How To Wear Cricket Batting Pads?
You’d be surprised, but some players usually struggle with putting pads on correctly. After the abdominal protector, it’s the next thing that should be put on when getting ready to bat.
The sole objective of batting pads is to protect your legs from the knee-down, from the impact of the cricket ball. Cricket pads are secured to the player’s legs using straps (Velcro) and are available in a variety of sizes depending on your age and height. All batting pads look and feel similiar, irrespective of size.
Choosing the right batting pad
As world cricket innovators, Kookaburra has set up a 3-tiered fit system that helps support different player types and sizes. Batting pads fit into three categories: Traditional Cane (Classic), Lightweight and Slim Fit. Within these different categories are different grades of pads running from Pro Players to Pro 9.0. From there it's down to what style of player you are. Do you like to scamper between the wickets and want something lighter? Or are you of slighter build and struggle to find pads that fit you correctly? Either way, Kookaburra has a solution for you.
How to find the correct size of cricket batting pad?
Before purchasing Kookaburra cricket pads it's best to know what size pads are best for you. To do this, measure from the middle of the knee cap down to the instep or where the tongue of your shoe rests. After you take down this measurement, choosing a batting pad will become much easier. The measurement to sizing conversion might vary from brand to brand, but it should give you a general idea of your size. For instance, an Adidas adult pad measures 42-44 cm, whereas a Kookaburra pad measures 41-44 cm. This is very helpful when ordering all cricket pads online.
Parts of a cricket pad:
-Top Hat
-Knee Roll
-Wings
-Face
-Straps
-Instep
-Inners
How to secure the pads?
After choosing the right pads for you, it’s time to become familiar with how to fasten the pads. As the straps are made of velcro they are easy and quick to secure. An important step before fastening the pads is to check your pants. Make sure the pants are not twisted or rolled up as this can cause discomfort. Once you’re sure your pants are comfortable and safely secure, ensure the lower part of your pad is placed over the top part of the shoe, that is, the tongue of the shoe. This will ensure that the pads don't rub on your foot.
Once the pads are in place, open the strap and fasten them around your leg while pushing the end through the buckle. Adjust the straps so that the pad is tight enough that it doesn’t move, but not too tight that it cuts into your leg or restricts movement. Secure the straps with Velcro and repeat the same process with the remaining straps to secure your pad in place. To know they are on correctly, ensure the straps finish on the outside of your leg and the buckles are on the inside so your movement is not impacted in any way.
After removing the pads, make sure to fasten them to protect the Velcro from collecting any fluff or dirt. This step affects how the pads fit the next time you use them.
Order of process:
- Adjust pants
- Secure pads with buckles on the inside and straps finishing on the outside so as not to impair movement
Following the above steps will ensure you wear your cricket pads the right and secure way. Cricket is all about these small details. Get these right and you could go a long way in your batting career.