Cricket nets are one of the most essential pieces of equipment to play cricket. Bowlers and batsmen use these nets to improve their techniques. A cricket net consists of a pitch that is covered by nets on both the sides, on the back and at times even the roof. The bowling side of these nets is left uncovered.
Cricket nets can be compared to the batting cages of baseball. The only difference is that the baseball cages offer total containment of the ball, while cricket nets offer partial.
The purpose of these nets is to stop the ball from going all across the ground. The nets save time and also eliminate the need for additional fielders. With the cricket nets in place there is no requirement for a wicket keeper.
The nets provide higher intensity of training, especially when several lane nets are being used simultaneously. Cricket nets are also useful for single batting practises which are done with the help of bowling machines.
The cricket nets are used by professional clubs as well as amateurs for their practice sessions. These nets are very popular in educational institutions including colleges, schools and universities where the volume of pupils is very high.
They provide safe and effective training within a specified time limit. The chances of getting hurt while playing with the 4¾ oz to 5½ oz balls of cricket are very high. The nets contain the bulk of aerial balls and partially reduce the danger of possible injuries. However, there is no total elimination of injuries since one end of the net is left open for the bowlers to bowl. The ball sometimes finds its way out through this exit. These nets are also found in the gardens of enthusiastic cricketers.
A cricket net is generally manufactured from artificial polymer materials such as polyethylene. This is a reasonably priced sturdy material that lasts for a long time and. The nets are usually available in black and green colours. The size of the mesh is usually around 50 millimetres with a twine diameter in the range of 1.5mm to 2.0mm. A high-quality cricket net is UV stabilized and does not rot easily.
The cricket nets are generally of two types; indoor nets and outdoor nets. The indoor cricket nets are quite different from the outdoor nets. They are usually hung on aluminium tracks which are attached to the ceilings of halls and gymnasiums. Outdoor cricket nets are the most popular forms of practise nets. They are available in several shapes and guises.
The cricket nets are extremely critical in the training and growth of young players. They can be purchased either from the local sports stores or ordered online.