Cricket nets are practice nets used by batsmen and bowlers to warm up and/or improve their cricketing techniques. They consist of a cricket pitch (natural or artificial) surrounded along its lengths and behind the batsman by netting. The bowling end is left open. The nets serve to stop the ball travelling across a field when the batsman plays a shot - saving time and eliminating the need for fielders. They also save the need for a wicket-keeper should the batsman miss the ball. Nets are found at all serious cricket-centres, especially adjacent to cricket grounds - one of the best ways for a batsman to get his "eye in" is to face some balls from team mates in the nets. Similarly, the best way for bowlers to loosen themselves off and warm-up before bowling against the opposition is to bowl some balls in the nets. However batsmen can practice in the nets even if they have no one to bowl to them by using a bowling machine.
