Cricket centre proving a hit with local players

BATTERS and bowlers from across Geelong and surrounds are already making the most of the new Barwon Regional Cricket Centre.

Officially opened on Thursday last week, the centre is part of the $142 million stage 5 redevelopment of Kardinia Park and has been in operation since early July.

The centre includes five indoor synthetic pitches with professional bowling (BOLA) machines and Fulltrack AI technology. The Fulltrack AI allows players to record their sessions, review their bowling and batting techniques, and share data.

Batters using the BOLA machines can face deliveries at speeds from 24km/h to 152km/h with options for spin, swing and pace, or random variations.

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive officer Gerard Griffin said the Barwon Regional Cricket Centre had “got off to a flying start”.

“From the minute the doors opened, we’ve seen cricket programs from the Melbourne Renegades come through already, we’ve seen 20 local cricket clubs kick off their pre-season training, we’ve seen tryouts from Geelong Cricket Club’s under-16s and under-18s and their representative teams, it’s been used by local schools, and there’s also a connection with SEDA College and their cricket program,” he said.

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins lauded the quality of the new facility. “The reality is that this is one of the best cricket centres in Australia, and I think it is, having seen a lot of them, and it’s probably one of the best in the world, and that’s something the Geelong community should be very, very proud of,” he said.

At the opening, Geelong MP Christine Couzens sent down the ceremonial first delivery to Melbourne Renegades WBBL player Milly Illingworth, who said the centre was state of the art and would encourage cricketers of all abilities to have a go.

“Geelong has a rich cricket history, and this centre will help develop the next generation of cricketers striving to represent state and country,” Ms Couzens said.

“The new cricket centre will add to Kardinia Park’s recognition as a premier sporting precinct.”