Dew in cricket is a common factor in night matches, especially in limited-overs games. It changes how the ball behaves and often shapes match results. Many fans search this topic to understand why teams prefer chasing at night and how players adjust.
This guide explains what dew is in cricket, how it affects batting and bowling, and why captains talk so much about it at the toss.
What is dew in cricket?
Dew in cricket means moisture that forms on the grass and pitch surface during evening or night matches. It usually appears after sunset when the temperature drops and humidity rises. The moisture settles on the outfield first and then reaches the pitch and ball.
In simple words, dew makes the ball and ground wet, which changes control and movement.
Why does dew occur during cricket matches?
Dew forms because of natural weather conditions. It is more common in certain situations.
- Clear skies at night
- High humidity
- Low wind speed
- Green outfields with grass
Score all your matches for FREE!
When these factors combine, moisture settles quickly after sunset. That is why dew is mostly seen in day-night matches.
When is dew most common in cricket?
Dew in cricket is most common in these formats and situations:
- T20 and ODI night matches
- Day-night Test matches during winter and early summer evenings
- Matches played in the winter months
- Stadiums near rivers or coastal areas
- Grounds with high humidity
Countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE see heavy dew during night games.
How dew affects cricket matches
Effect on bowling
Bowling is the most affected part of the game when dew comes in.
Grip problem for bowlers
The ball becomes slippery. Spinners struggle to grip the ball properly. Even fast bowlers find it tough to hold seam position.
Reduced spin and swing
Spinners get less turn because fingers slide on the ball. Swing bowlers also lose control since the seam does not stay upright for long.
Higher risk of no-balls
Wet hands increase the chance of overstepping the crease. This can lead to free hits and extra runs.
Effect on batting
Batting usually becomes easier when the dew settles.
- The ball comes nicely onto the bat
- Timing improves due to reduced friction
- The outfield becomes faster, helping the boundaries
- Fielders struggle to stop the ball cleanly
That is why chasing teams often enjoy an edge in heavy dew conditions.
Effect on fielding
Fielding becomes difficult once the grass is wet.
- Slips and misfields increase
- Throws lose accuracy
- Catching becomes risky
- Fielders hesitate while diving
Even experienced fielders find it tough to control the ball when the dew is strong.
Why do teams prefer chasing because of dew?
In modern limited-overs cricket, captains often choose to bowl first after winning the toss. The reason is simple.
- Batting becomes easier later
- Bowlers lose control in the second innings
- Target becomes more manageable
This trend is common in leagues and international tournaments played at night.
How do teams manage dew in cricket?
Teams use several methods to reduce the effect of dew.
Towels and sawdust
Fielders carry towels to dry the ball. Groundsmen may use sawdust near the boundary to reduce surface moisture.
Frequent ball changes
Umpires allow ball changes if the ball becomes too wet. This helps bowlers regain some control.
Shorter spells for spinners
Captains limit spinner overs and rely more on fast bowlers who can manage with cross-seam deliveries.
Adjusted field placements
Captains keep more fielders inside the circle to reduce chasing on wet grass.
Does dew affect all pitches equally?
No. Dew impact depends on pitch type and location.
- Dry pitches show stronger dew effect
- Grass-heavy grounds hold more moisture
- Open stadiums see faster cooling
- Closed stadiums may reduce dew slightly
That is why dew is stronger in some venues than others.
Dew in cricket vs rain: what is the difference?
Many fans confuse dew with rain, but they are not the same.
- Rain falls from clouds and can stop play
- Dew forms slowly and does not stop matches
- Rain affects pitch behavior immediately
- Dew mainly affects ball handling
Both change conditions, but dew works quietly and steadily.
Is dew an unfair advantage?
This topic often comes up after close matches. Dew is a natural condition, not a rule issue. Teams know the risks before the match starts.
Toss luck plays a role, but adapting to conditions is part of cricket.
Dew in Test vs T20 and ODI cricket
Dew has the biggest impact on:
- T20 matches
- ODIs played under lights
In Test cricket, dew matters less because most games are played during the day. Day-night Tests with pink balls can still feel some dew effect, but it is controlled better.
Can teams reduce the impact of dew?
Teams try a few things, but full control is not possible.
- Using towels to dry the ball
- Applying anti-dew sprays on the outfield
- Frequent ball changes in limited-overs games
Even with these steps, heavy dew still affects the match balance.
Quick summary
- Dew in cricket is moisture forming on the field during night matches
- It makes bowling and fielding harder
- Batting becomes easier while chasing
- Toss decisions often depend on dew conditions
Understanding dew helps fans read match situations better and explains many on-field decisions.
FAQs
What is dew in cricket?
Dew in cricket refers to moisture that settles on the ground, pitch, and ball during evening or night matches. It forms when the temperature drops and the humidity rises after sunset.
Why does dew affect cricket matches?
Dew makes the ball wet and slippery. This reduces grip for bowlers and fielders, while batting becomes easier due to better ball pace and a faster outfield.
Which format of cricket is most affected by dew?
T20 and ODI night matches are most affected by dew. Test matches are less impacted because they are mostly played during the daytime.
Why do teams prefer chasing when there is dew?
Teams prefer chasing because bowling becomes harder in the second innings. Batters find it easier to score runs when the ball skids onto the bat.
How does dew affect spin bowling?
Dew reduces finger grip on the ball. Spinners struggle to turn the ball and control their line and length on a wet surface.
Does dew affect fast bowlers too?
Yes. Fast bowlers find it hard to hold the seam properly. Swing and slower deliveries become difficult to control.
Can dew be removed from the cricket ground?
Ground staff use towels, sawdust, and drying equipment, but heavy dew cannot be fully removed during a live match.
Is dew the same at all cricket grounds?
No. Dew depends on weather, humidity, location, and ground conditions. Coastal and river-side stadiums usually experience more dew.
Does dew affect fielding performance?
Yes. Fielders struggle with catching, throwing, and quick movement due to a wet ball and slippery grass.
Why do captains mention dew at the toss?
Captains consider dew because it can decide match conditions. Bowling first often gives an advantage before dew sets in.
I am Manan Joshi , SEO All-Rounder at CricHeroes.
CricHeroes is the ultimate Cricket Scoring App and the world’s only true Cricket Network. With more than 4 crore+ registered cricketers using CricHeroes to Live Cricket Scores for their local cricket matches and tournaments, CricHeroes is already the #1 Cricket Scoring App Globally!
We also proudly present “CricHeroes Store” by CricHeroes, a dedicated shop for cricket apparel and accessories, helping players gear up for their game.
