Without a doubt, cricket remains one of the most popular sports across the globe. It has more players and fans as well. If you are a cricketer, you must have certain cricket equipment to play cricket properly. They include:
- Cricket balls
- Cricket bat
- Helmets
- Gloves
- Pads
- Shoes
- Outfit
The cricket gear is not cheap, and that’s why you need to take good care of them. That way, they will be in good shape and serve you longer, giving you a higher value for your money. Here are some of the incredible tips to help you maintain your cricket gear.
Always keep them clean
The number one rule to effectively maintain your cricket gear is to keep them clean always. Your gear, such as pads, gloves, and helmet should always be clean. But cleaning them can be quite a challenge. When it comes to cleaning your cricket gear, avoid using cleaning agents that can destroy the fabric. You should also ensure that the cleaning agents will not discolor or weaken the fabric. That’s why before you go ahead and buy your cleaning agents, you need to know a thing or two about them. Don’t just pick whichever cleaning agent you lay your eyes on while shopping.
It is advisable to use water, baking soda, and mild soap when cleaning your cricket gear. These products are less likely to destroy the gear. In addition to that, remove any detachable parts and clean them separately. For your cricket batting gloves, you can also use a soft-bristled brush and leather conditioner.
Once you have cleaned your cricket gear, you need to rinse them properly, wipe them with a soft cloth and let them air-dry. Never wear your gear when damp. If you are a frequent player, air-drying your gloves can somehow be inconvenient, especially if you have one pair. So, it is advisable to have at least two or three pairs of cricket batting gloves.
You can also wear inners to keep sweat from the glove. That means you won’t have to clean your gloves more frequently, extending their lifespan.
Store your cricket gear properly
Storing your cricket gear properly is also crucial if you want them to last longer. It can be quite tempting to leave the gear inside the boot of your car after a tiring, fun game. But this is absolutely not advisable. It is advisable to store your cricket gear at room temperature if you want them to be in good shape. Gear such as bat’s willow can dry or absorb moisture if stored incorrectly. And this can affect not only its durability but its performance too.
If you don’t play cricket more often, you shouldn’t leave your bat unprotected. Invest in a bat protection sheet. Also, when storing your cricket batting gloves, helmets, and pads, make sure that they are not squeezed up. This can cause them to wrinkle. Too much pressure can also make the helmet weaken or scratch. Choose an ideal location for each item instead of stacking them together.
