Ratcliffe College have four new indoor nets in use in the build-up to the season.

Leicestershire captain Matthew Hoggard and his Nottinghamshire counterpart Chris Read performed the opening ceremony of the nets, which have been funded courtesy of a donation from an anonymous parent.

Hoggard and Read batted and bowled against each other and, after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, students were allowed to use the nets. Hoggard also talked to senior cricketers on an individual basis.

Headmaster Gareth Lloyd said: "There is no doubt that the addition of the new indoor nets, complemented by a complete refurbishment of the outdoor nets, will significantly enhance the development of cricket at Ratcliffe."