Green top in cricket refers to the type of pitch on a Cricket field or court. A Cricket pitch is the central strip on the field between wickets. It measures 22 yards long and 10 feet wide. The surface of the pitch is normally flat and covered with extremely short grass. In a green top, the pitch has an extra grass cover that can affect the bounce of the ball.
Playing on a Green Top
In Cricket, a green top is usually referred to as a batsmen’s graveyard. This kind of pitch gives the bowlers an advantage because they can cause more movement and bounce on the ball. The ball also skids more when played on a green top compared to a flat pitch or wicket.Playing on a green top is also influenced by moisture. The grass on a green top creates moisture on the surface. The more moisture there is, the more movement across the pitch. Batsmen usually get deceived when the moisture is high because the ball changes trajectory after the swing.
The ball remains shiny on green top pitches or wickets. The ball doesn’t roughen up as much because of the extra moisture, especially when playing the red ball. But, when the sun is up, the batsmen can have their turn and play to their advantage.
Green top wickets are great for fast bowlers. It enables their movements and for fast bowlers, playing on a green top is a dream. It is on this type of pitch or wicket that the bowler can showcase their swing and pace. Some of the best bowlers on green top pitches are from England, South Africa, and Australia where they have a lot of ground boasting of green top pitches. These bowlers include Starc, Anderson, and Steyn.