Cricket fans are very well aware regarding cricket stumps and how they are very important in this game. It is the hold up of the intense clash between bat and ball and also the last destination of the bowls. Not alone is it indicative of tradition. The uniform height attached to stumps is something that changes the game and guarantees that the integrity of the game remains intact.
Rules and regulations give cricket a framework that gives the game more structure and equity. One such rule related to the height of the stumps is one of such regulations. It is one part that impacts a lot about how a game will turn out. This article discusses what standard height of stump means for cricket and its implications on various aspects of the game.
The Cricket Stumps’ Standard Height
Cricket comprises a myriad of laws, rules, and regulations. However, those governing the sports in all cricket-playing countries are formulated and enforced by the International Cricket Council (ICC). These regulations range from the material items used to the area within which the game is played. Among these regulations is the regulation that stipulates the height of a stump.
According to the Laws of Cricket, stumps should be 28 inches (71.1 cm) in height. The rationalization of this is to have uniformity in all games played-from the local park to the great international venues and a game played in the local league. This heightage compliance is important to make the sports a fair game.
Cricket Stump Height Variations Over Time
In the very start of cricket, such stumps were pretty basic and varied in height. They add some inconsistency in the game. As cricket grew as a game, it became apparent that all players needed the same kinds of stumps which improved organization but also made competition fairer.
These different heights of stumps show how adaptable cricket really can be. From various wooden constructions to modern, sleek stumps we use today, a quarter of a century proves how cricket keeps changing its laws to make the game more fun and equitable to a maximum level.
Technology has also changed the sport. Making the game even more interesting for the enthusiasts, these technological wonders include sensors and stump cameras. They also help in obtaining precise measurements.
Let’s discuss the various kinds of cricket stumps!
1. Wooden stumps
The classic kind of cricket stumps used in the game are made of wood. They are often handcrafted to guarantee uniformity in size and weight and are constructed from premium English willow wood. Three upright poles, each measuring 28 inches in height and 1.5 inches in diameter, make up the stumps. A tiny bit of dirt or a special stump gauge is used to hold the stumps in place once they are positioned in the ground, nine inches apart.
The fielding side can dismiss a batsman only if the wooden stumps are easily displaced by the ball. The batsman would thus be out only if the bails placed on top of the stumps are knocked out.
The old-fashioned wooden stumps have their cult. Most players and game lovers fancy them for being classic and giving an everlasting look. Besides being of a classic appearance, they are also considered to be more robust and long-lasting when compared to the other plastics or metals. As these wooden stumps are generally available in international matches, they are the most commonly used in any professional match.
2. Metal stumps
Metal stumps are cricket stumps made of metal, usually aluminium. These stumps are easier to handle and weigh less than timber stumps. In limited-overs cricket, normally for events like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 matches, these metal stamps are used.
These stumps also measure 28 inches high and 1.5 inches in diameter, dimensions comparable to those of hardwood stumps. Similar to wooden stumps, the stumps are placed in the ground with nine inches separating them. The primary difference between the two types of stumps is that the metal stumps have plastic bails that can be removed.
When the ball strikes the bails used with metal stamps, they are lightweight and easily removed from the stumps. For the convenience of both the players and the umpires in seeing them, they are often painted in bright colors. For this reason, the stamps are used very often by cricket teams and event organizers-dependable and maintenance-free.
In fact, since most international cricket is played using wooden stumps, metal stumps are generally not used in almost all professional matches. However, they are commonly used in amateur and recreational competitions where they provide a simple solution with their portability and ease of setup.
3. Plastic stumps
The synthetic type of cricket stump generally used in junior or leisure matches. They are made from premium plastic therefore providing portability, strength, and lightweight. Plastic stumps, however, decay and distort when used in wet conditions as they go through extremes of weather.
Each of these plastic stumps has a height of thirty-five inches and a diameter of 1.5 inches, thus being similar in shape and size to metal and timber stumps. Just like metal and wooden stumps, the stumps are often placed in the ground with nine inches between them.
Normally, the bails used in conjunction with plastic stumps are the same material as the stumps, though some models may have very lightweight detachable plastic bails. Plastic stumps are brightly painted so as to make them visible for the players and umpires.
Wooden stumps usually become the standard in international cricket, which means that plastic stumps are for the less professional matches. However, they are still more economical and much easier to handle than wooden or metal cricket stumps; thus, they are often used in junior or less competitive cricket matches. Sand or backyard matches also use them frequently, as when they are concerned about mobility and durability.
Some Reviews on Cricket Stump
