What size should a synthetic pitch be, and how is it marked for junior formats?
Guideline- Australia
- Cricket Australia
- Facility Guidelines
- Pitches and grounds
- All formats
- 2023
- Curators
Guidance Note 02 (Playing Pitches) sets these dimensions for synthetic centre pitches:
| Element | Minimum | Desirable |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 25m | 28m |
| Width | 2.4m | 2.8m |
The longer length lets the bowler take several strides on the same surface before delivery. Width matters particularly for junior development, because juniors enjoy it more when they can land the ball on the pitch, and it helps spin bowlers pitch the ball wide.
Marking for junior formats. Cricket Australia recommends building all synthetic pitches to these dimensions so they can be marked for the full range of junior and senior cricket:
- Stage 1 Junior Cricket: 16m stump to stump.
- Stage 2 Junior Cricket: 18m stump to stump.
- Stage 3 Junior Cricket: the standard pitch length of 20.12m, with no unique markings needed.
If site or ground conditions prevent full sized pitches, reduced sizes may be considered after contacting the relevant State or Territory Association.
Added 24 Oct 2026