Dew Factor In Cricket
When you are watching a match, there are many situations when the dew factor is discussed. Let’s unravel what the dew factor in cricket means. Dew factor is the moisture in the environment, which impacts the game during the day and night matches. It plays a pivotal role in the game. Generally, dew forms in the environment when evening arrives, and it increases in quantity till the night appears. It covers the pitch with a layer of moisture and wetness.
The dew factor is majorly prominent in the day-night matches. Because moisture in the air starts appearing at nighttime because of atmospheric phenomena. Earlier dew factor was not very popular because mostly the matches used to take place in the daytime only. But, with the emergence of technologies and the advent of time, matches can occur at night. The dew factor often hinders night matches. In fact, when the amount of dew gets high in the environment, then often the matches also get cancelled.
The dew factor is of immense importance because it impacts the performances of teams. Teams often formulate decision-taking dew factor in a note while choosing for batting and bowling. Because of the dew factor, the team winning the toss goes for bowling first. It is because the dew factor impacts the bowler’s performance to great folds. Spinners often face difficulty in bowling when there is moisture in nature and dew on the pitch’s surface.
But, the dew factor bestows a great advantage to the batsman. Bowlers do not have a stable grip on the ball, and they can’t deliver it with the same agility and dexterity. This factor helps the batsman in gaining extra runs. We can conclude that the dew factor works against the bowling team, but it is quite advantageous for the batting team. Dew factor raises the prospects of winning for the batting team by giving them an edge over the bowlers and fielders.
Why Does Dew Form in the Nighttime?
Water vapours are an integral component of the air. It also results in the formation of dew in nature. When there are warmer temperatures, the air holds water vapour quite effectively. But when the air is cold and condensed, it lacks the stability to clench the water vapours. It further results in the bursting of moisture into the environment.
he water vapours unlock from the air in the form of moisture-laden dew drops. The dew droplets fall on the surfaces and especially on grass and make the grass wet and moisture-rich; the process of dew formation is more prominent at the night time, early morning and at twilight.
How to Overcome the Dew Factor?
Following are the top five ways by which one can eliminate the dew factor during the cricket matches:
- The administration team must guide the pitch keepers about the dew formation. It should instruct them to abstain from cleaning the pitch with water for at least three days before the match.
- Second, cut the grass to the lowest stage possible. Keeping the grass short will help in decreasing the quantity of moisture that accumulates on grass leaves.
- Use ropes between the match break to soak the formed moisture from the pitch’s surface.
- There are a variety of non-toxic sprays available in the marketplace which can decrease the effect of dew. Spraying them uniformly all over the field will help in soaking all the dew from the pitch.
- The best way to overcome dew factor is super-soppers. It is a powerful weapon that soaks all the moisture from the pitch in a super-fast manner.
How Does Dew on the Pitch Affect a Game?
 Dew on the pitch forges a lot of complications in the cricket match. It creates trouble for the spinners and fast bowlers. They cannot maintain a strong grip on their ball because of the moisture on the ball and pitch. Dew also creates difficulties for the fielders as they find it hard to catch the slippery ball. Although, dew works in favour of the batsman. He can easily score good runs as dew hampers the delivery proficiency of the bowler. Basically, dew is a favourable aspect for the batting time but a bane for the bowling team.
How Does Dew Affect a Bowler’s Performance?
Dew creates serious troubles for the bowlers. It restricts the spinners from attempting the ball with varieties. Spinners lack the appropriate line and length, destroying the resilience of the bowling style. They lose their grip and struggle hard to attain momentum and hold on to the ball.
Dew is also pretty challenging for the fast bowlers. Fast bowlers tend to rub the ball to attempt fast bowling. But, when there is dew, the ball becomes extremely wet. The seam of the ball is of cloth which takes a very long time to dry. In these ways, dew makes bowling really a task for bowlers.
How Does Dew Affect a Fielder’s Performance?
Dew does not only trouble the bowling team’s captain and bowlers but it also poses serious challenges for fielders. When there is dew on the surface of the pitch, the ball tends to become extremely wet. It becomes really soapy and slippery which makes catching very hard for the fielders.
They have to be more cautious and skilful while catching balls during the night matches when the rate of dew is relatively high. The fielder remains extra vigilant and catches the ball with more concrete support than usual. Dew definitely increases the approach of fielders.
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