We all know that cricket pads give you a huge amount of protection while you’re playing (assuming you buy the right pads). However, not a lot of people realise how they’re giving this protection. What are cricket pads made of? What is going on inside those pads that helps to absorb the power of a delivery and stop the pain of getting hit on the shins?
In this guide, we’re exploring the makeup of the different types of cricket pads, and the materials used.
Different Types of Cricket Pads
The two main types of cricket pads offering protection for the legs are batting pads and wicketkeeper pads.
The key differences include the fact that batting pads tend to have three straps keeping them in place, whereas wicketkeeping pads have two straps. They are also a little bit smaller, with a shorter knee roll to allow wicketkeepers freedom of movement. They need to be able to fling themselves around to take those catches.
Wicket-keeping pads offer a similar level of protection, though it is fair to say that keepers don’t get hit in the shins as much, so there is not much risk in these being smaller.
The Materials Used in Cricket Pads
There are a few different materials that tend to be used when making cricket pads. It should be said that there is no one specific design, and different manufacturers take slightly different approaches to try and get the best results. The materials used for cricket bats do tend to be pretty similar.
Cane
Cane is a traditional material that is used in the construction of cricket pads, this is used to give the pad its main structure and keep it rigid. The pad needs a structure as well as padding, and this is what gives it durability. Some other materials are used, and some manufacturers of different types of cricket pads even use carbon fiber to help with this rigid structure. Many believe that good, old-fashioned cane is the ideal solution.
High-Density Foam
Traditionally, a lot of batting pads were made with materials like leather to try to soak up the impact of the ball. High-density foam has continued to improve over the years, though, and is now regarded as the most efficient material to use on the inside of the pad, supported by a cane structure.
High-density foam does an incredible job of soaking up the power of a cricket ball, so that it hurts a lot less if you get wrapped on the shins by a delivery.
Traditionally, materials like cotton and leather were used to make pads, but foam is much more lightweight and provides better protection. The quality of pads has vastly improved as a result.
Other Materials
It is possible that some other materials will be used in the production of pads. For instance, a lot of them have breathable meshing. This is the case with the Village Cricket Co. pads which offer a breathable design to add a level of comfort as well as prevent the pads from becoming too fusty.
PVC is also sometimes used as a more modern alternative to leather, and Polyurethane is another option for the outside of the pad, along the face.
Of course there are a few other minor materials such as velcro for the straps and elastic.
What is the Village Cricket Co. Pad Made Of?
Our goal is to keep cricket affordable for everybody, and though our pads are very reasonably priced we use modern and effective materials.
Our cricket batting pads are made from:
- 6mm crosslink foam padding
- High quality PU and ultralight foam for incredible impact absorption
- Litlon & foam vertical bolsters
Check out our cricket pads here if you’re looking for a solid level of protection at a price that suits a village cricketer.
A Brief History of Cricket Pads
Cricketers in the early days didn’t even use pads, which is hard to believe. In the 1700s they were first introduced, but were much more primitive than they are today, usually being made out of cork and with leather wrapped around the front.
Cricket pads actually contributed to the introduction of the LBQ rule, which came about when a lot of cricketers were allowing the ball to hit them on the pads. They were now protected so didn’t mind blocking the ball in this way.
Cricket pads continued to evolve as overarm bowling became the norm, and more technology was introduced to the world of cricket.
Conclusion
Cricketers have more protection than ever before, and rightly so. Cricket can be a dangerous sport if protection is not paramount, and let’s face it, nobody wants to get hit on the legs while trying to fend off a fast delivery. Ensuring your cricket pads are made of the right stuff is a way to protect those legs.