Pitch Cracks and Variable Bounce

Surface cracks that open as the pitch dries, producing inconsistent bounce and lateral deviation off the seam.

'Pitch' comes from the Old English 'piccean' — to fix or plant — referring to the strip 'pitched' between the wickets.

MCC's Laws (first codified 1744, current 2017 edition) set the 22-yard pitch and playing-area dimensions cricket still uses today.

Cracks change the bounce coefficient locally — a ball hitting a crack can shoot through or rear up.

Senior bowlers target crack zones with a stable seam to maximise variable bounce.