Complete Guide to Cricket Protective Equipment

Complete Guide to Cricket Protective Equipment

October 28, 2026 · Shopify API

A cricket ball can travel at over 130 km/h, so the right protective equipment is not optional in hard ball cricket. This guide lists each piece of protective gear, what it does and how to choose it.

The essential protective kit

Item What it protects Who needs it
Helmet with grille Head and face All batters in hard ball cricket; wicketkeepers standing up
Batting pads Shins, knees, feet All batters
Batting gloves Fingers and hands All batters
Thigh guard Thigh Batters, especially against fast bowling
Abdominal guard (box) Groin All batters and wicketkeepers
Arm and chest guard Arm, ribs and chest Batters facing fast bowling, juniors

How to choose

  • Fit first: protective gear that slips or leaves gaps does not protect. Match the size to your height and measurements.
  • Quality foam: high-density foam absorbs impact and lasts longer.
  • Left or right: pads, gloves and thigh guards are made for left handed or right handed batters.
  • Comfort: light, ventilated gear lets you concentrate on batting.

Juniors and protection

Children should always wear a helmet, pads, gloves and a box when batting against a hard ball, in the correct junior size.

Replace worn gear

Check your equipment each season. Replace a helmet that has taken a hard impact, and any gear with compressed foam, broken straps or torn covers.

Where to find it

See our batting pads, batting gloves, thigh guards and complete cricket kits. For sizing help see our guides to batting pads and gloves.

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