Aussies love cricket. We just do. But if you’re new to the game and need a few pointers, we thought we’d help you with this guide to all the cricket gear you need to play this awesome game.

Let’s start with a bit of cricket gear history – did you know the first recorded game of cricket took place in 1611? In 1744, early professionals wrote the first Laws of Cricket, which were amended in 1774 to include many innovations. It is in the 1774 rules that we first hear about the middle stump, maximum bat width, and terms like “lbw” (leg before wicket). So, this sport has existed for some time – let’s dive into what you need to get started.

Cricket gear

Let’s break it down into what you actually need to play the game. We like to start with protective cricket gear because no one likes getting injured playing the sport they love. From cricket helmets and leg pads to bodyguards and batting gloves, you’ll find all the cricket gear you need at Meuleman’s Cricket Centre.

Cricket bat

An essential piece of equipment, the cricket bat, is wooden, usually made from Kashmiri willow or English willow tree. Most cricket bats are 38 inches (96.5 cm) long and 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) wide. The bat has a long handle used for grip as you move to strike the ball. At Meulemans Cricket Centre, we proudly offer an extensive range of cricket bats for sale, suitable for everyone from serious players to social players.

Cricket balls

Cricket balls usually have a circumference of 9.1 in (23 centimetres). Typically cricket balls come in three main colours:

• Red: used for Test Cricket,
• White: used for 50-over and 20-over games
• Pink: also used for playing Test cricket. 

Wicket

A wicket is a set of three stumps balancing two bails. The stumps are 9 inches wide and 28 inches tall and are known as an off stump, centre stump, and leg stump. 

Cricket bag

Of course, now you have all the gear you need, you’ll have to find a cricket bag to carry it all in. Look for a well-constructed, sturdy bag with plenty of storage space and easy-to-carry handles. 

Enjoy this great game with products from Meulemans Cricket Centre

Meulemans Cricket Centre have you covered with all the cricket equipment and gear you need. Pop into one of our stores to try things out; you don’t need to commit to purchasing. Shop online or see us in-store, and we’ll be delighted to help you find all your cricket gear in Western Australia.

Browse our full range online, or head to the South Perth Store or Joondalup Megastore to view products in-store.

Like many sports, cricket has the potential to dangerous. There’s plenty of footage on the internet showing balls flying at tremendous speeds and bats being flung through the air – often straight into the players! It’s just as well there is so much protective cricket gear available. While serious critical injuries are fairly rare, there are several ways you can hurt yourself if you’re not careful. 

Let’s look at the top five most common cricket injuries and how to treat them:

Hamstring strain

Ouch! There is nothing like a tweaked hamstring to have you hobbling around like a soccer player! Did you know around 25% of hamstring injuries reoccur? While it’s easy to blame poor strength and conditioning for hamstring injuries, there are some things you can do to keep this from happening again.

The hamstrings are a muscle group that runs down the backs of your legs, allowing them to bend at the knee. When you overload these muscles, they will strain or, in some cases, completely tear.

Signs of a hamstring strain:

• A ‘snap’ or ‘pop’ felt during exercise.
• Sudden or severe leg pain during exercise.
• Pain or tightness when straightening or bending the leg.
• Difficulty weight-bearing.

Hamstring strain treatments:

• Soft tissue massage
• Dry Needling
• Electrotherapy
• Joint Mobilisation
• Ice & Heat

Lower back pain

Lower back pain can vary from mild to chronic but can significantly impact your cricket-playing ability. From swinging for sixes or diving for a wicket, playing cricket relies heavily on the lower back. Hurting your lower back is known as a “lumbar sprain.”

Lumbar sprain causes include: 

• Direct trauma
• Overuse 
• Fatigue
• Sudden movement
• Muscle imbalance.

Lumbar sprain treatment:

• Ice and rest. 

If you experience severe ongoing pain which doesn’t subside after a few days, contact your health professional to properly diagnose and treat your injury.

Side strain

Often seen in bowlers, a side strain is where you tweak your oblique muscles. 

Side strain causes:

• Direct trauma
• Overuse
• Fatigue
• Sudden movement.

Side strain treatment:

As with other sprains, treat the inflamed area immediately with ice and rest.

Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is common in cricketers. All aspects of the game (bowling, batting, fielding, and even wicketkeeping) put your shoulders into physical overdrive.

Shoulder pain causes:

• Repetitive action (bowling, throwing, etc.)
• Sudden impacts
• Fatigue.

Shoulder pain treatment:

• Physiotherapy
• Icing
• Anti-inflammation medication
• Anti-inflammatory gel

Consult your medical professional if you experience ongoing shoulder pain. 

Sprained ankle

Ankle sprains are a common cricket injury. When players move quickly from stationary or stop suddenly, the shifting momentum can stress the ankle and cause it to sprain.

Sprained ankle prevention: 

• Bracing (strap-on braces)
• Taping (applied by a Physiotherapist)
• Plyometrics.

Sprained ankle treatment:

• Rest
• Ice therapy
• Compression with a cohesive bandage
• Elevation of the ankle to reduce swelling

If you experience an ankle sprain playing cricket, it’s essential to seek proper diagnosis and treatment to ensure there isn’t something more serious at play.

Meulemans Cricket Centre – protective cricket gear for all Meulemans Cricket Centre has all the cricket equipment and gear you’ll need for your next match. Browse our full range online, or head to our South Perth Store or Joondalup Megastore for further assistance.