When you think of cricket, images of grassy pitches and gentlemen in white flannels probably spring to mind. However, the modern game involves a lot more than just men in tailored suits.
If you want to play the game at a recreational level or even take it further by joining a club, you’ll need equipment and clothing that is suitable for the pitch and your own personal needs. The right gear can also help you play your best because it can make your movements easier and give you an advantage over your opponents.
There are several different types of cricket – such as test matches, one-day internationals, T20Is, county cricket, indoor cricket, and village cricket – which is why there are different pieces of clothing and equipment suited to each variation.
If you’re new to cricket or thinking about taking up the sport, you might be wondering what equipment and clothing you need to get started. In this article, we look at everything you need to know about cricket equipment and clothing, including what kind of kit you’ll need as a player, a spectator, or even a coach!
Cricket Equipment – A Quick Summary
To play cricket, you must have all of your cricket equipment ready. Without a cricket bat or ball, there can be no cricket. These two tools are thus of utmost importance. There is a tonne of tools. Okay, after you’ve made the decision to get cricket equipment, be sure to compile a list of everything you’ll need.
There are many different pieces of cricket equipment, including bats, balls, gloves, arm guards, boots, and helmets. Read through this section to know more about the equipment.
Cricket Bat
The most important piece of cricket equipment is the bat because it is your only means of scoring runs. The ball travels at a high speed, so it’s important to get a bat that’s designed for the game to avoid injury.
A top-notch cricket bat is necessary for a batter in cricket to perform efficiently. These bats come in a variety of styles based on factors like size, weight, and wood type, to mention a few.
One might choose a kind based on their own requirements. There are cricket bats for players of various ages, from young children to professionals. Willow, a wood that has been properly treated, is used to make these bats.
The performance of the batsman is significantly influenced by the quality of the cricket bat. Therefore, it is imperative that you pick a cricket bat that is of the highest caliber and level of comfort.
Cricket balls
One such piece of cricket equipment is the cricket ball, which should have a circumference of 229mm and weigh around 163 grams. Cricket balls are typically red in color, however, test matches occasionally utilize white balls as well.
Cricket balls were thrown by bowlers in a variety of motions and orientations. Catching out the batter would be the bowlers’ primary goal.
Cricket balls can be hazardous due to their extreme hardness. It is constructed of cork that has been coiled into strings. Cricket balls are made to be tough so they can be thrown quickly.
Cricket balls are made from cork and leather. The ball is covered in a layer of red or white paint so that it can be seen more easily. Balls are made to a certain size, with the circumference depending on the age group.
Gloves
The wicketkeeper has a special set of gloves that allow them to catch the ball, as well as a special helmet and leg guards.
Cricket Bands
A cricket band is a strip of cloth that’s around 15 centimeters long and tied around the leg. It’s used to protect the leg from the ball while batting.
Leg guards
Batsmen use leg guards to protect their shins from being hit by the ball. Cricket pads are used to protect the legs of the players. Since it provides the player’s protection, it should be chosen to be of the highest quality. In addition to protection, comfort is also crucial. So pick a cricket pad that suits you the best.
Helmet
One of the most crucial pieces of gear is a helmet. Because cricket balls are so hard, batters and wicketkeepers must wear helmets to protect their heads from being struck by the ball.
Wicket Keepers and batsmen wear helmets to protect against and deflect the ball, whereas fielders don’t need helmets but do need eye protection to prevent the ball from hitting their eyes.
Guards
One of the protective cricket equipment items used to safeguard arms is the arm guard.
You may also want to wear leg guards, which are worn on the shins to protect against being hit by the ball.
Other protective gear includes chest guards, thigh pads, abdomen guards, and chest guards.
These safety shields are not permitted to be worn by every player on a squad, though. The only cricket players who are permitted to wear this gear are the batsmen and the wicketkeeper.
Cricket shoes
A quality set of cricket footwear is also required. You run the risk of being wounded while playing in regular footwear. Therefore, it makes sense to select cricket-specific footwear of the highest quality.
Cricket Whites
One piece of cricket gear called “cricket whites” includes a pair of white cricket pants and a white cricket shirt. When it’s too chilly outside, you may also wear a jumper or a woolen pullover.
Cricket Bag
The cricket bag, a piece of specialized cricket gear, makes it possible to carry all of your gear conveniently by allowing you to store it all in one bag. Typically, this cricket bag comprises cricket equipment such as a bat, ball, and stumps.
There cannot be only one or two pieces of cricket equipment. Because safety always comes first when playing any game, it’s crucial to keep the most crucial elements like quality and comfort in mind when choosing cricket equipment.
The Significance of Cricket Shoes and Bats
The cricket shoes you choose can make a big difference to your game.
They should have a raised heel so that you can stand on your toes to get a good jump on the ball every time you play.
They also need to be firm so that you have good traction when running. It’s important to wear the correct size because a pair that’s too big will be heavy and uncomfortable.
A cricket bat is designed for hitting the ball. It’s made from wood and is covered in a layer of willow, which makes the bat flexible so that it can be used with ease.
Know About Cricket Clothing
Cricket players should wear high-quality clothing. While the players are engaged in strenuous action on the ground, it should be perfect and have a soft texture to absorb perspiration. They mostly consist of materials that meet international requirements. It must also be sturdy and suitable for sportswear.
Tracksuits should be tough and durable while still being appealing and beautiful. Cricket players are required to wear certain accouterments, such as t-shirts, pants, a cap, hand gloves, and leg guards. Others, like wristbands and caps, are worn as fashion statements.
Cricket players wear loose-fitting gear to prevent it from limiting their range of motion. Modern apparel is constructed with the most cutting-edge materials available to maximize a player’s performance. The common material nowadays allows for ventilation between the skin and the garment. This stops the clothing from getting heavy from perspiration.
Purchasing your accessories from a well-known brand will provide you with the characteristics mentioned above. In the web stores, you may buy pants, a t-shirt, a tracksuit, and other such items.
Don’t base your decision just on cost; instead, consider the product’s quality rather than settling for a lower price. You should choose something flexible and robust as you will be using it on the ground. To avoid any form of shame, it shouldn’t give in readily or rip when stretched.
There are many professionals that produce cricket accessories like gloves, thigh pads, and boxes.
Conclusion
Cricket is a game that requires specific equipment and clothing. You cannot simply rock up to the cricket ground with your normal everyday clothes and expect to play. Even if you play in your local park or backyard, you will need specific items of clothing if you want to play safely and keep yourself protected from injury.
The same applies to playing on a cricket field. You may be able to find an old set of cricket nets in your local area, but you will still need to invest in some specialist clothing and equipment before you can start playing the game.
Cricket is a game of character and one that tests your will. It can be an arduous sport where you are up against it from ball one. There is no hiding place in cricket, as there is no off-field space to retreat to; you remain out in the field for the duration of play.