Cricket gear isn’t cheap. Good bat, protective pads, gloves, helmet and shoes can be very expensive. However, there are numerous players who end up making their cricket equipment last a shorter period than it should because of unnecessary errors.

 

The positive side is that the majority of the damage is not caused during regular match play. It occurs due to inadequate preparation, storage or irresponsible habits. When you want your gear to last longer and get more performance out of it, here are the most frequent errors.

 

Skipping the Bat Preparation Process

 

Using a new bat out of the package is one of the greatest mistakes that players commit.

 

All cricket bats (with English willow bats in particular) require to be oiled and knocked in before meeting hard balls. Failure to do this process results in the fibres not being compressed and being susceptible to cracks.

 

Common errors include:

 

• Not oiling the bat at all
• Oiling it too often, making it heavy.
• Rushing the knocking-in.
• Batting in a match without practising with a new bat.

 

Willow is stiffened by proper preparation, and it does not split early. Failure to take care of it might ruin your cricket gear in a couple of sessions.

 

Leaving Gear in Damp or Hot Conditions

 

Extreme temperatures and cricket equipment do not get along well.

 

When the battery becomes dry due to storing your kit in a hot car, it may crack. Having it stored in a damp garage promotes swelling, warping, and the development of mould on pads and gloves.

 

Moisture is particularly harmful to:

 

• The toe of the bat
• Leather gloves
• Batting pads
• Helmet padding

 

Most players just put their equipment into the bag and forget about it after rainy matches. The result of that confined moisture is unpleasant odours and material disintegration.

 

Rather, dry it all at room temperature. Heat dryers or hairdryers should not be used because rapid drying may cause additional damage.

 

Neglecting Small Cracks and Surface Damage

 

Minor cracks are normal, particularly on the face of the bat. The mistake is ignoring them.

 

Minor cracks on the surface may propagate into structural fissures without being addressed. Edge chips can make the bat weak with time. A free toe pad may permit dampness inside.

 

Even basic maintenance measures such as light sanding, replacement of protective sheets or minor repairs can last much longer on your cricket equipment.

 

Inspection of the game (five minutes after each game) can help avoid costly replacements in the future.

 

Practising With the Wrong Ball

 

It is a quick method of doing damage, practising with a hard ball before a bat is completely knocked in.

 

Correspondingly, ball usage in net sessions with old and waterlogged balls may result in disproportionate impact stress on the bat. The early practice with new bats should be done with synthetic practice balls, which are safer.

 

Attaching the type of ball to the state of your bat helps keep your cricket gear out of unnecessary tension.

 

Poor Storage Habits

 

The way of storing your gear is more important than many players think.

 

Typical storage errors are:

 

• Placing a bat on a wet floor.
• Putting heavy implements on top of the bat in the bag.
• Leaving equipment without cleaning it.
• Wearing gloves and pads with the zips closed when wet.

 

Never leave your bat out of a cover. Keep it in a cool, dry room. You should pack your cricket gear in your kit bag in such a manner that nothing exerts unwarranted stress on the bat blade.

 

Proper storage practices give your equipment new seasons.

 

Failure to Maintain Grips and Handles

 

Players usually concentrate on the blade but forget about the handle.

 

Using a battered grip minimises control and leads to a higher possibility of the bat dropping. With time, the sweat leaks into the handle, and this loosens the binding unless it is well-kept.

 

Gryps are cheap and easily replaced. It is a minor measure that safeguards the performance and the life of your cricket gear.

 

Overusing One Area of the Bat

 

When playing on a net, several players hit the same field many times. This forms a focal point of weakness.

 

In practice, impact is more evenly distributed by rotating the strike area. Although the sweet spot will be used more frequently, the repetitive similar contact will be avoided, thus preventing fatigue of the structure.

 

Even wear prevents premature wear and tear on your cricket equipment.

 

Purchasing Unfitting Protection Equipment

 

Appliances that do not fit wear out prematurely.

 

Excessively large pads move around and shred the straps. Too-tight gloves rip open along the seams. Improperly strapped helmets may break.

 

Appropriate sizing is a safety measure as well as a durability measure. When purchasing cricketing gear, brand is secondary to fit.

 

Not Cleaning Gear Regularly

 

Materials decompose under the influence of sweat, dirt, and grass stains. Gloves harden. Pads smell. Helmet padding wears out.

 

Clean surfaces after matches. Let everything air out. Wipe shoes with clean mud before storing. Regular maintenance ensures that the cricket equipment lasts longer.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Cricket gear is constructed to withstand strikes, though it is not unbreakable. The majority of harm is caused by negligence, rather than play.

 

Prepare your bat properly. Keep gear dry. Inspect it regularly. Store it carefully. Changing worn parts before they break.

 

Big things happen in small steps. By properly maintaining your cricket gear, you are rewarded with high performance, improved safety and future worth season after season.