A South West family man is working overtime to "bring backyard cricket into the 21st century".
Jon Rutgers has created 'Backyard Bash: The World's Most Advanced Cricket Wicket', featuring an electronic scoreboard, LED light show, Bluetooth connectivity, speakers, sound effects, bail sensors, and rechargeable batteries.
The batteries provide 10 continuous hours of gameplay, and take only 40 minutes to re-charge.
The prototype has six scoring buttons - one run, four runs, six runs, over, out, and innings - with easy foot function. The wickets also feature an undo button.
Mr Rutgers brought the prototype to life with assistance from local companies.
A team of University of Western Australia engineering students worked on the lighting, sensors, and sound.
Mr Rutgers said his invention would help to streamline each and every game of backyard cricket.
"It's encouraging kids to go outside and play," he said.
"It ties in perfectly with Australian summer culture, and it's a great way for families to spend active outdoor time together as part of a healthy lifestyle.”
Mr Rutgers hopes to make the wickets available prior to next summer.
Head to kickstarter.com/projects/backyardbash/backyard-bash-the-worlds-most-advanced-cricket-wic for more details or to make a donation.
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