During a cricket game, a hardball of around 160 grams propelled towards a batsman at more than 140 kph can do some serious damage. So, it's indispensable for a cricket player to wear proper cricket protective gear during a game. Despite the use of protective equipment, bruises and bumps are a common thing for a batsman. Protective gear is used as shock-resistant items made of lightweight high-density foam. It includes cricket chest guards, thigh guards, arm guards, pads, and batting gloves.
Besides, cricket players also need to wear special helmets with grillers. Batsmen and wicket keepers usually wear a protective chest guard in order to protect themselves against the impact of the ball hitting their chest region. Leg pads are also worn by wicket keepers and batsmen in order to protect the shins and fielders might also opt to wear leg pads. Protective eyewear is also used by wicket keepers to protect their eyes as the impact of the ball hitting the wicket can be significant, and bails might get dislodged after impact. Here is the complete list of cricket protect gear necessary during a cricket game.
Helmet
It's mandatory to wear a helmet with a faceguard during a cricked game. There should be an optimum space between the peak of the helmet and the grill so that the ball can't pass through it. Generally, players use helmets while batting against a pace bowler but it's recommended that the helmet is kept on even while facing slower bowers as a precaution against a pull shot of a full-toss.
Chest Guard
In the past, cricket gamers didn't like to use chest protectors due to their heavy or bulky shape or too tight or too stiff fit. These also used to be hot, uncomfortable and counterproductive to wear. This isn't the case anymore. The modern chest guard equipment available on the market comes with new key performance elements that ensure improved protection, comfort, speed and mobility for all batsmen in a unique and balanced way. This piece of protective equipment is used over the chest region of the cricket batsman to protect the chest ribs from the impact of cricket balls. It's worn on the right side by a right-hander and the left side by a left-hander, to keep in with the logic of which side of a batsman's body is more exposed towards the income ball.
Gloves
One of the most common injuries a batsman can face is broken fingers. That is because the hands are the closes part to the ball at the time of the impact with the bat. Just a little misjudgment of the batsman's part or an unexpected bounce, and that could result in injury to the fingers. Modern cricket gloves are designed in such a way that they provide the most protection, in the form of padded areas on each finger, while being lightweight to not cause any discomfort in holding the bat.
Box
While the fingers are the most susceptible part of the body to injury while batting, what is referred to as the "private" parts are the most painful part of the body for the ball to be hit. This makes the box one of the most essential pieces of equipment that a batsman should use. This piece of protective equipment comes in various shapes and sizes and is ergonomically designed for improved comfort while wearing it. Some modern models even come with suitable ventilation.
Pads
Next to the private parts, the shins are the most sensitive body part where a ball-striking with force would cause unbearable pain. Old pad models were known to cause trouble while running between the wickets, especially when not fixed properly. However, modern pads are more lightweight to ensure that it isn't uncomfortable running while wearing them, without compromising on the safety factor. The pads are made up from a similar material as the gloves, with a horizontal panel just around the knee height for extra protection. Most pads come with more than one straps to make it easier to adjust the grip or position.
Spikes
Batsmen can pick their spikes based on the wicket they will be playing and running on. Spike shoes are a good option for playing on soft grounds, while rubber soles are better suited for hard surfaces. A batsman can use a combination of both, with spikes at the front to provide proper gripping while running between the wickets, and rubber heels for the harder surface of the pitch compared to the field.
Hand Webbing and Elbow Straps
It's common to see fielders diving on the field for fun. This makes it extremely crucial for them to have protective webbing on their fingers. It's almost mandatory for a good fielder considering the fitness parameter world over. And thus, protective tapes and elbow straps are an integral part of these safety kit.