makes the umpires the sole judges.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.2 · applied

  8. Preparation is for the Ground Authority.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.3 · applied

  9. Law 6.4 needs all of these.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

  10. Law 6.6 gives it to the Governing Body.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.6 · applied

Test 5Cases from the groundTake a test

  1. Preparation is the Ground Authority's duty.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.3 · applied

  2. The umpires are the sole judges of fitness.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.2 · applied

  3. A change needs dangerous or unreasonable conditions.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

  4. During the match the umpires control it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.3 · applied

  5. The Governing Body sets the junior length.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.6 · applied

  6. 55 ft is under 58 ft.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · applied

  7. Both measurements equal the minimums.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.5 · applied

  8. The artificial strip is closer than 5 feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.1 · applied

  9. During the match the umpires control maintenance.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.3 · applied

  10. Both captains' consent is needed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.4 · applied

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 6 with Laws 2.7, 2.8, 7.2 and 9.8 as cross-references (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Laws, not reproduced)

  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.136
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.418
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.514
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.310
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.28
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 6.67
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 6.55
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 7.21
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1-6.61