Crossword Genius

Fierce fight between wickets? (7,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pitched battle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'between wickets?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'fierce fight' is the wordplay.
'fierce' becomes 'pitched' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'fight' becomes 'battle' (battling is a kind of fighting).
'pitched'+'battle'='PITCHED BATTLE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pitched battle that I've seen before include "Culloden (1746), for example" , "Prearranged military engagement" , "Prearranged skirmish" , "Furious combat" , "Violent confrontation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app