Cricket is the oldest sport in the world and is still popular in many parts of the world—especially in South Asia and Australia. Cricket is also one of the most challenging sports to play.
If you’re new to cricket and want to take up this exciting game, you’ll need some basic equipment before playing your first match. From batting gloves to mens cricket shoes, here are some essential items that every aspiring cricketer should have on hand:
Cricket Bat
A cricket bat’s blade is thick at its center, gradually getting thinner as it extends towards its edges. The blade’s edge can be either straight or slightly curved (a convex edge).
The length of the bat depends on what type of match you are playing. In test matches, the batsman uses a long, straight bat; in one-day internationals and Twenty20, it is shorter and more curved.
A cricket bat can be made from various timbers, including willow, maple, or birch. The best bats are made from English willow that has been aged for at least three years before being cut down into planks which are then dried for another six months.
Batting Gloves
Batting gloves are made of leather and protect the batsman’s hand. They also help in gripping the bat better. As with other cricket gear, batting gloves come in different sizes and shapes depending on the player’s needs.
The most common type is made from synthetic leather. These gloves have a simple design with only three sections: the cuff, palm, and fingers. The cuff is designed to fit snugly around your wrist so it won’t slip off during play; it also has a Velcro strap for added security.
Cricket Shoes
You’ll want to ensure that the shoes you choose for cricket are lightweight. You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy pair of boots when trying to chase down that ball flying towards you at lightning speed.
Cricket shoes should also have a rubber sole, which will help prevent slips and falls on wet pitches. Many varieties of mens cricket shoes also feature an adjustable strap for added comfort, so keep this in mind when choosing your footwear.
Cricket shoes generally have a non-slip sole, making them perfect for playing on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. The soles come with different tread patterns depending on what type of surface they’re meant for.
Some may have flat soles, while others might be designed with more aggressive treading patterns for playing on dirt or grassy areas.
Helmet
Every cricketer must have a helmet. These are designed to protect your head from injury and are not just for kids playing at the park. The ones that professional players wear are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of concussion or other serious injuries.
They come in hard, soft, and hybrid models; you’ll also find visors on some types of helmets (this is an extension that protects your face from flying balls).
Even helmets with internal sun visors block glare while letting you see through it when the sun isn’t directly overhead—so no more squinting at the field. External sun visors can flip open when you want them to if you still want protection from UV rays but don’t need any extra shade during playtime.
Thigh Guard
A thigh guard is usually worn underneath a player’s shorts and jersey. A good thigh guard should protect the outside of your leg from impact and injury. It should also protect the inner thigh area, which is exposed when wearing shorts or pants that don’t have built-in padding.
The best models are made of high-density foam that absorbs shock without adding bulk. Thigh guards shouldn’t limit your mobility or restrict blood flow in any way—if it does, then it’s probably not a very good model, to begin with.
Final Word
These are just some cricket gear that every aspiring cricketer must have. If possible, find a batting coach to help you improve your game, or just watch videos on YouTube to learn from the pros. You can also get tips from other players at your local cricket club.