Practice Stumps
Purpose: Training tools used to improve bowling accuracy and fielding skills.
Design Features:
Smaller, lighter, and more portable than match stumps.
Made from plastic, rubber, or lightweight wood.
Easy to carry and set up on grass, concrete, or indoor floors.
Types:
Single stump: Ideal for targeting off-stump or middle-stump lines; helps bowlers focus on precision and control.
Some include spring bases, allowing them to pop back up after being hit—reducing the need to reset.
Uses:
For bowlers: Enhances accuracy and control.
For fielders and wicketkeepers: Used in run-out drills to improve reaction time and direct-hit accuracy.
For batters: Improve off-stump awareness, shot selection, footwork, balance, and overall focus.
Common in coaching sessions at schools and cricket academies.
Benefits:
Safe and effective training tool.
Useful even without a full pitch setup.
Essential for skill development and consistent practice for all levels.
Flexi Stumps
Top Brands
| Brand Name | Country of Origin |
|---|---|
| Fortress (Flexi) | UK |
| Omtex | India |
| Zee Sports | India |
| Gray-Nicolls (Spring Return) | UK |
| Gray-Nicolls (Wooden) | UK |
| Kookaburra | Australia |
| Bratla | USA |
| Fortress (Spring Back) | UK |
Definition: A Flexi Stump is a type of wicket made from flexible plastic (commonly polyurethane), designed for enhanced safety and durability.
Material: Constructed from strong, flexible plastic rather than traditional wood.
Base Design: Features a spring-loaded or flexible base, allowing the stump to bend on impact and return to its original position.
Safety: Reduces the risk of injury for players, particularly wicketkeepers and fielders, when struck by the ball or body.
Use in Modern Cricket: Primarily used in training, nets, fielding drills, and casual or youth cricket for practicing bowling, batting, and fielding.
Durability: Withstands strong impacts without shattering or flying dangerously and is weather-resistant for long-term use.
Overall Benefit: Offers a combination of safety, durability, and flexibility, making it ideal for fast-paced practice sessions and repeated training drills.
The table lists eight prominent cricket practice stump brands from around the world. India is represented by Omtex and Zee Sports, reflecting the country’s growing presence in affordable and versatile cricket training equipment. The UK contributes Fortress and Gray-Nicolls, with Gray-Nicolls being a long-established brand known for producing high-quality, durable stumps favored by clubs and professional players. Australia and the USA are represented by Kookaburra and Bratla, respectively, offering specialized and robust options. Overall, this table shows that while India is emerging as a strong player in the practice equipment market, the UK maintains leadership in terms of brand recognition, durability, and professional-grade training products.