Cricket Equipment Buyers Guide

In order to play cricket it is necessary to purchase the correct equipment in order to prevent injury. While the bowler only needs a good pair of boots, the batsman needs far more equipment. Most important are the protective helmet and the box. Boxes are available cheaply and in different sizes. Helmets are available from most manufacturers and in a wide range of colours and sizes. As outlined below, the consumer should only buy a helmet that displays the Kite Mark and conforms to British Safety Standards. Batting pads are necessary to protect the batsman's legs and gloves for his hands; both these pieces of equipment are crucial to avoiding injury. As your play standard improves the purchase of additional protective equipment such as thigh, arm and chest guards is also advisable. It is worth buying good quality equipment due to the heavy impact of the hard ball and the high probability of getting hit.

Cricket bats are made exclusively from willow- the more expensive the bat, the better quality of wood. Typically, a bat made from high quality wood will have straight uniform grains and few blemishes as opposed to a cheaper one that may have marks such as knots in the wood. Manufacturers use their own systems to grade the wood, for example 5 Star willow being highest quality and 1 Star the lowest. Some cheaper bats are often made from Kashmir willow, which is imported from India and of lower quality. The size range is as follows, and is the same for all manufacturers: Adult sizes: Long, Short, Mini/Super Short Handle (the blade is the same length for each size: only the handle length changes). Junior sizes (largest to smallest): Harrow, Size 6, Size 5, Size 4, and Size 3. N.B Some models offer Long Blade options where the blade is approximately an inch longer. This is normally specified under the product description. Bats are also available in different weights and are measured in Imperial measurements. Adult bats range normally from 2lb 6oz to over 3lb. Many manufacturers also offer a custom bat-making facility on visiting the factory. The shape of bats also varies greatly with many manufacturers using computer-aided design for optimum weight distribution/balance. When new, cricket bats need 'knocking-in' which involves hitting the face with a mallet or old cricket ball in order to accustom the wood to the impact of the ball and prevent cracking. In some cases bats are supplied with protective facings such as Anti-Scuff to protect the face and reduce 'knocking-in' time. All bats are suitable for either right or left-handed players. Choosing a Bat The most significant factor to influence choosing a bat is comfort. Different players feel comfortable with different weights and it is important to choose one that is neither too light nor too heavy, unless you know for certain what weight is best for you. It is also important to find the bat with the best wood within your price range as the better the wood (i.e. the less blemishes) the longer the bat will last and the more powerful it will be. Some useful terms to understand when choosing a bat: Pick-Up: this is the feel of the bat when picking it up. A 'Light' pick-up indicates that the bat has a light feel. Blade: this is the wooden part of the bat used for hitting the ball. Balance: this relates to the pick up and is central to the feel of the bat- a badly balanced bat will not have a good pick-up. Sweet-Spot: this is the thickest point of the blade where maximum power will be achieved when striking the ball.

Again, comfort is the main factor in purchasing batting pads. The ideal pad will be lightweight but offering maximum cushioning and padding. Pads using lightweight materials such as High Density Foam and Plastazote give the best protection with the lightest weight although some players prefer the traditional Cane/Cotton protection, which is slightly heavier. Pads are available in right and left handed versions although some companies now produce universal models. All have Velcro fastening and most have a P.U facing unless specified otherwise. Size Range (used by most manufacturers): Adult sizes: Large/Oversize Mens (for tall players), Mens, Small Mens, Youths, Boys, Small Boys, Mini. This guide can also be applied to wicket keeping pads as they use the same technology. Sizes for wicket keeping pads: Mens, Youths, Boys. Some terminology for batting/wicketkeeping pads: Knee Roll: the horizontal rolls protecting the knees. Bolsters: the sections of padding (sometimes detachable) found inside the pad.

Like batting pads, gloves also come in varied shapes and sizes. They use the same protective materials: Cotton or Plastazote/High Density Foam. Some have hinged fingers for increased mobility and extra protection attached to the outside, particularly to the bottom two fingers of the bottom hand as they are the most likely to be broken or injured. Generally, the cheaper the glove, the less protection it offers and the cheaper the materials used. For durability it is advisable to choose gloves with leather palms as they resist sweat better and are harder-wearing. Some terminology for batting gloves: Nylon Inserts: pieces of nylon or plastic inserted inside the finger padding for added protection. Sausage Protection: traditional rounded cotton-filled protection on fingers, as opposed to square protection.

Cricket holdalls are designed specifically for transporting cricket equipment. They come in many sizes and designs. In choosing one it is important to consider whether it will hold everything you require of it, such as bat, pads, helmet, clothing, boots, etc.

Helmets are the most important piece of protective equipment. Players at U19 level and below are required by law to wear a protective helmet unless exempted by their parents in writing. Again, many different models are on the market and you should always choose one displaying the Kite Mark and complying with British Safety Standards. This will be displayed inside the helmet or on its box.

Cricket sets are designed primarily for clubs and children. They contain varying numbers of bats, pads, gloves, boxes and other protective equipment. They do not include top of the range expensive models, instead cheaper models designed to be hardwearing and replaceable at a low cost. There are also many children's sets with plastic stumps and bats designed for coaching exercises.

The best indication of the quality of a cricket ball is its price. The more expensive balls will be handmade and use superior quality materials. Cheap balls are suitable for practice but tend to go out of shape readily when they get older. For matches therefore it is important to use a ball of sufficient quality that it will hold its shape, as it gets older. Also cheaper balls are sometimes much harder than good quality ones and are likely to damage and crack bats. The better quality leather used in making the more expensive balls will ensure it retains its shine for longer and resists scuffing. Sizes (identified by weight): Adult: 5 ½ oz Junior: 4 ¾ oz Also available are many different types of practice ball, for indoor and outdoor use. These normally fall under the same size and weight categories as match balls. Some terminology for cricket balls: Seam: the seam joining the pieces of leather together. 4 Piece Construction: a ball made from 4 pieces of leather on the outside. 2 piece balls are also available but are less common in england.