22yard

22yard is a term used in cricket to denote the standard length of a cricket pitch. The playing surface is a rectangular strip that is 22 yards long and 10 feet wide; the distance between the bowling crease at one end and the popping crease at the other is 22 yards, roughly 20.12 meters. The boundary between creases defines the pitch length for all official matches.

The 22-yard distance is central to how the game is played. It influences bowling and batting strategies by affecting the time the ball has to bounce, seam, and move off the surface, as well as the reaction time for batsmen. Pitch conditions—such as moisture, grass cover, and wear—along with weather, can change how the ball behaves on the 22-yard strip, creating varying levels of pace and bounce over the course of a match.

Standards and governance: The dimensions are specified in the Laws of Cricket as part of the pitch specifications. Groundskeepers prepare the strip to these standards for Tests, One Day Internationals, T20s, and domestic matches. While the basic length remains 22 yards, the surface treatment can differ between venues and matches, leading to different playing characteristics.

Etymology and usage: The term 22yard is sometimes used colloquially to refer to the pitch itself or to ground preparation, distinguishing it from the outfield. It is widely recognized in cricket literature, commentary, and statistics as the baseline playing length for the sport.