CRICKET PITCH MARKINGS & SIZE GUIDE

In this guide we’ll provide all the information you could ever need in order to mark out a cricket pitch correctly, ensuring fair and legal play. Getting the pitch dimensions and markings correct is essential if your club is regulated by the Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) laws.

We’ve also included some additional information that can be useful for any amateur or aspiring groundskeepers, including turf types and how they tend to vary across different levels of the game. By the end of the guide, you’ll also pick up some fun cricket facts and stats — perfect for your next sports or pub quiz!

DIMENSIONS OF A CRICKET FIELD

A cricket field is typically oval or circular in shape. Its overall size is not strictly fixed although the diameter usually ranges from 137 to 150 meters (450 to 500 feet) for men's professional cricket matches. For women's matches, the size of the cricket field is normally slightly smaller, with the diameter of the overall field usually 110 to 130 meters (360 to 420 feet).

The table below contains key measurements for marking out a senior cricket field.

To give some examples and to put these measurements in to some kind of context, the table below contains the approximate diameters of some of the most well known cricket grounds from around the world:

For local and school grounds, field size may be restricted by available space, but the wicket dimensions must still conform to the official regulations.

Standard Cricket Wicket Dimensions

The cricket wicket (sometimes called the "cricket pitch") forms the foundation of the game, where much of the action takes place. It is best to start with the wicket and measure and set it up correctly before marking out the rest of the cricket field. The cricket wicket, is the central strip of the field, where bowlers run in, batters defend their wickets, and many of the game’s crucial decisions are made. While the overall size of the field can vary, the dimensions of the wicket itself remain consistent for all senior-level formats.

As per Law 6.1 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, the pitch must be a rectangular area that measures:

• Length: 20.12 metres (22 yards / 66 feet)
• Width: 3.05 metres (10 feet)

The wicket strip is a level, firm and flat surface prepared to ensure fair play. It is consistent across all senior formats including Test, ODI, and T20 cricket.

Senior-level pitches are typically prepared from turf (natural grass), while synthetic wickets may be used at junior or recreational level.

Key Cricket Wicket Markings

Below is a list of the key markings that define the field of play. They are crucial for umpiring decisions and the rules of the game in general. Here's what each marking means and how it’s measured:

• Bowling Crease: 2.64 metres (8.66 feet) long. The stumps sit in the centre of this line.

• Popping Crease: Positioned 1.22 metres (4 feet) in front of the stumps. It's the line a batter must reach to be safe from a run-out. It is 3.66 metres long and marked parallel to the bowling crease. The back edge of this crease is the one used to judge both batter and bowler positioning.

• Return Crease: Extends 2.44 metres (8 feet) behind the popping crease on either side. Bowlers must keep their back foot within this area during delivery.

• Wide Guidelines (Limited Overs Only): Placed 43.18 centimetres (17 inches) from each return crease to help determine wide balls.

• Protected Area Indicators: Located 1.53 metres (5 feet) from the popping crease and 30.48 centimetres (12 inches) from the middle stump. These help preserve the central part of the wicket. They are 7.62cm in length and ensure bowlers avoid footfall that could damage the wicket area.

All crease lines should be 2.5cm (1 inch) in width and clearly visible to match officials.

Junior Cricket Wicket Lengths

Younger players use shorter wickets to match their stage of development. This improves safety and helps junior players to develop correct technique when batting and bowling. The table below shows the different lengths of cricket wicket recommended for different age groups.

These lengths are recommended by Cricket Australia and may vary slightly depending on local association rules or space limitations.

CRICKET STUMPS HEIGHT & WIDTH

The stumps and bails are essential and iconic components of the game. Their dimensions are standardised to ensure consistency and fairness in play. The regulation height for cricket stumps  is 71.12 cm (28 inches) above the playing surface, as set by the  MCC Laws.

There are two sets of stumps on the cricket wicket. These are placed at opposite ends and parallel to each other, in the centre of each bowling crease.
Two bails sit on grooves at the top of the stumps.

If the ball dislodges the bails, it is considered a wicket — making precision in their dimensions critical.

• Two bails sit on grooves at the top of the stumps

• Stump Height: 71.12 centimetres (28.00 inches)

• Width (Set of 3 Stumps): 22.86 centimetres (9.00 inches)

• Each bail should not project more than 1.27 cm (0.50 inches) above the stumps
• A single bail is 111.1 mm (4.38 inches) long

Stumps are usually made of ash or durable composite plastic for practice purposes.

HOW TO MARK OUT A CRICKET WICKET AND FIELD

Before any cricket match can begin, it is crucial that the entire cricket field is marked out correctly and accurately. This will ensure consistency across matches and also ensures that key areas from creases to restriction zones are compliant with official regulations. Following the right steps with the right cricket field marking equipment, and knowing the correct cricket field dimensions and markings will result in a professional-looking and rule-abiding cricket field set up.

The Crease

The crease in this case, refers to all of the crease lines and markings including the popping crease, bowling crease and other crease lines.

To mark out the crease accurately and cleanly, use a professional cricket crease marker. Line marking paint can be applied along the marker’s edges to create sharp, long-lasting lines.

The bowling crease runs across the wicket 2.64 metres (8 feet 8 inches) long and in line where the stumps are positioned. 

The popping crease is a line marked 1.22 metres (4 feet) in front of and parallel to the bowling crease. 

It is important that the crease is marked out accurately. It plays a vital part in the rules in relation to whether or not the batter can be run out or stumped, and the bowler's front foot must not land the popping crease line during delivery. 

The 30-Yard Circle

This fielding restriction circle is used in limited overs cricket to control how many players are allowed outside the inner field area during specific phases of an innings. It is marked 27.4 metres from the centre stump (or 23 metres (25.15 yards) for women’s matches) at both ends of the field.

To mark the 30-yard circle:

• Using a tape measure, measure 27.4 metres (30.00 yards) from the centre stump (or 23 metres (25.15 yards) for women’s matches) outwards from middle stump

• Place a marker or spray dot at this distance

• Move the measuring tape 4.5 metres left/right and mark again

• Repeat to complete a semi-circle at each end of the wicket

• Join the semi-circles with two straight lines parallel to the wicket

You now have your 30-yard circle ready for play

The Boundary

While the wicket is fixed, boundary dimensions vary depending on ground size and competition rules.

• Men’s international boundaries must be between 59.43 metres (65 yards) and 82.29 metres (90 yards) from the centre of the wicket

• Women’s international boundaries range from 54.86 metres (60 yards) to 64.01 metres (70 yards)

• Recreational cricket boundaries are often flexible and defined by competition handbooks

Boundaries can be measured from the centre of the pitch or the middle stump depending on the competition guidelines.

Boundaries are commonly marked with:

• White lines

• Boundary rope

• Flag poles or discs

Boundary markers must be visible to umpires and players, and rope should lie flat and not pose a tripping hazard.

ADDITIONAL FIELD & PITCH CONSIDERATIONS

Ideally groundskeepers and club trustees should consider not only the official dimensions and markings set out by the MCC, but also local conditions. These may include local climate factors, topography and any other factors which may influence how the field is best set up and maintained.

Pitch Orientation

If possible, the cricket pitch should be set up in a north-south direction. This will minimise the impact of sun glare, which can be particularly important during the warmer months in Australia.

Pitch Gradient & Surface

A very gentle slope of 1:100 to 1:150 (meaning for 100m horizontal distance, the pitch would drop an almost invisible 1m to 1.5m); helps avoid water from pooling without impacting play significantly. The outfield grass length should be maintained at a length of approximately 10-15mm before matches to allow for consistent fielding conditioning and safe footing.

Synthetic & Multi-Sport Surfaces

When marking cricket fields on synthetic turf or shared-use spaces, use temporary line-marking paint or tape that won't damage the surface. Avoid chalk or lime-based products that may degrade artificial grass.

Inclusive & Adaptive Cricket Setups

Cricket Australia supports several inclusive formats. These include blind cricket, wheelchair cricket, and all-abilities cricket. Field sizes, wicket dimensions, and ball types may differ for these formats. Before setting up a cricket field or cricket facility, check with your local governing body or refer to Cricket Australia’s Inclusion & Diversity Guidelines for tailored setups and accessibility guidelines and laws.

Beyond the Boundary – Sight Screens & Safety Zones

According to MCC Law 19.1.2, sight screens must be placed outside the boundary. Additionally, the ECB recommends a 3-yard (2.74m) safety buffer zone around the boundary to prevent injury.

This zone should be kept clear of any objects like:

• Sight screens

• Scoreboards

• Fencing or pavilions

Get Match Ready with Net World Sports Australia

Now that you're equipped with all the essential knowledge regarding cricket field and pitch measurements, and markings, with the right equipment to hand, you should be able to set up your own. Whether it’s for a school, club, or backyard game.

At Net World Sports, we stock a wide range of high-quality cricket equipment, including cricket pitch marking equipment & tools, cricket training aids, scoreboards, cricket balls, plus much more!

All designed for performance, safety, and long-lasting use.