Quick answer
Visiting fans can book nets sessions in Sri Lanka through some clubs, private cricket academies and coaches in Colombo, Galle and Kandy, usually arranged via a hotel, driver or local operator. A session of one to two hours typically includes facing local bowlers, especially spinners, with coaching on footwork and reading the ball. Bring your own kit or ask about hire, go early in the day to beat the heat, and tip the bowlers.
Key takeaways
- Nets sessions can be arranged through clubs, academies and coaches.
- Colombo, Galle and Kandy have the most options.
- Sessions usually last one to two hours.
- Facing Sri Lankan spin bowlers is the highlight for most visitors.
- Go early in the day to beat the heat.
What a session involves
A nets session for visitors is usually built around batting against local bowlers, with a coach watching and offering advice. Bowlers often include young club cricketers, some of whom bowl very good spin, and the coach will explain how to read the ball, use your feet and play the sweep, a shot Sri Lankan batters use to great effect.
Sessions can also include bowling, fielding drills or a short game, depending on the group and the facility.
For club cricketers, it is a chance to test yourself against a different style of cricket. For casual fans, it is simply great fun.
Many visitors are surprised by how much the ball turns, even in the nets. Sri Lankan bowlers grow up on pitches that help spin, and even young club players can bowl variations that are hard to pick, which gives a new respect for what Australian batters face in a Test.
- →Batting against local bowlers.
- →Coaching on reading spin.
- →Bowling and fielding options.
Where sessions run
Colombo has many cricket clubs and private academies, some with good practice facilities. Galle and Kandy have schools and clubs with nets, and coaches in each town sometimes offer sessions for visitors.
Availability depends on the season, the school calendar and the facility. Sessions are not always advertised, so they are usually arranged through a hotel, a driver or a local operator.
Lankan Stays & Trails can try to arrange a session through local contacts, subject to availability.
A session works best for small groups of two to six, so each player gets enough time with the bat. Larger groups can be split into batting and fielding rotations, or the session can finish with a short game against the bowlers.
- →Colombo clubs and academies.
- →Schools and clubs in Galle and Kandy.
- →Usually arranged through local contacts.
Kit and what to bring
Bring your own bat, pads, gloves and helmet if you can, especially if you are a regular player, as hire kit varies in quality and fit. Some facilities have kit to borrow. Wear whites or training clothes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
Flying with a cricket bag adds weight and cost, so check airline allowances before deciding.
A box and a helmet are essential, whatever the standard of the bowling.
- →Own kit if possible.
- →Whites or training gear, hat and sunscreen.
- →Helmet and box are essential.
Timing and heat
Book an early-morning session, around 7 to 9 am, before the heat builds. Afternoon sessions in the humidity are draining, especially for anyone not used to it.
Avoid a session the day before a long day at the ground, as it can leave you stiff and tired.
- →Early morning is best.
- →Avoid the afternoon heat.
- →Not the day before a match.
Etiquette and tips
Treat the session as a guest: listen to the coach, thank the bowlers and offer a tip at the end, as many are young players who give their time. Gifts of cricket balls or gear are often appreciated.
Photos with the bowlers and coach make good souvenirs.
Respect the facility's rules and schedule, as schools and clubs often fit visitors around their own training. Arrive on time, leave the nets tidy and thank the groundstaff as well as the coach.
- →Listen to the coach.
- →Tip and thank the bowlers.
- →Gifts of balls or gear are welcome.
Frequently asked questions
Can visiting fans book a cricket nets session in Sri Lanka?
Yes, some clubs, private academies and coaches in Colombo, Galle and Kandy offer sessions to visitors. They are not always advertised, so they are usually arranged through a hotel, a driver or a local operator, subject to availability.
What happens in a nets session in Sri Lanka?
Most sessions involve batting against local bowlers, especially spinners, with a coach giving advice on footwork, reading the ball and playing the sweep. Bowling, fielding drills or a short game can be added, depending on the group and the facility.
Do you need to bring cricket gear to Sri Lanka?
Bring your own bat, pads, gloves, box and helmet if you can, especially if you play regularly, as hire kit varies. Some facilities have kit to borrow. Check airline baggage allowances before flying with a cricket bag.
When is the best time for a nets session?
Early morning, around 7 to 9 am, before the heat builds. Afternoon sessions in the humidity are draining. Avoid a session the day before a long day at the ground, as it can leave you stiff and tired.
Should you tip the bowlers at a nets session?
Yes, a tip for the bowlers and coach is customary, as many are young players giving their time. Gifts of cricket balls or gear are also appreciated. Ask your driver or the coach what amount is usual.
Can beginners do a nets session in Sri Lanka?
Yes, coaches adjust sessions for beginners, with gentler bowling and basic technique. It is a fun experience for fans who have never played seriously. Wear protective gear, as even gentle bowling on a hard pitch can hurt.
Is a nets session the same as a cricket tour?
No. A nets session is a one-off experience for a visiting fan, usually lasting one to two hours. Organised playing tours, with fixtures against local teams, are a different kind of trip, usually arranged for schools and clubs.
How many people can join a nets session?
Sessions work best for small groups of two to six, so each player gets enough time with the bat. Larger groups can be split into batting and fielding rotations or finish with a short game. Tell the organiser the group size when booking.