[REPORTS] ECB looking to deploy 'giant tents' to end rain delays

[hadi123]

English cricket chiefs are exploring deploying "giant tents" to ensure rain no longer stops play, a report said on Wednesday. Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper said research was being carried out into placing mesh netting over grounds after a US company approached the England and Wales Cricket Board. The ECB has spoken to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord's in northwest London, about the issue, the report said. A fine, transparent mesh would be held up by wires suspended from floodlights with a hot air balloon in the centre to lift it up and create a tent-like effect.

"We would look at any new technology and ways to get games on and more people playing cricket," a spokesman for the ECB told the Telegraph."There is some interesting technology around trying to create protection from rain and keep the game on in wet weather," Guy Lavender, the new MCC chief executive, was quoted as saying."It is an enormous issue for cricket. When you think about the impact of the weather on cricket in the UK we have a part to play, as a leading club in the game, in thinking about how those new technologies develop and are tested."

The report said there are issues to address such as how to handle the run-off water and safety in high winds The technology is believed to be at least two years away from becoming a reality. A damp August meant a large number of T20 matches were wrecked and cricket authorities will be keen to avoid disruption to a new city-based T20 competition that starts in 2020.

http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/...-tents-to-end-rain-delays-reports-648394/amp/

 

[MenInG]

This could revolutionize the game in England

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Needs to be done asap.

 

[UN talkz]

good step but shud be used only incase of rain

 

[Rana]

Yes Please.

 

[Specialisttailender]

Giant tent around the stadium ? Like a dome ? or just covering the playing fields, how will fans watch the match ? This sound stupid. Get more people to cover the whole ground quick as possible.

 

[IAJ]

If you can play cricket non-stop in England, well then there is no better place to play and watch cricket.

 

[IndYeah1]

Its a very smart idea, and with drone and balloon tech improving and getting cheaper by the day, its very feasible. Obviously, some complex issues to be sorted out - with wind and run-off water being major issues, but still. Its an amazing business opportunity for any company with proficient engineering within its ranks.

This has potential for a ton of applications outside of cricket, it they figure it out.

 

[Hamza_]

So, They may even play in Winters?

Amazing.

 

[Plumb]

Yup!!! I had a thread about it some time ago. This 'll eliminate the D/L stupidity to some extent...

 

[hadi123]

One thing I don't understand is how fans will watch it this way.

 

[IndYeah1]

One thing I don't understand is how fans will watch it this way.

Think of it as barrier that's anchored by the floodlights or similar poles, hovering over the stadium, it may not even cover the stands, although it would be silly not to. There is no question of it obstructing the fans. There remains the possibility that an extremely high skier could make contact with it - as has happened with the "spider cams".

There are significant technical challenges to a successful implementation though. It would take more than a couple of years of field testing before its ready to be deployed in international games. A fascinating engineering problem to solve. Need some deep pockets to fund the development though. Hope they get the funding they need. It would be a smart investment.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

No idea how the plan to deal with water runoff

Plus what happen if a 6 goes into the net , the higher it is the more wind it faces

What if the rain comes in an angle ?


Lot of stuff to work out here don’t expect it any time soon

 

[Bilal7]

The target date should be the next ODI World Cup. The noise that will be generated by the rain pouring down onto that mesh tent should also be addressed. Would make it tough for the umpires and the batsmen will get distracted.

 

[Hasan123]

Very good idea. Hopefully it's tested before being implemented.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

That means there will be no clouds or overcast conditions? Will that affect Anderson's performance?

 

[The_Odd_One]

Why is ECB shooting itself in foot? How will English bowlers pick wickets?

 

[Convict]

good step but shud be used only incase of rain

I'd argue differently.
Ideally every single match day should have the same conditions and putting the tent up mid match would be a massive delay to the tents should always be up.

 

[Convict]

No idea how the plan to deal with water runoff

Plus what happen if a 6 goes into the net , the higher it is the more wind it faces

What if the rain comes in an angle ?


Lot of stuff to work out here don’t expect it any time soon

They'll trial it in country cricket one would imagine.

 

[KyoOne]

Its a transparent mesh, meaning the view would remain the same. Looks quite interesting

 

[JattMaula]

No doubt this can be achieved.

If the economics of this tech work out this will be awesome!

 

[Rayyman]

[MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] is there a possibility of a retractable dome to exist?

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

[MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] bhai batao iskay baray mein......

 

[Slog]

If you can play cricket non-stop in England, well then there is no better place to play and watch cricket.

the fun of cricket is when the sun shining though....

 

[Slog]

if it ever happens it would be good for ODIs

 

[Hasan123]

That means there will be no clouds or overcast conditions? Will that affect Anderson's performance?

I think Anderson would have retired by the time this idea is introduced.