When playing cricket, even at an amateur level, your protection is crucial. There are many different types of cricket protection and in this guide we’re providing you with a guide to the most important equipment.
While cricket is all about having a bit of fun, especially at the village level, it is definitely possible to end up with a nasty injury if you don’t have the right level of protection. When you take to the field you need to have the right level of equipment and protection.
Of course, whether you are batting or bowling makes a difference, and wicket keepers or fielders who are close to the batter may need additional protection. If you watch professional cricket, you will get a strong idea of the sort of protection required.
Helmet
Helmets are 100% required for batting. In some rare instances in professional cricket, during slower bowling, the batter may not wear a helmet. However, we don’t recommend it and in village cricket you need to wear a helmet.
If a helmet takes a heavy blow during a match you may also need to replace it, or check its structural integrity.
Helmets are also required when keeping wicket and if you are fielding at a position like silly point. It is a good idea to have your own helmet that fits your head perfectly, rather than rely on something in the club kitbag. This is helpful for hygiene, too.
Gloves
Cricket gloves are absolutely essential when batting, too. Your hands are right in the firing line, and if you misjudge the flight of the ball or get one that seems to rise on you then it might hit you in the hands. This is a broken finger waiting to happen. Cricket balls are very hard and if one hits your finger at speed it will likely break.
Getting gloves that are the correct style (left-handed or right-handed) helps to give you the utmost protection.
Check out our batting gloves, offering immense protection at a reasonable price tag.
Wicket keepers have a different type of glove, and these help with the catching as well as helping with cricket protection. Catching a ball that hard all afternoon can take its toll, and you only have to misjudge it slightly to end up with a dislocated finger or a broken bone.
Pads
There are a lot of different types of pads that you may wish to wear as a cricketer. Some are essential, and certainly while you are batting or keeping wicket.
Batting/Keeper Pads
Batting and wicket keeping pads are slightly different, but usually only because the keeper pads have less strapping to keep them in place. The function of the pads is to protect the shins, which can take a lot of punishment without something in front of them.
Batting pads come in left-handed and right-handed designs, and again it is crucial to buy the right style for you as it gives you more protection, especially around the sides of your leg and on the leading leg while you are batting.
The VIllage Cricket Co. Batting pads have a traditional 7-bar design and plenty of protection at a reasonable price tag. Our aim is to make cricket affordable for all.
Thigh Pads
It is also possible that you will get hit on the thigh while you are batting, so a thigh guard is also a crucial piece of equipment. These attach around the waist and give your upper legs a bit more protection.
Chest Pad
A bit like your shins, the chest is an area where you can take a lot of damage if you get hit. If someone bowls a bouncer and you cop it full on the ribs you are very likely to end up with broken ribs, or at the very least a nasty bruise. A chest pad is a good solution.
These will sit on the side of your body that will be facing the bowler while they are running up.
Arm Pad
An arm pad is not necessarily such a crucial piece of kit, but it does have the capacity to prevent injuries. These are attached on the arm to give a bit of extra padding if you should get hit in this region.
It isn’t uncommon to break the bones in your arm if they are hit by a cricket ball, and this is one of the reasons why we recommend an arm pad, too.
Abdo Guard
The abdo guard is also a super important piece of equipment, you don’t want to leave your groin area unprotected when you are playing cricket, and this is the answer. It tucks into your underwear (such as specific boxer shorts) and provides protection if you get hit in the most unfortunate area.
Shoes
Cricket shoes are part of your protective gear, too! You need them to play, of course, but the fact is that they are crucial for your protection. If you were wearing cricket shoes that offer no protection and happen to get a delivery hit you on the toes, once again you are facing a nasty injury. Shoes serve a crucial purpose and they are definitely worth investing in, make sure you get a good fit, spikes, and a quality level of protection, especially in the toe area.
Summary – The Best Cricket Protection
Cricket is one of those sports where you simply can’t turn up without a strong level of protection. Not only can you get injured, there is the chance for serious injury, largely due to the ball and how hard it is. Your head needs protection, as well as other parts of your body including legs, arms, chest, abdomen, and groin.
You may struggle when wearing a lot of cricket protection to start with. It takes some getting used to, but there is no substitute for it.
Fortunately, with the Village Cricket Co. there is plenty of amazing protective equipment available even if you are on a tight budget.