
Cricket is rapidly becoming a popular sport worldwide with billions of people tuning in to Test, ODI, and T-20 International matches. As good as it looks from the sidelines, this intense, nerve-wracking game can be the most dangerous sport in the world if players don’t use the recommended cricket gear for protection and gameplay.
So, whether you’re an aspiring professional cricketer or simply looking to equip yourself with the right gear, read on to check our list of essential cricket equipment you can find in any cricket shop near you.
Essential Cricket Gear You Can Find in Most Cricket Shops
Cricket Equipment for Performance
In cricket, you need three basic items to be able to play the game. If you’re playing for leisure, any other equipment apart from this is optional. However, if you’re playing professionally, you need to invest in additional equipment for protection.
Cricket Bat
A cricket bat is a wooden piece of equipment batsmen use to strike the ball and play different strokes on the pitch. Depending on your location or quality preferences, you can either opt for Kashmir willow or English willow ones. However, when you head to a cricket shop, pay attention to the bat’s measurements. As per international standards, a bat should be no more than 38 inches long and 4.25 inches wide.
Ball
A cricket ball is used by bowlers to try and get the batsmen out by either hitting the wickets directly, getting them caught in the field, getting a leg-before-wicket (LBW), or hitting the wicket while the batsmen are running between the wickets. In test cricket, bowlers use a red ball, whereas, in ODI and T-20s, bowlers use a white ball. In terms of measurement, a standard leather ball should have a circumference of 9.1 inches. If you’re playing for leisure, you can opt for a plastic hardball or tennis ball. It is recommended for cricketers that don’t wear protective equipment. On average, a cricket ball weighs about 5.75 ounces so imagine getting hit by it while it’s traveling at 70-90 miles per hour.
Clothing and Shoes
Generally, there are no special requirements for clothing if you’re playing for leisure. Most people opt for headwear, such as caps, and long trousers. However, if you’re playing professionally, you’ll probably have a dedicated jersey or kit from the team you’re representing. On average, a cricket runs 2-5 miles in every match which can cause a lot of pressure on their knees and ankles. Good-quality shoes are critical for consistent performance. However, the bulk, fit, and material depend on the player’s taste and role as a cricketer. For example, bowlers should ideally opt for polyethylene or microfiber, especially if they intend to play under wet or humid weather. For skid protection and stability, they can opt for different spikes combinations on the bottom.
Protective Equipment
As aforementioned, cricket can be a very dangerous sport if you don’t protect your body from the leather ball at all times. Here’s a list of essential protective equipment you can find in a cricket shop:
Helmet
A helmet is worn by both batsmen and fielders to protect themselves from ball impact on their heads. Some wicketkeepers also wear helmets during a spin bowling spell in which they have to come closer to the wicket. Professional cricket helmets are typically made of carbon fiber, titanium, steel, and high-density foam. However, they vary in terms of protection quality so be sure to shop around before spending your money. We recommend trying out Masuri helmets.
Gloves
Cricket gloves are an important part of cricket gear, not just for batsmen but also for wicket-keepers. They protect the players from potential wrist and finger injuries due to the ball’s impact. Batsmen also use it to strengthen their grip and absorb some of the shocks on the handle. Typically, cricket gloves consist of a leather palm with a back made of nylon or synthetic plastic.
Body Protectives
Both batsmen and wicket-keepers use an abdomen guard to safeguard their lower body against impact. Leg, elbow, and shin pads are also quite common amongst modern batsmen who prefer taking minimal risks, especially when facing fast balling.
Other Equipment
Depending on the cricket shop you visit, you can find a host of other cricket-related products you can buy for both training and professional matches. These include:
- Wickets (Stumps and Bails)
- Caps
- Water bottles
- Cricket kit bag
- Bat maintenance kit
- Cricket sight screen
- International and local team jerseys
- Cricket Accessories (chains, watches, glasses, etc.)
Conclusion
And there you have it – A list of essential equipment that can be found in most cricket shops around the world. But before you head to the market, try to do some research online regarding the products you’re interested in buying. This way, you can save time and money by knowing what to look for and make a more informed purchase decision accordingly.