The transformation of Northamptonshire’s County Ground headquarters today (Thursday) took another step forward with the opening of the new outdoor net facility.
Constructed on the site of the old bowls club, the complex, which has taken longer than expected to come to fruition, includes eight turf practice pitches and one full length artificial surface, all of which are fully enclosed.
The facility, which will enable the current practice pitches on the playing area to be phased out of use, will also make the ground more attractive to touring sides who could potentially use it as a training base.
The club’s Second XI gave the nets a trial run today and our cricket reporter Alec Swann (pictured) donned his pads to face a few delieveries from seamer Luke Evans.
There will be more on this story in next week’s Northants Telegraph and Chronicle & Echo.