The game of cricket isn't very popular in the United States. Actually, it's barely known. Cricket is referred to as the "gentleman's sport," a team game that originated in England way back in the 1500s. It is played in the center of a cricket field which is called an oval. There are two teams of 11 playersone side bats while the other bowls and fields. The aim of the game is to score as many runs before you're tagged out. If this sounds like baseball, it definitely isn't.
Gentleman's Gear
Make sure you have the right gear the next time you step onto the oval.
* '''Batsman Gloves''': Protect your hands from injury with batting gloves, which are only used by the batter. These are moderately bulky gloves so you will need a pair that offers finger flexibility in the padded areas. The thumb slot also needs to provide extra protection. Also, check the gloves' length. Batting gloves should measure from your wrist to the tip of your middle finger.
* '''Batsman Pads''': Batsmen must wear pads in case they get hit by the incredibly hard ball. These pads are not for the arms or chest, but the legs. Every batter's legs differ, so you will need pads that work with your stance. To ensure this, measure the distance from the middle of the knee to the area of your foot where the shoe's tongue falls.
* '''Helmet''': Bowlers throw cricket balls at incredibly high speeds that's why helmets are required headgear for all batsmen. Cricket helmets are lightweight and must be worn with the protruding brim facing forward. These helmets should not be able to move nor should they be soft. They must also include a chinstrap.
* '''Wicket Keeper Gloves and Pads''': Wicket keepers are always in-play on the field and need gloves that will make catching and throwing easier. They must also wear leg pads that won't hinder movement behind the wicket. This means you must check the pads' ankle and calf strap to ensure its sturdiness.
* '''Cricket Shoes''': Like with all sports, comfort and grip at extremely important when it comes to shoes. If you're playing on soft ground, opt for a shoe with spikes; hard fields require shoes with bumpy rubber soles. A batsman's shoe will have spikes in the front and rubber threading in the back while bowlers' shoes feature spikes in the front and back with ankle support.
