4 Steps to Picking the Right Batting Pads

If you’re a keen cricketer, you’ll know only too well how easy it is to be pelted with the ball and spend a week with bruises after getting hit in the legs multiple times. The more time you spend injured, the less you can play the sport you love. We’re guessing that’s why you’re here reading about how to pick the right batting pads for yourself.

Cricket pads cover your legs when you’re batting so you can escape most of the potential abuse inflicted by the hard, unforgiving cricket ball. Once you begin your research into any cricket equipment like batting pads, you’ll swiftly realize that by playing this sport, a sizeable amount of your budget will go toward paying for cricket gear, especially that crucial protective equipment.

It’s imperative you don’t just walk into your nearest cricket shop and pick up any random set of cricket batting pads, though. You need to choose the batting pads that work best for you, rather than expecting a one-size-fits-all solution. You can get pads suited for right-handers or southpaws as well as ambidextrous sets. There are sizes to accommodate large adults all the way down to small children.

You need to be sure that the batting pads are properly sized so they don’t fall off or slip down when you need them most. You also want to make certain they allow for a full range of movement and that they are comfortable and durable in equal measure

Batting pads are made of different materials and have different design aspects, but the main point of all cricket batting pads to protect you from injuries caused by that lethal leather ball.  Before we walk you through the four steps to picking the right batting pads, we’ll give you some quick background.

Material

Traditional cricket batting pads are made of leather. These pads are not very durable, even when cared for properly, and they are also incredibly expensive.

The alternatives most commonly used in today’s cricket batting pads are polyurethane (PU) and PVC. These materials make batting pads that are lightweight without compromising durability and they deliver the protection you need so that rock-hard ball doesn’t leave you battered and bruised. These materials are also easy to clean and care for.

The interior of modern cricket batting pads is made from cotton and cane. Some models provide extra protection in the form of carbon or Kevlar inserts, although this is probably overkill unless you’re a very serious player. The most common styles of pads have plenty of foam padding in them as well. This padding adds another layer of protection while also providing ample comfort.

Design

While every manufacturer of cricket batting pads has a proprietary, there are still many similarities among the brands. There are no restrictions on the design of the batting pads, and modern materials have made certain design aspects obsolete. For example, the knee roll on the batting pad isn’t necessary anymore due to the use of modern materials.

However, since umpires have always used the knee roll to help them judge how high the bounce of the cricket ball is, they found this tough task when knee rolls were no longer used on batting pads. For this reason, many companies have worked a faux knee roll into the design of their modern batting pads so everyone’s happy.

Caring For Your Batting Pads

Since cricket gear is costly, it’s only sensible that you try to properly care for it so that it lasts as long as possible. Wipe your pads clean after each game or net session so they last longer, and that’s about the extent of maintenance.

The moisture from your skin and sweat can shorten the lifespan of your batting pads. Make sure you allow them to dry out after batting, but never put them in direct sunlight. If you leave your pads in the sun, the padding will dry out and harden, ruining them completely and forcing you to spend yet more money.

Now, here are those promised four steps to picking the right batting pads the easy way!

1. Set a Budget

As previously stated, cricket gear can make quite a dent in your budget if you’re not careful. Before you set out to purchase any new equipment, you need to determine what your budget is then stick to it. Not only will you prevent overspending, you’ll also whittle down your options without needing to lift a finger.

As with nearly everything, the more money you can spend on a product, the better the quality is likely to be. If you have a more fluid budget, look at upscale pads. These will have more comfortable foam and other padding as well as specialty design features like washable, removable pad inserts. You can also expect pricier pads to be made from superior materials.

This isn’t to say that all cheaper cricket batting pads are uncomfortable or unfit for purpose. These pads will be just as useful as their more expensive counterparts; they just won’t have as many features, and they’ll lack that fine detailing that the best pads have. Regardless of your budget, you can find cricket batting pads that protect you effectively while reducing the number of bruises from the cricket ball.

2. Sizing – How and Why To Pick the Proper Size

Most manufacturers have a wide range of sizes for cricket batting pads. There are pads to suit everyone from the largest adult to the smallest child. You shouldn’t just buy a randomly sized set of cricket batting pads, though. Fit is paramount.

While exact sizing varies to some extent from brand to brand, overall they are similar. If you can’t get to a local cricket supplier to try on batting pads, you can measure yourself or your child at home in order to get the best fit possible.

When measuring up for your cricket batting pads, make sure you run from the middle of the knee to the top of your instep. Here are most common measurements and their corresponding sizes:

When you pick up batting pads and try them on, you’ll be able to tell immediately if they fit properly. If the knee roll comes over your knee and the pad is resting on top of your foot, it’s all good. If this is not the case, you need a different size.

3. Choose the Right Brand

The huge range of brands available when it comes to cricket batting pads can complicate your buying decision. Why not express some national pride and buy from a manufacturer of Australian batting pads? Some of the more commonly known cricket batting pad companies include the following.

Other popular brands of cricket batting pads include Grove, MRF, New Balance, Puma, Slazenger, Spartan, and Ton.

4. Choose the Right Cricket Supplier

There are dozens of cricket suppliers all over the continent. Again, this choice can prove overwhelming. When you’re a busy cricketer, you won’t have the time or energy to drive all over, hunting down the latest and greatest cricket equipment. For this reason, you want a cricket supplier that stocks gear from all the best companies in one convenient spot.

You can find a local supplier and go into the brick-and-mortar store on occasion to find what you’re looking for, and this isn’t such a bad idea. You’ll be able to try things on or get a general feel for them. If you’re too busy to get into a supplier and prefer shopping online, the same rules apply. Look for a supplier with a wide selection of gear and a generous return policy.

You can always pop into a store to try things out; you don’t need to commit to purchase. To get the best of both worlds, though, look no further than Meulemans Cricket Centre for all your cricket needs. You can shop online or come see us in store, and we’ll be delighted to help you find all your cricket gear.

Conclusion

If you play cricket on a regular basis and you want to do so safely, there’s simply no way around investing in the best protective gear. Armed with the information in this guide, you should now be able to get the cricket batting pads you need without too much time or trouble.

4 Steps to Pick the Perfect Cricket Bat

It’s hard to find a more significant Australian pastime than cricket. The sport is one of the nation’s most coveted summer time activities. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious cricketer, it always helps to have a solid cricket bat. Luckily, there are tons of different cricket bats to choose from – you just have to know what to look for. Being spoiled for choice can sometimes make the process even more difficult.

Choosing the right cricket bat is essential; you don’t want to end up with a subpar bat and poor game. Whether you’re purchasing a bat for yourself or your child, it’s critical that you buy an excellent product. There are plenty of cheaply made cricket bats on the market, but they won’t provide you with the capabilities that other bats provide.

In this article, we take a look at what you need to know to choose the perfect cricket bat. Our guide can help you gain the expertise you need to make the right choice when you head to the shops for your next bat. Cricket can be an expensive sport, so it’s important to find a good deal on your next bat.Check out our advice below.

Set a Budget - Factory or Handmade?

As with any purchasing decision, it’s important to set a budget before you start your research. This is the best way to exclude any bats out of your price range automatically. Don’t waste your time looking at cricket bats that are too expensive. Always look or ask for the price upfront to ensure that you don’t get excited about something you can’t afford.

Bats have considerable variations in price. Some can cost upwards of $400, while other cheap bats can sometimes be purchased for $30. There are considerable disparities in these bats, and it’s often easy to tell. One of the biggest deciders of bat prices is the difference between factory and hand-made bats. If you want to purchase a cheaper bat, you should opt to look at factory bats. If you’re okay with a bigger price tag, and you want something that is quality, you should try and look at a range of handmade bats.

Fortunately, there are a lot of bat manufacturers that also provide multiple bat variations of the same bat model. If you find a bat you like, there’s probably a chance you can get a cheaper version of it by the same manufacturer. The quality won’t be as good, but it will typically have a similar shape and texture. Some bat manufacturers have up to four price variations of the same bat shape, so make sure to look out for this if you’re looking for a bargain.

Which Cricket Style Fits Best To You?

After you sort out your current budget, it’s time to start looking at specific bat types. The first thing you should consider is the type of bat style you want. This will also depend on your personal style of cricket. You should consider the kind of cricket you’ll be playing such as tests, ODIs, or T20. Many bats are made to play in any type of cricket, but some of the custom-made bats are specifically built for specific kind of batting.

If you’re someone who only plays T20 cricket, you may want to consider purchasing a cricket bat specific to T20. If you’re someone who typically bats for long periods of time in test cricket, it’s important you consider a bat explicitly built for this type of play. If you’re like most cricket players, and you play all kinds of cricket, so purchasing a general bat that is built for all-rounders is probably your best option.

After you decide on the type of cricket you will be playing; it’s time to assess the kind of cricket player you are. It’s essential to purchase a bat that suits your personal playing style. Even if you don’t think you have a typical playing style, you most likely do. Everyone has a unique swing and motion. Purchasing a bat designed for your type of motion can help you improve your hits and overall results.

The first thing you should ask yourself is if you use your front or back foot when you bat. If you’re someone who relies on your front foot more, it’s essential to have a bat with a sweet spot that sits low or around the middle of the bat. If you’re someone who sits on your back foot more, you’ll want a sweet spot that is higher up the bat. This might sound redundant, but it’s imperative to purchase a bat that has a sweet spot in the right area.

What Is The Right Bat Weight For You?

After you decide on the style of bat you’re looking to purchase, it’s important to consider the other crucial component: weight. Many cricketers make the mistake of buying a bat without assessing the weight. If a bat looks right and has the type of style you’re looking for, you may get ahead of yourself and purchase a bat that isn’t suited to your weight requirements.

Purchasing a bat without considering the weight can completely change the way you play. If you’re not strong enough to swing your bat, you won’t receive any benefits from the weight of the bat. At the same time, if you’re a strong player and your purchase a light bat, you’re probably preventing yourself from hitting as hard as you can.

This is especially important if you’re purchasing a bat for a junior player. You don’t want to buy an extremely heavy bat for your child if they’re unable to use it correctly. Junior cricket is about building the confidence of young players, so it’s vital to ensure you purchase your child a bat with a weight that suits them.

Whether you’re purchasing a bat for yourself or a child, the best way to decide if the bat is the right weight is to pick it up and test it out. There’s no set methodology for this; everyone has different strength and size, so give the bat a swing and see if it has enough weight to hit well without being a burden on your arms.

Choose The Right Cricket Supplier

After you’ve assessed all the crucial components of the right bat, it’s time to start deciding where to purchase your next cricket bat. Choosing the right bat provider is one of the most crucial components of buying the best bat. You need to find a cricket supplier that genuinely understands cricket, andmany people make the mistake of purchasing bats from general sporting goods stores. These large sporting stores don’t have the same options as a cricket specialist store. Also, their staff don’t have cricket specific knowledge that can help you choose the best bat.

Cricket specialist stores also have plenty of other cricket gear that you can use to improve your cricket career. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for excellent cricket gear, using a cricket specialist store is an awesome option. Many of the top cricket stores now have online websites that you can use to browse their gear selection. The best cricket stores have a wide variety of bat brands and bat modifications.

It’s also beneficial to choose a store that has a local presence. If you want to ensure you get the best bat, it’s important to go and try it out before you make a purchasing decision. While online shopping is convenient, you may want to consider picking up a bat before your purchase it. Also, if you go to a cricket specialist store and purchase a bat, you’ll be able to speak to a staff member that can help you assess the style of bat that is best suited to you.

Meulemans Has The Right Bat At The Right Price

Your relationship with your bat is important; it’s crucial that you do your research before you decide the brand and style you want to purchase. Buying a new bat is an exciting time that can help you improve your current cricket career. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cricket player, it’s essential to purchase a bat that is suited to your style of play and strength. Don’t underestimate how different your production will be if you are buying the wrong bat.

Don’t waste time at general sporting goods stores; there are plenty of cricket bat brands that aren’t carried by these larger Australian outlets. Choosing the right supplier can help you benefit from a wide selection and specialist knowledge. If you don’t know the type of bat that suits you, talking with an in-store specialist can help you assess your style of play and find bats that will help you bring your game to the next level.

While cricket bats do get pricey, there are tons of variations, and you’ll be able to purchase a solid bat for an affordable price. Make sure to set a budget and stick to it. There are plenty of reasonable price points available in the modern cricket bat market!

How to care For your Cricket Bat

When choosing the perfect cricket bat, there is a host of things to consider. Aside from the obvious need to feel comfortable with the bat you’ve selected, you will also need to think about the maintenance and care of your prized possession, so it keeps you performing at your best for years to come. When it comes to caring for your bat, understanding its design features and construction is key to preserving the quality of the materials.  No matter how much you’ve spent on a cricket bat, there is no guarantee it will last forever. The care and maintenance of it will help prolong its life so take a look at our handy tips on how caring for your bat will help your get the best performance time and time again.

Prepare your bat for its first use

You might be eager to try out your new bat and test its abilities, but before you take it out onto the cricket pitch, you need to do some pre-preparation before use. This process is called knocking in and involves using a bat mallet or ball and a sock to apply force to the bat, to wear it in. This can usually take approximately six hours before its first use to prevent the bat from breaking.

Some cricket bats do come pre-prepared, although you should always carry out the knocking-in process before the bat is match ready.

Adding protection

To help your cricket bat last longer, applying a small amount of linseed oil approximately three times a season can help strengthen the blade. It can be applied to the whole surface of the bat except the splice area but be careful not to over-oil, as this can actually do more harm than good.

Extra protection for your bat

Fibre tape

You may experience minor knocks that cause small cracks to appear on your bat. Having fibre tape to hand can help to fix these small setbacks by using wood glue and wrapping the tape to carefully bind these small imperfections back together. This tape is a must for any cricketer’s kit bag.

Anti-scuff covers

A top tip for providing protection for your bat is by fitting a clear anti-scuff cover. This cover will help to reduce the risk of small cracks along your bat and potentially help it last longer. This type of cover does not affect performance and also offers some protection against moisture being absorbed into the blade.

Use a toe guard

As the toe section of the bat is its weakest point, any major strike by a cricket ball in this region may cause the wood to split. To prevent this from happening, using a toe guard is an ideal option. This effective guard also help to prevent impact when you tap the bat on the floor during a match.

How to store your bat

Storage of your cricket bat is another essential element in preserving its condition and increasing its batting life. Ideal areas to keep your bat include cool and dry places such as a shed or garage which is watertight. Excess moisture can affect the condition of the blade and contribute to premature splitting of the wood.

Another thing to remember is to keep your bat away from dry heat. Be sure not to place it against radiators, fireplaces or in direct sunlight for long periods of time as this can dry the wood out and cause cracking and increase its vulnerability to extensive damage.

Damage to watch out for

Caring for your bat includes watching out for tell-tale signs that it needs some repair work or extra protection. Spotting these minor scuffs or cracks before they develop into major breakages is important for prolonging its performance and longevity. There are a few things to watch out when maintaining your cricket bat including:

Toe swells

Toe swelling on a bat is when dampness and moisture have soaked into the wood fibres around the toe section of the bat. If you’ve spotted this in good time, placing a guard at the bottom will help reduce any splits in the wood when the ball hits it.

For bats that have excessive toe swell, you may be able to salvage it before any permanent damage is done. A good way to do this involves clamping the toe of the bat into a vice and cushioning the sides together. Whilst in this position, leave the bat to dry out and then knock out this area.

Surface cracks

Bats are prone to surface cracks due to the nature of the ball striking its blade. Before these cracks become a permanently damaging aspect, preventing them with fibre tape and protective coverings can bind them together to prolong its use. If the knocking-in process has also been completed effectively, this should also reduce the risk of initial surface cracks forming.

Where the ball hits the bat

Even with the best will in the world, where the ball strikes your bat can determine its fate. In an ideal world, bowlers will deliver the ball perfectly to your blade but in reality this does not always happen. If a cricket ball hits the edge or toe section of the bat, it could do considerable and sometimes irreparable damage. This type of hit could break the willow completely, which will result in you needing to say goodbye to your trusty friend. If you’ve become quite attached to your bat, this could change your game completely whilst you adapt to a new one.

Brand care kits

Some well-known brands offer a helping hand too when choosing your new cricket bat. As well handy advice and general information about using the particular bat, some have developed care kits to help you prolong the life of your new purchase.

Unfortunately bats do not last forever but following these handy tips will help you extend the life of your cricket bat for years to come. Contact Meulemans Cricket Centre on +61 893676216 to learn more.

Exercise Tips for Getting Back into Cricket after the Festive Period

If you are a cricket fanatic, you will already know how tough it can be to get back into shape after a few weeks lay off, as those essential muscles enjoy an unfamiliar period of inactivity. The rest and relaxation time is now behind us, and for those who wish to get going with a soft exercise routine to prepare for the gruelling season ahead, here are a few tips on how best to get that body back into a level of fluidity.

Cricket is a sport that requires the player to be a good all-rounder, with batting, bowling and fielding all an essential part of the game, and by exercising responsibly after the Christmas break, you will be ready for the next game.