We all know how important fitness is to cricket, but nets don’t realistically recreate the fitness you need to get a big score.

That’s where BATEX© (BATing EXercise) comes in.

Normal netting rarely tests batsmen's endurance. It doesn't accurately reflect the effects of fatigue on the batsman's skill levels. But BATEX does exactly that.

Designed as part of PhD research by Laurence Houghton, BATEX uses a simple audio track to change nets to simulate the physical demands of batting. This is done by BATEX requiring running between the wickets of shuttle runs the length of a cricket pitch in 5 over stages (lasting 21 minutes).

You can download a sample of the file from here to play in your nets. Ad you can buy the full set from this page.

Each of the six BATEX stages has a match scenario. Balls are delivered by a bowling machine (or thrown by a coach/player). An audible CD track is used to notify the batsmen the running demands for the coming over. The batsman decides when to complete the required runs in the over.

The six stages, with rest periods, link together to form a 2 h 20 min simulated innings, which is the typical length of a one day hundred. During stages 1, 3 and 5 players run at a slower pace, whereas during stages 2, 4 and 6 the batsman is required to run at maximal speed.

For training purposes, BATEX stages can be used independently or in any chosen combination. Each BATEX stage has a different workload (e.g. Stage 1 - based on the run frequency of typical one day vs. Stage 5 – based on the average running between demands of a Twenty20 innings).

The files can be used to:

• Give nets an increased fitness and tactical element
• Develop batting skills when tired
• Practice concentration skills like switching on and off between balls
• Test fitness during preseason
• Practice running between the wickets
• Integrate with other training tools like PitchVision

Each of the six BATEX scenarios is available from PitchVision Academy .

To get the sample scenario, all you need to do is enter your email in the box below and we will send you the link. (if you can't see the box, click here instead). Use it how you like (but don't resell it).