Back in 2019, we were delighted to be asked to design a new cage to be installed at Lords for net practice for the Cricket World Cup, with input from the Head Groundsman and his staff at Lords.
This was one of the biggest cages we’d ever been asked to manufacture and there were some technical challenges to overcome, specifically around the stability of such a huge structure, which needed to be not only easy to extend and fold away, but also easily moveable, so it could be taken off the square if it rained so the wicket could be protected. But we did it, and the cages received glowing feedback from ground staff and players alike.
This was followed in 2020 with a request for something similar for the Test ground at Old Trafford. It had been decided to play more international cricket at Lancashire’s ground because it has on-site hotel accommodation, effectively enclosing players in a ‘bubble’ during Covid times.
Innovation never stops, and the cage has now evolved into a 17-metre-long Combi cage, with four folding sections and a fixed back section, and with the net hanging inside the metal frame. This offers better protection to the players as it minimises the ricochet effect of a hard-hit cricket ball rebounding off the steel work.
Somerset and Leicester Cricket Clubs also now have these cages installed – 2 at Somerset and one at Leicester – and we know that others are considering it for the 2023 season.
If you are interested in this cage, or indeed any of our products please get in touch with us at the main DEM Sports office on 01354 610 353 and we can talk through your requirements.