Role of pitch in swing and seam movement of cricket ball

In summary, the speaker talked about the swing of a cricket ball, and how different things like the pitch can affect the swing. He also mentioned that there is more to swing than just air, and that there are different ways to seam the ball.
  • #1
Sourabh N
635
0
Recently I attended a lecture related to the physics behind swing of cricket ball.
But the speaker dealt with the swing before pitching(and dealt loosely with late swing). He took only the effects of air in consideration. I am interested to know how the pitch effects the swing(or seam movement) of ball.
 
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  • #2
someone please reply.
 
  • #3
Basically, seaming is due to the (funnily enough!) is due to the seam. By angling the seam by various amounts, you can get the ball to bounce differently.

Wiki Seam bowling article

Might be a good idea to show the England bowlers the article as well, and they might learn how to bowl half sharp!

Edit: Just saw you want to know about the pitch. Well, obviously when you see massive cracks in the pitch, this helps the ball to bounce irregularly. A smoother pitch, however, will lead to a more regular, predictible bounce. Hope this helps!
 
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  • #4
Thanks Archduke. Actually I've heard that on grassy pitch the ball swings more (something like that). How can this happen?
 
  • #5
someone, please try.
 
  • #6
Hey, this excerpt from a book by Donald Bradman might help; it seems pretty comprehensive.

Bradman's "The Art of Cricket"

As for your green pitch question, I think it's because the grass helps protect the ball, so it keeps its sheen for longer, and probably helps because of the moisture of the grass. Also, a green pitch is probably indicative of the local climate; a green pitch is likely to be somewhere where it rains a lot, and is generally overcast - which helps with the swing as well. But yeah, Bradman is likely to do a better job at explaining that me!
 
  • #8
Your first reason(green helps protect the ball) seems correct but the second reason(rains a lot, moisture, etc.) has no effect on swing(i'm sure bout it).
Thanks anyway.
 

1. What is the role of pitch in swing and seam movement of a cricket ball?

The pitch in cricket refers to the strip of grass on which the game is played. The condition and type of pitch can greatly impact the movement of the cricket ball. The roughness, moisture, and hardness of the pitch can influence the amount of swing and seam movement a ball experiences when it is bowled.

2. How does the pitch affect swing and seam movement of a cricket ball?

The pitch has a significant role in determining the amount and direction of swing and seam movement of a cricket ball. A dry and hard pitch will cause the ball to bounce more, reducing the amount of swing and seam movement. On the other hand, a damp and soft pitch will allow the ball to grip and deviate more, resulting in more swing and seam movement.

3. Can a bowler control the swing and seam movement of a cricket ball on any type of pitch?

Yes, a skilled bowler can manipulate the swing and seam movement of a cricket ball to a certain extent, regardless of the pitch conditions. They can use different techniques, such as varying the speed, angle, and release of the ball, to create swing and seam movement despite the pitch conditions.

4. How does the direction of the seam affect swing and seam movement of a cricket ball?

The direction of the seam plays a crucial role in determining the amount of swing and seam movement of a cricket ball. When the seam is angled towards the batsman, it creates an air pocket on one side of the ball, causing it to swing away from the batsman. On the other hand, a seam angled towards the fielder will cause the ball to swing towards the batsman.

5. Are there any other factors besides the pitch that can influence swing and seam movement of a cricket ball?

Yes, apart from the pitch, other factors such as atmospheric conditions, ball condition, and bowling technique can also impact the swing and seam movement of a cricket ball. Wind speed and direction, humidity, and air temperature can affect the aerodynamics of the ball, resulting in changes in its movement. Additionally, the condition of the ball, such as its shine and roughness, can also affect its ability to swing and seam.

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