Wicket-keeping gloves are more than just a piece of cricket gear – they’re your first line of defence that protects your hands while giving you the confidence to make those game-changing catches. Whether you’re diving to snare a fast delivery or reaching for a cheeky stump, your gloves are what stand between you and a damaged finger. Choosing the right pair is essential, not just for comfort and protection but for performance as well. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start.
Features
When it comes to choosing the right wicket-keeping gloves, there’s a lot to consider beyond just the look or price tag. Every detail is designed to make your job behind the stumps easier, more comfortable, and safer. Whether you’re diving for a fast ball or trying to snag a tricky spin, this gear has to work with you, not against you. Here’s a quick rundown of the key features to look for when you’re shopping for your perfect pair:
- Palm padding: It’s essential to look for protective wicket keeping gear such as gloves with padding in the palm area. It helps absorb impact, protecting your hands from the shock of the ball. Some top-tier gloves even come with silicone gel inserts for added protection at higher ball speeds;
- Palm lining: The palm lining is where the glove makes contact with your hand, and you’ll want it to be soft and comfortable to avoid any chafing, especially after a long day in the field. Generally, cheaper gloves use cotton, while higher-end options might have calf, sheep, or kangaroo leather for extra comfort and durability;
- Finger end caps: Your fingers take the brunt of the impact when you’re keeping wickets, so gloves with reinforced finger end caps are a must. This cricket keeping gear is typically made from rubber and it’s designed to protect your fingertips from hard knocks. High-end designs even include foam padding inside the caps for extra comfort and protection against intense impacts;
- Finger tabs: Wicket-keeping gloves take a lot of wear, especially in the area above your knuckles, since you’re often crouching with your hands resting on the ground. To combat this, many designs feature finger tabs – extra patches of leather or synthetic materials to protect these high-wear areas and make the gloves more durable;
- Cuffs: The cuffs are important for wrist protection, especially when the ball’s coming in fast. The padding here is there to absorb shock, so while it doesn’t help you catch the ball, it will prevent injury if the ball hits your wrist. The “caned cuffs” style, often found in Aussie gloves, offers extra protection and flexibility, making it easier to throw at the stumps quickly;
- Webbing: Webbing between the thumb and index finger is another essential feature to pay attention to. While the rules are strict about how much webbing can be used, this area still provides a crucial surface area for making those crucial catches. A “twisted thumb” design allows for more webbing without breaking the rules, offering a better fit and increased catching area;
- Grip: The tackiness of your wicket keeping gear will help you secure the ball, no matter the conditions. Higher-end gloves often feature soft, sticky materials like natural rubber or neoprene, but remember, these materials are great for grip but may wear out quicker than other options.
Inner Gloves
Do you need inners for wicket-keeping gloves? Unlike with cricket batting gloves, where it’s more about personal preference, wicket keeping equipment relies on inners to perform well. It’s not just about comfort either – this sport can get pretty sweaty, and no matter how good your gloves are, they’re going to get soaked with moisture. Plus, designing gloves that can handle all the demands of the game, fit different hand sizes, and keep moisture in check is almost impossible.
That’s where inner gloves come in handy. They act as the first layer of protection between your hands and the gloves themselves, helping to keep the moisture at bay.
Composition
Wicket-keeping gloves use various materials, each offering unique benefits. Here’s a quick look at some top choices:
- Leather: Durable and flexible, with kangaroo leather being lightweight and strong;
- Rubber: Stretchy, flexible, and waterproof for grip and protection;
- Neoprene: Latex-free, offering similar benefits to rubber;
- Cotton: Soft and moisture-absorbing for comfort during long sessions;
- Silicone gel: Shock-absorbing and mouldable for impact areas;
- Cane: Reinforces gloves with added stiffness.
How to Choose the Right Size
Choosing the right size for cricket keeping gloves can be a bit tricky because sizing can vary quite a bit between brands. Ideally, you’d be able to try them on in person, but not everyone has access to a local cricket store.
So, as a helpful guide, it’s best to measure the length of your hand from the wrist to the tip of your longest finger. Once you have that measurement, you can match it to the average size recommendations used across most brands.
For example, if your hand length is around 190mm, you’d likely fit into a youth’s size, while a hand length of 210mm would likely correspond to a man’s size. For those with larger hands, a Large or oversized men’s size is usually a good fit.
Maintenance
Taking care of your cricket keeping gloves is key to ensuring they last and stay comfortable. After each use, it’s important to let them dry naturally in a warm, dry spot. Avoid tossing them into your cricket bag or leaving them in damp places, as this can lead to mould or damage to the materials. It’s best to steer clear of heat sources like radiators too, as excessive heat can dry out the leather and make the gloves stiff. When it comes to cleaning, simply wipe them down with a warm, damp cloth and skip harsh cleaning products that could harm the leather.
