Cricket pitch testing machine stymied by funding shortfall

An invention, of potentially outstanding use to the cricket world from club through to international levels, needs funding for a revamp of its electronic circuitry.

Dr Brian Wilkins, known to many cricketers as the author of two books on bowling, and articles in The Cricketer International, has also been involved in the development of a machine which measures the properties of cricket pitches.

The prototype (Mark 1) has been tested on New Zealand pitches and, although it is cumbersome, and somewhat inaccurate on bounce, it has yielded useful new information.

From this developed a Mark 2 machine, made and funded by Victoria University of Wellington (VUW). The new machine is mechanically superior as well as incorporating a new concept arising out of research carried out by Dr Colin Cook of VUW.

This concept both increases the accuracy of the bounce and pace measurements but also allows, for the first time, the measurement of the friction (or grip) of a pitch. The output is programmed to download onto a laptop computer for processing into any desired form.

Although the new machine and the new concepts incorporated in it have been validated, it needs a new set of electronic circuitry. The present circuitry constructed by a technician at VUW is prone to breakdown and needs to be completely rebuilt along with an improved mounting of the laser sources.

Following the reorganisation of the physical sciences department at VUW no more funding was available for the project. The ownership of the machine, and of the intellectual property associated with it, has now passed to the individuals involved with the invention.

They would like to hear from anyone interested in helping to bringing this machine to its full capability. They have been advised that $NZ50,000 is needed for the work. The ultimate marketability of the machine is as yet undetermined and will remain so until this prototype Mk 2 shows its full capabilities in the field, however, there has been intense interest in it from a number of quarters.

Dr Wilkins is happy to provide more information to anyone who may be interested in helping to complete this project and receive a share of possible future profits. He can be contacted at 92 Kelburn Parade, Wellington, or by email bwilkins@paradise.net.nz, or phone (04) 977 3975.