How to Choose Cricket Gear

Cricket is a bat-and-ball sport that originated in the 16th century. While bat and ball are central to the sport, clothing, shoes and protective gear are also vital parts of a cricketer's equipment. Choosing cricket gear that best suits your needs will help you feel comfortable on the pitch and allow you to perform at the top of your game. Thanks to technological innovations and an increasing number of kit manufacturers, there is an ever-expanding line of products for a cricketer to choose from.

Instructions

    • 1

      Regardless of whether you are a batsman or a bowler, finding the right-sized bat and one that you feel comfortable with is very important. You may be tempted to opt for a bat based on its brand, but it is highly recommended that you try out a selection before you make your final decision. Getting the correct bat is always relative to the cricketer's size and style of play.

    • 2

      Cricket balls are hard and often travel at considerable speeds, which makes protective gear all the more important. Helmets, pads and gloves are core parts of a batsman's equipment along with a protective box. When using a hard ball, batting helmets should be worn by any player under the age of 18. There are two different types of helmets: cloth-finished and plastic-finished. In order to find the best-fitting helmet, measure the circumference of your head. Once you have determined which size you need, decide whether you want a standard steel or titanium grill. The titanium option is more expensive, but are also lighter and stronger than steel.

    • 3

      Batting pads are designed to protect your legs from the kneecap downwards, and they are divided into three categories: boy's, youth and men's. Ideally, your knee should sit somewhere on the knee roll of the pad; if it does not, then it is the wrong size. Generally, more expensive pads will offer greater protection and comfort.

    • 4

      Batting gloves are made in two different styles. Sausage-finger gloves offer more protection, while block gloves provide more flexibility. Sizes range from small boy's to oversize men's; a player's height and age is used to determine which size is most appropriate. While more expensive gloves typically offer additional protection, the level of competition often dictates which style of gloves should be worn.

    • 5

      Cricket shoes are equipped with spikes or rubber studs to provide players with the best grip possible. When selecting your footwear, the most important factor is finding a pair of shoes that is comfortable. Batsman and bowlers commonly wear different types of shoes; however, manufacturers also produce multi-purpose shoes. Batting shoes tend to have spikes at the front of the shoe with fewer at the back, while bowling shoes have spikes all over the sole to provide extra traction. Bowlers' footwear is also designed to offer more ankle support and heel cushioning to help cope with the stress that their feet are subjected to.