In a Test match, the pitch can look quite different from one end to the other by the later sessions. Some areas seem to break up or develop footmarks sooner, while other parts remain relatively firm. I’ve heard players and commentators talk about the bowlers’ follow-through and the batters’ footwork, but I’m not clear on how much each contributes.
What usually drives uneven pitch wear over five days: the soil and preparation, weather, how players land, or the match conditions? And how do ground staff judge whether the surface is wearing normally?