Cricket Uniform Information

The contesting teams in a test match will traditionally wear all white clothing. The test match format of the game consists of both teams completing two innings each. There is a maximum of five days play and if no result is possible, the match will be declared a draw. Both teams are allowed to wear different-colored clothing during One Day and Twenty20 matches. One Day games consist of between 40 and 50 overs to be bowled by each side, and in Twenty20 games, each team bowls 20 overs. There is also some extra equipment that must be worn while playing cricket.

  1. Batting Pads

    • Batting pads worn around the legs are required because of the hard ball used in cricket. Their job is to protect the shin and lower thigh. Ensure the pads fit comfortably and properly, as you will have to run between the wickets wearing them. The horizontal panels on the front of the pad should be at knee height with the top of the pad covering the lower thigh. Pads usually have three Velcro straps to fasten them to your leg, which makes them easy to adjust. Modern pads are very light, but still provide plenty of protection.

    Batting Gloves

    • Cricketers' most common injury is broken fingers. Batting gloves provide vital protection for the hands and fingers. The gloves commonly used are lightweight and provide plenty of protection, especially to the bottom hand, which usually gets struck when a ball bounces sharply off the pitch. The fingers of each glove have flexible padded areas that make it easier to fit the glove around the bat.

    Helmet

    • Protection of the head should be taken very seriously. It is highly recommended that a helmet with a face-guard be worn by anybody up to the age of 18 batting against a cricket ball. A helmet will provide protection against a fast bowl delivery and any accidental full tosses or beamers bowled. This is when the bowler lets go of the ball too early and it does not bounce before reaching the batsman. Always ensure that the chin strap is secure.

    Shoes

    • The shoes worn in cricket resembles a spike-soled trainer. Comfort and ground grip are important when choosing cricket footwear. The sole grips vary depending on the type of surface played on. Pimpled rubber soles are better for hard ground and spiked shoes are good for playing on soft ground. A combination of spikes and pimples may be worn if the ground is dusty. Batsmen usually prefer cricket shoes with spikes at the front for grip, with rubber heels at the back.

    Thigh Pad & Box

    • A thigh pad is not compulsory to wear during batting. It is a lightweight piece of protection worn under the trousers. It is worn on the outside of the thigh closest to the bowler. Two straps hold the guard in place, one around the waist and one around the inner thigh. A cricket box should always be worn to protect the male genital area from a cricket ball or other hard ball. It is worn underneath underwear and is a vital piece of protection. Wicketkeepers and players fielding close to the batsmen should also wear a box.