Cricket is a technical sport with a long history. It’s a game of bat and ball that requires a specific set of equipment in order to play safely and effectively. Having the right gear is crucial for any player looking to excel in the field, no matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
Essential Safety Equipment for Cricketers
Understanding the various types of protective cricket gear and their importance significantly impacts your game.
Batting Pads
They are designed to absorb the ball's impact and are worn on the legs to protect the shins and knees from fast bowlers and prevent injury. Cricket balls can travel at high speeds and can cause serious injuries, If you’re a batter looking for a new pair of pads, you can browse cricket pads for sale and find the perfect match for your needs and preferences. They have several different features, such as the following.
Face
The face makes up the largest surface area. It’s vertically separated by rods and the different sections allow for the pad to be wrapped around the shin and the padding material acts as a shock absorber.
Straps
They’re cushioned and secure the pads to the legs. Velcro is most commonly used as a fastener. Batting pads typically feature three straps.
Knee Roll
It offers improved protection to the knee and allows the pad to flex and bend easily. They’re padded but don’t contain the stiff materials used in the rest of the pad.
Wings
They’re set up to add protection to the areas that are most exposed. The design differs between left-handed and right-handed cricket pads. Wings on left-handed pads will protect the outside of your right leg and the inside of your left leg, while on right-handed pads; they’ll protect the outside of your left leg and the inside of your right leg. There are also ambidextrous fit pads with dual wings, so both sides of the legs can be covered and worn on either leg.
Top Hat
It’s the area above the knee roll and its purpose is to protect the lower thigh from ball impacts.
Inners
They give extra padding and maximise the comfort level.
Instep
The instep is designed to protect the lower skin and ankles and is reinforced to prevent excessive wear.
An extra tip: Consider size and level of protection before making a purchase. Most manufacturers offer a wide range of sizes for cricket batting pads, including adult, youth and junior batting pads. To get the right fit, it’s always a good idea to measure up before buying, especially if you’re buying online. Make sure to run from the middle of the knee to the top of your instep to get the right measurements.
Cricket Helmets
They’re one of the most important pieces of cricket safety equipment, crucial for protecting players’ heads from fast bowlers and bouncers. Helmets are mandatory for players of all levels of the game to prevent severe injury. To ensure safety at any level, they should be always worn by wicket-keepers bowlers and batsmen, as well as fielders playing close to the wicket.
Being struck with a cricket ball bowled at full speed brings a major risk of severe injuries, including concussions, loss of consciousness, impaired vision, broken bones, brain damage, and more. Make sure to buy a cricket helmet that has passed the required safety tests.For optimal safety and fit, most cricket helmets are designed to be adjustable. To make the most of it, adjust the helmet settings to position the gap between the peak and grille over your face to be narrower. This way, you can prevent balls from passing under the visor while still enjoying good visibility.
Cricket Batting Gloves
They’re worn to protect the hands while batting and wicket-keeping. Batters should wear gloves thickly padded above the fingers and on the thumb of the hand to maximise protection against impact from the ball. Wicket-keepers, on the other hand, should wear specially designed gloves that are padded and include webbing between the thumb and index fingers. Cricket gloves are crafted to provide grip and protection from fast deliveries. Most often they’re made of leather or synthetic materials.
Chest Guards
They’re a highly protective piece of cricket safety gear that’s worth considering if you’re facing fast bowling regularly and looking for a way to shield your ribs and upper abdomen while you score those runs.
Things to Consider When Buying Protective Cricket Gear
Budget
Before making a purchase, determine what your budget is and stick to it. The good thing is that there are many different options available, suitable for every pocket, so you can find high-quality and reliable safety equipment that will protect you effectively.
Supplier
Choose a cricket supplier that stocks gear from the most reputable companies and offers a wide selection of helmets, gloves, and cricket pads for sale online and in-store.
Materials
When it comes to choosing protective gear for cricket, consider sturdy and comfortable pieces. Also, look for fabrics that are breathable and can keep you cool on the field. The newest trends in cricket gear shift towards more durable materials that offer better protection and designs that ensure ultimate comfort.
Final Thoughts
As with any sport, the game of cricket comes with hazards and can result in injuries, from minor to severe. Whether you’re a new player, starting your cricket journey, or an already experienced one, ensure optimal safety on the field with high-quality protective cricket gear.