The Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report says it supports everyone?
This isn’t just any pitch—it’s a perfect mix of challenge and opportunity.
Batters who play smart will score big. Fast bowlers will swing the ball early. Spinners will trick batters in the middle.
And if you’re a fantasy cricket fan, picking the right players here could win you big!
Want to know the secrets of this pitch?
Want to build a winning Dream11 team?
Keep reading—because this guide will make you a pitch expert
About This Stadium
Opened | 1857 |
Capacity | 19000 |
Ends | Stretford End, Brian Statham End |
Location | Manchester, England |
Home to | Lancashire |
Floodlights | Yes |
Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report
Cricket fans often wonder how the pitch behaves at Old Trafford in Manchester. Is it good for batting or bowling?
Does it help spinners or fast bowlers more?
How Does the Old Trafford Pitch Behave?
The pitch at Old Trafford is balanced, meaning it helps both batters and bowlers.
Unlike some pitches that only favour batsmen or bowlers, this one gives everyone a fair chance.
- Batters who play with proper technique can score big runs here.
- Fast bowlers get help in the first few overs because the ball moves a bit.
- Spinners become important in the middle overs as the pitch slows down.
This balance makes matches at Old Trafford very exciting because no single team has a big advantage.
Average Score at Old Trafford
In T20 matches, the average score at Old Trafford is around 164 runs.
This number tells us that:
- It’s not too easy for batters to hit huge scores every time.
- Bowlers also get chances to take wickets.
- The pitch stays consistent, meaning it doesn’t change too much during the match.
Since the pitch behaves similarly in both innings, the team batting second (chasing) has won more matches here.
Read out – 6 Types of Cricket Pitches: Spin Heaven or Pace Paradise?
But the team batting first has also won many games, proving that bowlers can make an impact too.
Why Is Old Trafford Pitch Good for Batters?
Batters enjoy playing at Old Trafford because:
✔ The ball comes nicely onto the bat, making shot-making easier.
✔ The pitch doesn’t have too much uneven bounce, so batters can trust the surface.
✔ Since the pitch remains the same, batters don’t struggle much in the second innings.
However, batters still need to be careful because:
❌ Fast bowlers can trouble them early with swing and bounce.
❌ Spinners can trap them in the middle overs if they play rash shots.
Why Do Bowlers Like Old Trafford Pitch?
Bowlers also find success here because:
✔ Fast bowlers get early swing and seam movement in the first few overs.
✔ Spinners get turn and grip as the match progresses.
✔ The pitch doesn’t become too flat, so bowlers always have a chance to take wickets.
This is why teams need a good mix of fast and spin bowlers when playing at Old Trafford.
Is Chasing Easier at Old Trafford?
Stats show that teams chasing (batting second) have won more matches here. This is because:
- The pitch doesn’t change much, so batters can play freely.
- Teams can plan their chase based on the target.
- Dew (moisture on the field) in night matches can make bowling harder.
But batting first is also a good option because:
- Setting a big total puts pressure on the chasing team.
- Bowlers can defend totals if they bowl smartly.
Read out – Dream11 IPL Investment Strategy, Best Dream11 Investment Tips for IPL
Key Tips for Teams Playing at Old Trafford
Based on this Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report, here’s what teams should do:
If Batting First:
- Aim for 170-180 runs to have a safe total.
- Don’t lose early wickets—play carefully against fast bowlers.
- Attack spinners in the middle overs when the ball gets softer.
If Bowling First:
- Use fast bowlers early to take quick wickets.
- Bring spinners in the middle overs to control the run rate.
- Bowl yorkers and slower balls in the death overs to restrict runs.
Final Verdict on Old Trafford Pitch
The Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report confirms that this is a fair pitch for both batters and bowlers. Teams need to play smart cricket to win here.
- Batters must be patient and avoid risky shots early.
- Bowlers must use the pitch conditions wisely.
- Captains must make good decisions based on whether they bat or bowl first.
This is why matches at Old Trafford are always thrilling—because anything can happen!
As per the different formats, the pitch report can change, and you will get the final pitch report in our Telegram Channel.
Recent Matches Played Here
Here are the most recent matches played at this venue, which will help us to understand the Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report more clearly.
- NOR – 180/6 (20); LAN – 156/9 (20) [Pacers – 11w; Spin – 4w]
- LAN – 176/8 (20); WOR – 169/7 (20) [Pacers – 7w; Spin – 4w]
- LAN – 216/3 (20); NOT – 169/10(19.1) [Pacers – 7w; Spin – 6w]
How to read this: Look at the first one – Northamptonshire has scored 180 runs by losing 6 wickets in the 1st innings. Lancashire failed to chase the target in the 2nd innings by scoring 156/9 runs in 20 overs. The Pacers took 11 wickets, and the Spinners took 4 wickets in this match.
Likewise, in 2nd match, Lancashire scored 176/8 in 1st inning, and Worcestershire failed to chase the target by scoring 169/7 runs in 20 overs. The Pacers took 7 wickets, and the spinners took 4 wickets.
Read out – Which is the Best Contest in Dream11 to Join?
So, the Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report indicates that it is a neutral wicket that assists every department.
Stats at Old Trafford
The Old Trafford is one of the iconic stadiums, and many matches have been played here in all formats.
We will look at the overall summary now of the matches of different formats for better understanding.
ODI
Total Match Played | 59 |
Batting First Won | 28 |
Batting Second Won | 30 |
Tie | 0 |
Avg. Score in 1st bat | 225 |
Highest Score | England 397/6 |
Lowest Score | Canada 45/10 |
T20I
Total Match Played | 13 |
Batting First Won | 4 |
Batting Second Won | 6 |
Tie | 3 |
Avg. Score in 1st bat | 154 |
Highest Score | England 199/5 |
Lowest Score | New Zealand 103/10 |
T20D
Total Match Played | 70 |
Batting First Won | 39 |
Batting Second Won | 28 |
Tie | 3 |
Avg. Score in 1st bat | 164 |
Highest Score | Lancashire 231/4 |
Lowest Score | Worcestershire 53/10 |
Test
Total matches | 86 |
Matches won batting first | 32 |
Matches won bowling first | 17 |
Average 1st Inns scores | 331 |
Average 2nd Inns scores | 275 |
Average 3rd Inns scores | 226 |
Average 4th Inns scores | 169 |
Highest total recorded | 656/8 by Australia vs England |
Lowest total recorded | 58/10 by India vs England |
Scoring Pattern at Old Trafford
The scoring pattern at Old Trafford indicates the true nature of the pitch, which has been discussed above.
For more clarification, here are the details of the matches played, which will tell you more about the Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report.
ODI
Below Score 200 | 10 |
Score between 200 and 249 | 25 |
Score between 250 and 299 | 14 |
Above Score 300 | 7 |
T20I
Below Score 150 | 2 |
Score between 150 and 169 | 3 |
Score between 170 and 189 | 0 |
Above Score 190 | 4 |
T20D
Below Score 150 | 21 |
Score between 150 and 169 | 18 |
Score between 170 and 189 | 19 |
Above Score 190 | 12 |
Fantasy Tips
Batters – Technically Strong Players
Since the pitch is balanced but not too easy, you need batters who:
✔ Play with solid technique (good footwork, patience).
✔ Can handle both pace and spin well.
✔ Are consistent run-scorers (not just big hitters).
Focus on:
- Players with high averages in T20S/ODIs.
- Those who can anchor the innings and accelerate later.
Fast Bowlers – Swing & Death Overs Specialists
The Old Trafford pitch helps pacers early, so pick bowlers who:
✔ Can swing the ball in the first few overs.
✔ Have good seam movement to trouble batters.
✔ Are effective in death overs (yorkers, slower balls).
Focus on:
- Bowlers with high dot-ball percentages.
- Those who take early wickets (Powerplay specialists).
Read out – Proven Dream11 Winning Strategy: How to Win Big in Fantasy Cricket
Spinners – Wicket-Takers with Variations
Spinners become crucial in the middle overs at Old Trafford. Pick those who:
✔ Have multiple variations (googly, flipper, carrom ball).
✔ Are attacking bowlers (not just containing).
✔ Can break partnerships in the middle phase.
Focus on:
- Spinners with high strike rates.
- Those who bowl in key phases (overs 7-15).
For Final Team and More Updates Do Join
Most Asked Questions
What is the average score in Manchester?
The average score here in 1st innings is 164, which means that this wicket is neutral.
Is Manchester Cricket Ground a batting or bowling pitch?
Manchester Cricket Ground is a balanced wicket that assists every department, whether batter or bowler.
How big is the boundary at Old Trafford?
The boundaries at Old Trafford are short.
Do they play cricket at Old Trafford?
Emirates Old Trafford is a cricket stadium in Manchester where cricket is played.