How to read a cricket pitch report: what commentators mean by a green top, a dry deck or dew, and how the pitch and toss shape your fantasy picks.
Before every match, commentators crouch over the surface and deliver the pitch report — but what does it mean for you? Here is how to read a cricket pitch report and use it, especially for fantasy.
A cricket pitch report describes the surface and conditions: how much grass, how hard or dry the deck is, and how it is likely to play as the match goes on.
A good pitch report guides your picks: load up on seamers for a green top, pick spinners for a dry deck, and favour the chasing side when heavy dew is expected.
Combine the pitch report with the toss — batting first or chasing can swing the whole game.