Size Guide.

Looking to buy cricket gear? Our comprehensive buying guide has got you covered. From bats to balls, pads to gloves, we’ve got everything you need to make an informed purchase and take your game to the next level.

Care Guide

Cricket Bat :

Most cases the bats do hold up despite all this banging around, but when sometimes they don’t, do consider the possibility that bat, or manufacturer may not be at fault. Some bats can last a few seasons, some not even a few days. We do our best to assist in such cases but in no uncertain terms do we claim our bats are 100% guaranteed. Bear in mind the below –

  • Minor/superficial cracks on surface, edge, toe or shoulder is normal considering nature of usage
  • Bats used against bowling machines that use synthetic hard balls is a big no-no
  • Another big non-no is using bats in damp conditions. Or storing them similarly
  • Expensive bats don’t necessarily mean they’ll last longer. Or vice versa
  • Bats are happier with an extra layer of protection– self-adhesive tape for edges or face, rubber strip on toe. Both are sold by sportsheim as an accessory
  • Break-in a bat nice and easy with a ball hammer or wood hammer — also sold by sportsheim as an accessory. Or gently use in the nets for a couple of weeks before going all out in a game
  • Bat-knocking machines is not a great idea. These knock-in the bat at a consistent (and usually high) pressure than hand-knocking. Shoulder, handle wedge and blade edges need gentle knocking-in which machines don’t care about than can cause micro almost invisible cracks that start expanding over time
  • Stay away from inexpensive balls. These are comparatively hard that can lead to cracks, splits and breakages in the blade or handle
  • Bats hate yorker deliveries. Don’t get tempted with those if your bat means more to you than getting out or hitting a few runs
  • Bats are made to hit leather balls. Stay away from venting your anger out with them by hitting out at things (or people). Nor even banging down stumps to fix in the ground

Oiling Cricket Bat :

Oiling your bat regularly keeps the fibres of the wood supple and prevents the bat from cracking. Using a soft rag, apply a thin coat of raw linseed oil to the face, edges, toe and back of the bat – Do not overuse oil.

After application, leave the cricket bat in a horizontal position to dry for at least 12 hours. After this time, you can apply a second coat following the same directions as above. Leave the bat again for a further 12 hours.

If your cricket bat already has an anti-scruff cover, the face of the bat will not need oiling, but the back will. Your cricket bat is now ready to be knocked in.

Knocking in a cricket bat :

The knocking in process cannot be rushed and must be carried out carefully, to ensure the wood of the bat is compact, so the fibres are compressed and knitted together.

Using a specialist hardwood bat mallet, gently strike the face and edges of the bat to harden and round these areas to prevent breakages and damage to the bat. Repeat the above process several times, gradually increasing the power of your blows.

After you’ve spent a minimum of 2-3 hours knocking in your cricket bat, for a couple of days, you can then test it at the nets by hitting some short catches using an old cricket ball. If seam marks or small indentations appear on the face, you will need to continue the process for a longer amount of time. Most cricket bats can take up to 4 hours to be fully knocked in. After a few net practice sessions, your bat should be ready to use in a competitive game.

Protective Gears :

Any sport that has a rock-solid missile hurtling at you at more than a hundred miles will produce “ouch” moments. Sometimes much more than that. The sport of cricket is one such game. If you’re worried about injuries, stick with playing cricket on the screen. And for the bravehearts, the gears do best to minimize injuries, not eliminate them.

While we’re here to make sure your gear gives you many months of play, sometimes these handmade goodies ain’t able to stand up to the rigors of the game. Bear in mind the below —

  • If your protective gear splits at the stitches or rips anywhere over time, usually a repair gets it going. However, if it happens in initial few days of play  and doesn’t show mishandling or inappropriate use,  replacements can be considered
  • Wear and tear and extensive usage is not covered
  • Running around for those runs or diving like a wildcat can get your gear scraped/torn/split. Not much the gear can do in such cases
  • Nice to wipe clean your gear once in a while with a slightly moist white cloth, especially on white gear. After all, cricket’s a gentleman’s game and our gear should be looking fresh
  • For those who sweat a lot, it’ll be great if your sweaty gear is all dry before going back into the kitbag. Not only will this keep its neighborhood dry, but will prevent it from getting moldy if you’re not the daily types
  • Big no-no is drying in direct sunlight. Always remember to dry in the shade to maintain its life and keep it supple

    Cricket Helmets:

Most of our helmets come from sources who’ve been making motorcycle helmets for years. So, they’re actually designed for much more challenging impacts. We’ve never had any issues with helmet quality. Why? Because helmets ARE supposed to crack on impact. They’re actually for single time use. They crack because that’s their job. All helmets need to crack. To take it upon themselves than pass on the impact to the user. Some cracks show up because they’re big, microscopic ones don’t.

So, get yourself a new helmet even after one impact, however minor the impact might be. Whether the crack shows or not. Trust us – we’re concerned about your safety more than selling more helmets. Read about it. Talk to a pro.

Cricket Balls:

These are the guys who get banged around the most – ball after ball. For the entire length of the game. Not even a breather. Zero respite to rest and recover, though maybe in between overs provided they’re not getting bounced from one player to another.

Our vendors do best to make them get through this all with their shape (and dignity) intact.  But considering the beating they get; they’re bound to wear-out and get out a shape once in a while (like some of us too). However as long as they fall within the Go/No-go standards set by the ICC boys, they’re good to go until the Umpire decides otherwise.

Nevertheless, if you still feel you’ve been wronged and feel the ball should’ve performed differently, let us know and we’ll do our best to resolve.

So go – and just enjoy your cricket !! Leave your gear worries to the experts.

Cricket Shoes :

  • We usually take full responsibility for recently-bought shoes showing symptoms of upper tearing, or stitches coming out, or sole coming apart, or the spikes ripping out if not showing signs of inappropriate use.
  • Over usage with normal wear-and-tear, some of the above may start showing at which means it’s time to get a new shoe
  • And even if shoes look good to go, it’s always a good idea to get a new pair (depending on usage), as heavy impacting of the shoe over tome makes the sole rigid reducing its ability to shock-absorb

    Apparel/Kit Bags:

    Any tearing in fabric, stitches opening up, buttons ripping out, color runs shouldn’t happen when your apparel is new. We’ll gladly offer a replacement or refund, including return freight if fault is considered genuine.

    All of the above in kitbags as well – additionally including straps, wheels, pullout trolley and zipper. Of course, depending on if it’s still relatively new and hardly used. Will not apply to inappropriate usage.