What makes a wicket a fast or slow wicket?

Question

What details of the pitch make a wicket 'fast,' 'slow,' or 'offer lots of spin?'

I don't know cause in the USA no one plays cricket.

Answer 1

Everytime the ball strikes the pitch, the speed of it retards. It is the rate of speed retardation that decides whether the wicket is fast or slow. It is difficult to bat on pitches where the deaccleration is either too less or too high.

As to what makes the ball to get slower or not-so-slower depends on the laws of friction. A harder surface would see a lot less slowing down. Also, the smoothness of the surface matters. If the surface is crumbling, dusty or rough, the retardation also is higher. The state of the ball also makes a difference. A shinier and harder ball will travel faster that one that is rough, worn out and a lot softer.

Regarding "spin", the ball has to "grip" the surface to turn. So on surfaces that are rough (or if the ball is rough), there is a higher degree of turn. Also, in some places, moisture content plays a role with spin. On subcontinent pitches, early mornings always have spin. This is because the moisture in the surface helps the ball to grip on the surface and spin.

Thus it is basically the coefficient of friction when the ball hits the pitch that decides whether the wicket is fast, slow or turning.

Answer 2

if the pitch has a little moisture and grass on it it will favour the seamers(fast bowlers) and it will be difficult for the batsman to play fast bowling .So in this case the wicket is fast. whereas
on dry pitches as in Asia and africa there are cracks on the pitches which widen during the game play here fast bowling is
not effective. In this case the wicket is said to be slow.

Spin bowling is effective on dry pitches where seamers do not work.

Answer 3

The weather and the amount of grass on the pitch And the most the soil.

Answer 4

Yeah it's possible

Answer 5

I often end up posting the same thing on other sites

Answer 6

Please check the following link regarding details of pitches and preparation of pitches:

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ABOUT_CRICKET/PITCHES/PREP_OF_PITCHES.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_pitch