A 45 metre long by 12 metre wide aluminium framed marquee has been erected at the New Zealand Cricket High Performance Centre in Lincoln, in what is an innovative new way to help players train during winter.
The aluminium framed marquee covers two wickets which had been previously prepared with the use of growth lamps. The lamps are used day and night and are specifically designed to assist in drying the wickets, while simultaneously promoting grass growth.
The pitches support both pace and spin bowlers and have already been used by the White Ferns at their recent training camp. The NZ Winter Training Squad and NZ U-19 squad will also use the facility.
“The project has allowed for players to train outside during the winter, which is almost unheard of in New Zealand due to the cold climate,” said NZC’s General Manager Ground and Facilities Ian McKendry.
“It has produced a number of challenges, but the feedback so far has been excellent and the potential to be able to play on grass all year long is huge.”
“This is the first step, but it’s an exciting new direction for off-season training.”
The marquee is scheduled to come down on June 24.
