Have you ever dreamed of hitting the winning runs in an Ashes test? Well now you can!
Well… Not really. But you can do the next best thing.
The 2019 Ashes Series is in full swing, and all of us here at Australian Outdoor Living have been struck with cricket fever!
Okay, okay… We know it’s not exactly summer. But watching Steve Smith smack the bowlers around the park has got us raring to play some backyard cricket.
Plus, summer will come around sooner than you think, and you’ll already have a backyard cricket pitch ready for the warmer weather!
In fact, we’re so keen that we’ve put together a ‘how to’ guide to setting up your very own backyard cricket pitch.
Find a nice flat area
It wouldn’t be backyard cricket without a pitch, so identify the flattest area in the centre of your yard.
Ideally you want an area that will give you a little bit of nip back to the right-hander, so it’s important you choose somewhere without any stray rocks or divots.
There are two ways to do this: the first is to mow the lawn as low as possible. The flat grass will provide a nice surface on which to bowl bouncers to your family.
Unfortunately, even the flattest mow probably won’t give you the consistent bounce you’re looking for.
The only way to achieve the perfect bounce on your homemade pitch is to install a patch of artificial lawn. Our MultiSport Lawn variety is perfect for this.
Its 10mm pile height will give you the perfect platform on which to become a backyard cricket star.
Set up some stumps
How can you bowl your family out without a set of stumps?
This is arguably the easiest step, because every house in the world has an object that can be used as a set of cricket stumps.
Some of you probably even have actual stumps, but don’t worry if you can’t get your hands on any. All you really need is a wheelie bin!
Wheelie bins are taller and wider than your average set of stumps, so if you’re a bit of a cricket purist just grab some white paint and paint your stumps on the side of the bin.
Set your boundaries
Now that you’ve got something to aim at when your bowl to your mates, it’s time to set up some boundaries.
These are important – without them you won’t know whether you’ve hit a four or a six.
Most backyards will have some identifying landmarks you can use as makeshift boundaries. For example, if you hit the back fence you’ve hit a four; if you hit it on the roof or over the fence, it’s six and out!
Add some tape to the ball
If you want to rip through the tail like Pat Cummins does, consider putting some electrical tape over one side of the ball.
You’ll feel like an incredibly skillful bowler when you see the ball swing, and you’ll probably get the batsman out as well!
What now?
The only thing left to do is gather up your friends and family and play some cricket!
Bowl a good line and length, keep your eye on the ball and do Australia proud.
Learn how you can also turn your backyard into a footy field.
Need more backyard inspiration?
Australian Outdoor Living is passionate about helping people love their life outdoors. We offer a range of products, including:
- Outdoor blinds
- Artificial grass
- Roller shutters
- Carports
- Timber decking
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Have you been thinking about renovating your home? Fill out the free measure and quote form at the top of this article and a member of our dedicated sales team will be in touch.
