17.11.2020,13:11 30929 0

Dew Factor in Cricket

Dew Factor in Cricket

How Does Dew Factor Work in Cricket?

We often hear the term “dew factor” when a toss-winning captain in a cricket match explains why he decided to bowl first. Dew is simply the presence of excessive moisture on the field that makes it hard for bowlers to grip the ball and control it. As a result, the team batting second can take advantage.

Wh

Why Does Dew Form in the Nighttime?

ring the day, the surface of the earth is hotter than the air around it. In the nighttime, the reverse becomes true. The air remains warm while the crust, which releases heat quickly, cools down. Because there is a difference between the temperature of the earth and the air around its surface, molecules of water vapour condense in the air and form a layer on the grass. Thus, during day-night games, dew forms more often during the second innings that usually takes place later in the evening.

Ho

How Does Dew Affect a Bowler’s or Fielder’s Performance?

en there’s dew on the ground, a ball rolling through the ground becomes wet. The bowler finds it difficult to grip the ball that is more slippery and hard and is not able to control his line and length. A fast bowler often uses saliva to ensure greater shine on one side of the ball in order to aid swing. But he will find it hard to maintain the difference in shine or smoothness of a dew-affected wet ball. Spinners, who usually bowl after a few overs have been bowled by seam bowlers, are harder hit by dew, especially finger-spinners who must grip the ball properly in order to turn it. For fielders, grabbing or throwing the wet ball becomes harder.

How

How Does Dew on the Pitch Affect a Game?

there is dew on the pitch, the wicket becomes slower. However, because the surface gets freshened up by the moisture, there is no widening of cracks on it. As a result, the ball does not bounce much. However, the moisture in the air could aid lateral swing.

How

How to Overcome the Dew Factor?

strong>limit the effect of dew on the result of a game, organisers of matches opt not to water the ground before a game in order to keep it dry and capable of absorbing moisture, cut the grass very short to reduce dampness, use a non-toxic spray to neutralise the impact of early dew, use ropes during breaks to drain out dew and employ super soppers to reduce dampness on the field.

Summ

Summing up

dew factor can have a strong impact on any game. Fast bowlers, who find it hard to grip a wet ball with its seam upright, may resort to bowling cross-seam. Spinners, who are unable to turn the ball, begin to rely on length and line, a challenging task. They must aim at the pads to prevent batsmen from scoring freely. While taking catches, fielders point their fingers upwards to prevent the ball from slipping out. Anticipating dew later in the game, toss-winning captains elect to bowl first.

Liked? Share:
2   voted
Similar articles
Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2012
Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2012
Read more

The 5th edition of the Indian Premier League saw nine teams competing for the crown, and plenty of thrashings, upsets, and magnificent moments. Although it was quite a year for bowlers as well, the batters had their own very loud say. From Chris Gayle in his prime to a young Robin Uthappa, 2012 had a […]

Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2014
Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2014
Read more

In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League, every run counts. A batter can be the darling of the tournament one season only to be relegated to mediocrity the next. When runs make the backbone of the game, the batter to get the most is treasured beyond measure even if his team fails to […]

Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2010
Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2010
Read more

In just its third year of the tournament, IPL 2014 was just as much a spectacle as it is now, just with more novelty. The meta of the T20 format was still in the works, and many of the legends of ODI cricket were still at the top of their game. With pure T20 players […]

Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2017
Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2017
Read more

IPL 2017 was the 10th edition of the tournament that cricket lovers can’t get enough of. From smashing sixes to fabulous fours, here are the top run-scorers for this season of the tournament. Take a look! #5 Suresh Raina This soft-spoken Indian batsman has been a crucial part of the Chennai Super Kings franchise for […]

Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2016
Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2016
Read more

IPL 2016 was as full of fire as a cricket fan expects the tournament to be. In the end, Sunrisers Hyderabad emerged victorious and Royal Challengers Bangalore ended up as runners-ups. In all the matches that were played, these are the batsmen who scored the most runs in IPL 2016. #5 Shikhar Dhawan This powerhouse […]

Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2015
Top Run-Scorers of IPL 2015
Read more

2015 was another amazing season for the shortest and the most entertaining format of cricket – the Indian Premier League. This was the eighth season of the popular tournament that saw Mumbai Indians emerge as the winner. However, all the matches were as exciting and fun as ever for cricket experts and fans. Here are […]