How To Choose Wicket-Keeping Gloves?

When it comes to wicket keeping, you can’t underestimate the power of a good pair of wicket keeping gloves to take your game to the next level. And, just like any other sport that requires gloves, it comes down to three important factors: comfort, grip and protection. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they also look aesthetically pleasing too! 

At Kookaburra Sport, our wicket keeping gloves tick all the boxes, so when you’re behind the stumps, you will feel comfortable and protected to take the next catch or stumping opportunity. But how do you choose the right pair of gloves when you’re shopping online? Easy! Our guide will help you make the correct choice for your needs. Read on before you make a purchase.

Sizing

For the obvious reasons, size is the first thing you should consider when you buy wicket-keeping gloves. The best way to get an accurate estimation is to measure from the bottom of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger. Keep in mind that the guide below is only approximate but it should strongly indicate the size you need.

Palm Lining

This is the area within the wicket-keeping glove that makes contact with the palm of the hand. Given that the lining is directly beneath the area that will be used most to catch the cricket ball, it is important this inner area is soft and comfortable in order to avoid excessive rubbing and chafing. 

Leather Support

Due to its combination of strength, flexibility and durability, leather gloves are the most popular choice. However, they are also the most expensive. Leather types include cattle leather, calf leather, sheep leather, kangaroo leather, and chamois leather. The material used in Kookaburra palm lining for our premium level wicket-keeping gloves is aniline sheep leather.

Finger End Caps

It's critically important to wicket-keeping to ensure your fingers are protected, which are the most common areas wicket-keepers incur injuries. The end caps are cylindrical objects designed to fit over the tips of your fingers and built-in to the end of all five glove fingers. Made from a rubbery material or PVC, finger end caps will absorb the worst of any glancing blows.

Webbing

The webbing is a crucial area of the glove for the catching process.  It's there to keep the index finger and the thumb from separating too far. The webbing is not used to take the catches with the best area to catch the ball being around the middle of the hand and the base of the thumb. In saying that, the webbing is useful for when taking the ball overhead or under the swirling high ball.

Impact Protection

It’s important the wicket-keeping glove of choice offers a maximum level of palm support against the impact of the ball. The shock absorption qualities of Kookaburra wicket-keeping gloves in the palm padding help slow down the ball and decrease the chance of the ball slipping out of your grasp. The material used is leather.

Neoprene 

The material advantage of using neoprene on Kookaburra Wicket Keeping Gloves means a strong level of resistance. With neoprene, you get elasticity, flexibility, and waterproof features. If you are allergic to latex, neoprene is your best alternative to rubber.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a junior wicket-keeper starting off in the game, our Kookaburra range of wicket keeping gloves are perfect for cricketers of all levels. With high-performing designs made from the latest technology, our wicket-keeping gloves will allow you to take your next catch or stumping with confidence.