Every sport has its specific uniform. Clothing pieces that make it recognisable no matter the circumstances. Cricket is not an exception. To be a proper player, you should have the essentials, shoes for cricket, shirts, pants, a hat etc. Having the proper set of clothes will make you more comfortable, and more confident and will boost your performance.
Shoes
Cricket is one of those sports that requires fast movements, agility and a lot of precision. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a professional player, having the right type of shoes can have a big impact on your game. It can either make or break your cricket experience and success. They'll prevent injuries and help you give your optimal performance.
Start with choosing the right size. Make sure you get the right fit. Nothing too big or too small. Otherwise, you’ll feel uncomfortable, you can lose the shoes on the pitch or get blisters after one game. Always invest in high-quality, comfortable batting spikes that give you plenty of support.
The surface you’re playing on is another important factor to consider. It can be grass, indoor mats or artificial turf. If you play on grass, shoes with spikes will give you more traction and prevent you from slipping. If you play on artificial turf or indoor mats, shoes with rubber soles will do a great job.
There are 3 types of shoes you can choose from, batting. Bowling and all-rounders. The batting type is made for batsmen who need a lot of support and grip. Bowling shoes are made for bowlers and give them more stability and cushioning. All-rounders can work for both types of players.
Running, jumping, and sliding are all part of the game, and the shoes need to be able to handle everything. Don't compromise, look for shoes made of top-notch materials that will last for a long time. Some of the essential features to look for are reinforced toa caps and sturdy outsoles. They'll increase your stability.
Of course, you’ll sweat a lot during the game because cricket is a demanding sport. Your feet won’t be an exception, so you need some breathable shoes. Mesh and synthetic uppers will give you the breathability you need and will keep the feet cool and dry. This lowers the chances of fungal infections and discomfort.
Don't forget to buy them from a reliable brand. Always read reviews and comments, go through the ratings and see what the people are thinking. Do your research and make the right choice. Last but not least, think about your budget. This will narrow down your choices. If you’re a pro you have to invest more money, but if you’re a beginner or play for fun, you don’t have to spend a lot.
Shirts
Choosing the proper clothing, especially the shirt is very important for your match. You want to be as comfortable as possible and perform as best as you can. The shirts should fit right. If it’s too loose it will get in your way, if it’s too tight it can restrict your movement resulting in bad performance. Nowadays, it’s easy to find the right fit. There are size charts you can compare your measurements to and find what you need.
High-quality materials are a must. Your shirts should dry quickly and be as breathable as possible. Cotton is a choice that can live up to both expectations. It will keep you cool and dry on the pitch in hot weather conditions. Consider the weather you’re playing in as well. If you need to add a jumper or some other extra layer.
If you’re not a professional you can choose whatever colour you want, because there’s no team to match to. However, keep an eye on the weather. If it’s very hot, go for a lighter colour. If it’s cloudy you can go for something darker. If it’s windy and very cold, add a jacket or even a scarf to protect you from the bad weather. Choose something stylish to match your batting spikes and you’ll have all eyes on you.
Pants
Because you’re going to be very active during the match or the training session, you need a pair of comfortable pants. Something that won’t harm your performance but improve it. The number one priority should be the material. They should be made of cotton or some other strong material with good ventilation properties.
Good absorption will also make you feel more comfortable and prevent irritation. You'll stay cool and focused during the game. Your pants should be long enough to cover your kneecaps. Always look for pants with drawstrings and an elastic waistband so you can adjust them as you see fit.
When it comes to colour and design, keep it simple. Go for neutral and dark colours. Bright hues may interfere with your opponent's focus. Keep the front clean and simple without a lot of pockets and unnecessary additions and features. Price-wise, just like with your shoes for cricket, invest as much as you can to get the most out of them.
Socks
You may not think socks are important, but they can have a big impact on your game and performance. Look for lightweight, breathable materials to give you an enhanced barefoot feel. Some manufacturers have developed blister burden-reducing technology to make it easy on your feet.
Wool, cotton, Lycra and nylon are the most common material choices. Combining them gives you the perfect sock for your cricket footwear. Some of them even have thick padding underneath for maximum comfort and a nice fit.
Jumper
In case you’re playing in colder weather conditions, you’ll need an extra layer of clothing. Buying a jumper is a good idea. These jumpers can be sleeveless or full-sleeve. Both are a good option and which one you choose depends on how harsh the weather is. This clothing piece is usually made of wool, acrylic yarn and sometimes combined with cotton. They're all strong, resilient materials that will keep you warm and protected.