Cricket kits have evolved over the long history of the game, the pieces now worn all having a specific purpose. This is contrary to the game's beginnings when upper crust Englanders would be just as likely to be outside bowling in waistcoats and top hats as they would be in traditional cricket whites. White is still worn by most cricketers and it is required wearing for international Test matches. During shorter games, however, players often wear different colored kits relating to their individual team or country. oneHOWTO shows you how to buy a cricket kit so you can make sure all you have to think about is where that ball is going. We'll go into what you wear as well as the accessories required for playing.
Cricket bat
The cricket bat is one of the two most important requirements for a game of cricket, the other being the ball. Technically you could play in your underwear as long as you had these two things, but we certainly wouldn't advise it. Your ideal bat should be chosen for durability and ball contact.
The first thing you should do before you buy a cricket bat is to make sure you have your gloves with you. This is so that you can hold the bat in your hands with and without gloves to make sure it is the one for you.
The wood quality of the cricket bat is important. There is a sweet spot for the amount of grains you can see in the wood which is between 6 and 12. Those containing 6 to 12 grains indicate willow of high quality, while less than 6 grains will take longer to give optimal performance. Bats with higher grain number than 12 are too hard and tend to splinter when too much force is put behind the bat.
Next, you should look at the size of the bat. A cricket bat should not be more than 38 inches in length, and 4.25 inches at the widest part. However, the bat you choose will vary according to your age and height. We have provided a chart below with the height of the batsperson and the corresponding length and width of the bat. Just input your height into the chart and choose accordingly.
Weight is important when you are choosing a bat and this is where your gloves come in. Don your gloves and try some practice shots in the air (i.e. without a ball). If it feels too heavy, it will slow your swing. If it is too light you won't be able to get enough power. There is no real weight guideline other than what works for you.
If you do not have the money to regularly buy new bats, it is better to buy a slightly bigger bat so that you can grow into it. This is better than having to fork out for a new bat every time you get a growth spurt.
If you want to be even more thrifty, we can also show you how to make your own cricket bat.
Helmet
Although not commonly used until the 1970s, cricket helmets are now worn by most batsmen and fielders around the wicket. if you are a young player, this is particularly wise to wear a helmet as being struck on the head by a ball can cause serious problems.
There are two main types of helmet, one which is plastic or one which is finished with cloth. The grill for protecting the face is usually made from steel, but carbon fiber grills are lighter and stronger (as well as being more expensive). You can also get cricket helmets which have a perspex visor. These should be able to stop the ball, while still giving you better vision to see the ball approach.
When choosing your helmet, you should measure your head for size. Do this by taking a tape measure and circling from the forehead to the back of the head. However, even when you have this measurement you should always try the helmet on for size.
Cricket helmets should come with an adjustable grill, so try this out and make sure it is comfortable on your face. If the grill is too close to your face, it can still cause damage when struck with a ball. There should also be padding in the helmet to make sure it sits comfortably on your head.
A good cricket helmet will be light to wear, but have good overall protection. If you are concerned about what you have under the helmet, perhaps you might be interested in how to get Ranbir Kapoor hairstyle.
Gloves
A cricket game requires a lot hard work from your hands. This is why batting gloves can be very helpful, especially when practising. They should be able to absorb the shock of the swing, but also mold to your hands as snugly as possible. Cricket gloves should have a high-density foam which can withstand applied pressure from the bat and other equipment during the match. This can make getting a good fit tricky.
Some gloves have a sidebar padding which provide protection to the back and side bones of your hand. There are two main materials from which cricket gloves are made: leather and synthetics. Leather can mold well to your hand and give a more intuitive feel. However, synthetic material can be more flexible, something particularly good for younger players as it will provide a little room to grow.
Again, the best way to know if cricket gloves are right for you, try them on. If the glove fits onto your hand with little movement inside and you can grip the bat firmly, they should be ideal. You can get slightly larger gloves which you grow into, but you need to be careful. Loose gloves can slip and the bat might come with it.
Shoes & padding
Spiked soled shoes are a necessity for cricket players. They are designed to address unique demands of the game while batting, bowling and fielding. The shoes you choose should give you firm support, while at the same time allowing faster turning over wet surfaces. Do not purchase a pair of cricket shoes before actually trying them on. If you can't run in your cricket shoes or if they are too tight, then they can damage your feet during play.
Pads or leg guards are essential, especially if you are wicket-keeper to avoid the power of a ball thrown at your legs. When buying pads, make sure the fold of the flap is at knee height so you can move properly with them in the field.
Cricket whites
Cricket whites, as we said earlier, are the classic cricket kit style and are used in every Test match. However, you don't actually need white clothes to play cricket. Many teams now use their own colors and have a distinct style. The style of kit worn by cricketers is part tradition and part practicality.
Unlike many sports, shorts are not worn by cricketers. This is because the padding needed to protect yourself from injury is strapped to the legs and if one wore shorts, they would chafe. It is also fro protection from balls which run low to the ground.
The top worn is usually a polo shirt type. In the early days of cricket, these were made from flannel, often not being a problem for the relatively mild British weather. As cricket is now a sport often played in very hot climates, flannel is impractical. Essentially, you can wear whatever you like as long as it is comfortable and protects the legs. Sweaters are also often worn if playing in cooler conditions.
If you play for a team, they should provide a kit or at the least guidelines on what you are expected to wear. This may change from club to club.
Now that you know how to buy a cricket kit, you can select your ideal equipment to maximize your performance on the field. If you are ambitious, you may want to know how to get into the Indian cricket team.
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