Pitch map

In the context of a particular match or a single game episode, the pitch map is a scalar visualization approach that is intended to analyze the efficiency of a bowler’s efforts. The speed at which the bowler serves the ball, the rebound off the surface of the field, the spin of the ball while it is in the air, the angle of deflection, the height, the precise distance that the projectile travels before it strikes the pitch and a great deal of other parameters are all taken into consideration.

General Overview of the Pitch Map in Cricket

There have been a number of visualization methods that have found application in the practice of coaching staffs and have swiftly become a part of the everyday job of mentors. Despite the fact that cricket has historically been regarded a conservative game, technological development has not spared it either. The analysis of the performances of players and their opponents is carried out with the assistance of these systems. Additionally, dynamic diagrams and pitch maps are put up with the assistance of these systems, which are also used for the communication of cricket matches on television.

To begin, the cricket pitch map is used for the purpose of conducting an in-depth examination of the bowler’s movements. This makes it very evident in which area (or parts) of the pitch the balls that he served landed, as well as the angle at which they bounced. As a result of the fact that the pitch map is, in reality, an enhanced simulator of the playing area, the balls are marked in a variety of colors for the comfort of the audience. This enables us to form a judgment about the quality of the serve.

Technical Visualization Of the Pitch Map

On the pitch map, the projectile is visually represented as a sphere with a resolution of phi or theta multiplied by 10. The pitch is in the form of a volumetric texture, and the pegs are displayed in the shape of cylinders with a resolution of five times twenty-five.

Even a glance at the pitch map is enough to gauge the bowler’s performance since the playing area is visually divided into six sections, namely:

1. Short;
2. Short of Good Length;
3. Good Length;
4. Over Pitched;
5. Yorker;
6. Full Toss.

The color red is commonly used for the short-ball shape. The intersection of this zone and the middle of the pitch is the same. The bowler is at risk of experiencing possible harm as a result of this. In the first place, if the projectile falls in the middle of the playing field, the batter will have more time to evaluate the speed and direction of his flight and to formulate a strategy for a great counterstrike.

In the second place, the only way for the short-ball to pose a threat to the batsman is if the bowler intentionally fires the ball to the head. As a result of the shot being imprecise, it is extremely simple to hit the ball, which may result in significant difficulties for the side that is attempting to score runs (in particular, an experienced batter can take the ball in the appropriate direction and execute multiple runs, so raising the score).

The ball that has been indicated in purple is the one that has struck the Short of Good length. The movements of the batter and whether or not he was able to reach the projectile are the factors that will determine whether or not the serve is successful in this scenario. As a matter of fact, when the ball reaches the Short or Good length, there is a good likelihood that it will strike the wicket.

Ball Types, Impact Zones and Strategic Use

A good length is considered to be the ideal sector for bowler innings since hitting the ball in this interval not only slows down the batsman. It is essential that he makes the appropriate choice in a split second and considerably improves the chances of getting out of the game. Fast bowlers often practice hitting other sectors (simply because, in their case, the ball’s flight is not rare) and the good length is a form of quality mark for an offensive player. Fast bowlers usually practice hitting other sectors. The pitch map in cricket will display a green mark for any balls that strike this particular spot.

The bright orange color is used to indicate balls that have been over pitched. Due to the fact that a significant shift in position or a transfer of weight from one leg to the other is not necessary in such a scenario, the majority of batters consider this zone to be perfect for arranging an efficient counterattack. An over-pitched shot is nearly always a negative for a bowler since it is not difficult to reach the ball, and the delay that results from it enables for at least four runs to be scored before the ball is returned.

Yorker balls are marked in light green. This is one of the most difficult serves for both the attacking player and the batsman. It is difficult for the first to place the ball after the ball in this zone accurately, the second can make a mistake, taking the projectile, and miss the opportunity to make injuries. As a rule, bowlers prefer to resort to yorkers at the end of the match when the batsman is in a hurry and is ready to take risks for a few quick runs.

Full toss balls are colored yellow. This type of serve is also risky since the hit can only become unbeatable if the bowler sent the ball to a level above the batsman’s hip. Any mistake, accordingly, turns against the attacking player himself and his team.

It is interesting: the pitch map is a source of invaluable clues for batsmen. It allows you to study the manner of play of the upcoming opponent and prepare for the match better, having identified potentially vulnerable zones and developing defensive tactics.