Ground Care

Cricket Pitch Heatwave Tips – How to Prepare Your Grounds for Extreme Heat

As summer heats up, so do the challenges for cricket ground staff, which is why our reliable cricket pitch heatwave tips may become essential. Whether you’re managing a grassroots club or a larger facility, preparing your pitch for high temperatures is essential for keeping the game going.  

When temperatures soar, cricket pitches face serious problems. The sun bakes moisture out of the soil, grass becomes stressed and what was once a reliable playing surface can quickly turn into something unpredictable and potentially unsafe.  

But here’s the thing – with some forward planning and the right approach, your club can stay ahead of the heat. Simple changes to watering routines, thinking longer-term about drought management and getting everyone involved can make all the difference. 

Here are some key cricket pitch heatwave tips to help you get ready when the sun doesn’t let up. 

Water Wisely
Irrigation is one of the biggest concerns when temperatures rise. But more water doesn’t always mean better results. According to the Grounds Management Association (GMA), the most efficient time to water is early morning or late evening when evaporation is low. 

Other smart cricket pitch heatwave tips include: 

• Prioritising high-wear areas.
• Monitoring soil moisture instead of watering to a schedule.
• Avoiding overwatering, which can be as harmful as drought.

When drought restrictions are in place, it’s crucial to undersand your legal responsibilities. Some exemptions exist for preparing sports pitches but always check with your local water authority first. 

Think Long-Term with Drought Management
Heatwaves might feel like a temporary issue but the truth is they’re becoming more frequent. So, one of our biggest cricket pitch heatwave tips is to start thinking long-term. Consider: 

• Installing a rainwater harvesting system or borehole.
• Using wetting agents to help your soil retain moisture.
• Regularly aerating the outfield to help water reach the roots.

Planning ahead helps ensure your ground is protected year after year, not just this summer. 

Safety First for Ground Staff
It’s easy to focus attention on the pitch but we can’t forget about the people looking after it. Here are a few heatwave essentials for ground teams: 

• Schedule grounds work early in the day when temperatures are cooler.
• Take regular breaks in the shade and stay hydrated.
• Wear sun protection: wide-brimmed hats, light clothing and high-SPF sunscreen.

No match is worth putting health at risk. Creating a safe working environment is part of what makes a club truly sustainable. 

Share the load
Another of our favourite cricket pitch heatwave tips? Don’t do it all alone.  

Getting your pitch ready for summer heat shouldn’t fall to one or two people. Encourage the whole club – players, parents, volunteers – to help share the load. A few extra hands can go a long way when you’re trying to water, mow or prepare covers in sweltering heat. 

This also builds a stronger club culture because when everyone’s involved, everyone cares more. 

Keep Learning, Keep Improving 
If you’re looking for practical, up-to-date guidance, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) has put together an excellent Watering and Drought Management Toolkit filled with advice tailored to cricket clubs of all levels. 

For ongoing advice, tools and guides, check out the full Grounds Management Toolkit. The GMA and the ECB have worked together to make it easier than ever to keep your pitch playable, whatever the weather.