Speak Cricketish #2

STICKY DOG/ABI TITMUSS

A Sticky Dog (or an Abi Titmuss as it is known as in some circles, probably because they are one of the same) is a damp soft pitch.

Batsman generally hate a Sticky Dog. If the pitch stays damp, the ball comes onto the bat too slowly for them. If the sun dries it, the bounce of the ball becomes unpredictable. It's just not good to bat on.

The use of covers for the wicket in the professional game means that few pro's have to contend with a Sticky Dog but most village cricket teams simply don't have covers. So, even if the sun comes out after rain, they'll have to put up with batting on a Sticky Dog (or even an Abi).

And there endeth your lesson in Cricketish for tonight.

  Chris Grain pulls through mid-wicket despite batting on a right sticky dog at Swinbrook*

*Should point out that the Sticky Dog here was NOT caused by lack of pitch cover before the game but constant rain throughout it