There are few sports and activities you can engage in seriously without investing in the right equipment and cricket is no exception. There are many items which you should not be without but If you don’t play regularly or are on a restricted budget you may need to choose lower priced items which are aimed at the casual player. There is no point buying professional level equipment if you just have the occasional knock. High end gear comes at a price and there are many perfectly serviceable options at more friendly prices.

Clothing

You will need at least trousers and a shirt but you may also want to consider a base layer to keep you warm on colder days and even a jumper to slip on in the evenings. Modern cricketing attire is lightweight and moisture wicking for comfort during play. Cricket shoes are also a wise investment as they are designed to help your feet cope with the rigours of the game and will give you the appropriate grip on the pitch thus helping you avoid unfortunate slips and the resulting injuries. Shoes vary vastly with many being designed for specific playing positions and there are several options for the soles with spiked and pimpled models available. If you are just starting out there is no point getting over technical just choose a good all round pair which are suitable for all conditions.

Bat

Like shoes, there are many different bats to choose from manufactured to cater for the height of the player and the nature of their game. Bats vary in weight, size and curvature and the best way to discover which feels right for you is to try out some models before you buy. There are four grades of wood used to manufacture bats with the highest grade being the most expensive. Before investing in a bat consider how often you are likely to use it and to what level you are going to play.

Protective Equipment

Every player will want to wear batting pads and men certainly need a cricket box but it is all too easy for amateur players to try to save money by ignoring the rest of the safety equipment on offer. Even a casual player can propel the ball at significant speeds and players frequently get hit both by the ball and other players. A safety helmet is a must to avoid head injuries, indeed there have been numerous fatalities as a result of such incidents, and you should also consider chest, arm and thigh guards for complete protection. Complete your outfit with a decent pair of gloves for batting.

Finishing Touches

With all that equipment you are going to need something to transport it. The most practical solution is to invest in a proprietary sports carrier which is designed to accommodate everything you need and to adequately protect your gear. Bags are relatively inexpensive and should last you for several seasons.

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Article by sports fan Sally Stacey