Cricket bat

A cricket bat is a specialised piece of equipment used by batsmen in the sport of cricket to hit the ball. It is usually made of willow wood. Its use is first mentioned in 1624.


The bat is traditionally made from willow wood, specifically from a variety of White Willow called Cricket Bat Willow, treated with raw (unboiled) linseed oil. The oil has a protective function. This wood is used as it is very tough and shock-resistant, not being significantly dented nor splintering on the impact of a cricket ball at high speed, while also being light in weight. It incorporates a wooden spring design where the handle meets the blade. The current design of a cane handle spliced into a willow blade was the invention in the 1880s of Charles Richardson, a pupil of Brunel and the chief engineer of the Severn railway tunnel.The blade of a cricket bat is a wooden block that is generally flat on the stiking face and with a ridge on the reverse (back) which concentrates wood in the middle where the ball is generally hit. The blade is connected to a long cylindrical cane handle, similar to that of a tennis racquet, by means of a splice. The edges of the blade closest to the handle are known as the shoulders of the bat, and the bottom of the blade is known as the toe of the bat.




Law 6 of the Laws of Cricket, as the rules of the game are known, limit the size of the bat to not more than 38 in (965 mm) long and the blade may not be more than 4.25 in (108 mm) wide. Bats typically weigh from 2 lb 8 oz to 3 lb (1.1 to 1.4 kg) though there is no standard. The handle is usually covered with a rubber or cloth sleeve to enhance grip and the face of the bat may have a protective film. Appendix E of the Laws of Cricket set out more precise specifications. Modern bats are usually machine made, however a few specialists (6 in England and 2 in Australia) still make hand-made bats, mostly for professional players. The art of hand-making cricket bats is known as podshaving.


Bats were not always this shape. Before the 18th century bats tended to be shaped similarly to a modern hockey sticks. This may well have been a legacy of the game's reputed origins. Although the first forms of cricket are lost in the mists of time, it may be that the game was first played using shepherds' crooks.


Until the rules of cricket were formalised in the 19th century, the game usually had lower stumps, the ball was bowled underarm (which is now illegal), and batsmen did not wear protective pads. As the game changed, so it was found that a differently shaped bat was better. The bat generally recognised as the oldest bat still in existence is dated 1729 and is on display in the Sandham Room at the Oval in London.

Cricket pads

Batting pads

Batting pads are large, protecting shins, knees and a of lower thigh above knees, with a slot for the foot. Pads are one of the several protective gears wore by the cricket players while batting. Also known as leg guards, pads are wore on the legs by the batsman or the wicket keeper to protect them from the hard leather ball. Most pads have three velcrostraps to fasten them to your leg, making them easy to adjust. A special knee roll is provided to protect knees from the ball. Traditional pads have ribs made up of cane wood to provide more protection, running vertically up to the knee roll. Professional players also include extra padding beneath the pads to encounter the impact from the ball generally delivered at a speed ranging from 80 to 90 miles per hour (130 to 140 km/h).

Modern day pads are made up of durable, strong and ultra light synthetic material like PVC to avoid fatigue caused by wearing them for a long time. Traditional pads were made up of cotton, foam and cane wood strips covered by a white cloth, making them heavy.

Wicket-keeper's pads

Originally, wicket-keepers used batting pads to protect their legs, but found the knee-protecting flaps interfered with their agility and ability to catch. There were also incidents where the ball lodged in the space between the flap and the wicket-keeper's leg. Modern wicket-keeper's pads are therefore smaller than batting pads, with insignificant knee flaps. Instead of three flaps these modern wicketkeeping pads contain two flaps - one at the bottom and the other one just below the knees.

Cricket ball

A cricket ball is a hard, solid ball used to play cricket. Constructed of cork and leather, a cricket ball is heavily regulated by cricket law at first class level. The manipulation of a cricket ball, through employment of its various physical properties, is the staple component of bowling and dismissing batsmen – movement in the air, and off the ground, is influenced by the condition of the ball and the efforts of the bowler, while working on the cricket ball to obtain an optimum condition is a key role of the fielding side. The cricket ball is the principal manner through which the batsman scores runs, by manipulating the ball into a position where it would be safe to take a run, or by directing the ball through the boundary.

In Test cricket and most domestic games that spread over a multitude of days, the cricket ball is traditionally coloured red. In many one day cricket matches, the ball is coloured white. Training balls of white, red and pink are also common, and wind balls and tennis balls in a cricket motif can be used for training or unofficial cricket matches. During cricket matches, the quality of the ball changes to a point where it is no longer usable, and during this decline its properties alter and thus influence the match.

Cricket balls, weigh between 155.9 and 163.0 grams, are known for their hardness and for the risk of injury involved when using them. The danger of cricket balls was a key motivator for the introduction of protective equipment. Injuries are often recorded in cricket matches due to the ball, and a small number of fatalities have been recorded or attributed to cricket balls.

Manufacture

Cricket balls are made from a core of cork, which is layered with tightly wound string, and covered by a leather case with a slightly raised sewn seam. In a top-quality ball suitable for the highest levels of competition, the covering is constructed of four pieces of leather shaped similar to the peel of a quartered orange, but one hemisphere is rotated by 90 degrees with respect to the other. The "equator" of the ball is stitched with string to form the ball's prominent seam, with a total of six rows of stitches. The remaining two joins between the leather pieces are stitched internally. Lower-quality balls with a 2-piece covering are also popular for practice and lower-level competition due to their lower purchase cost.

For men's cricket, the ball must weigh between 5.5 and 5.75 ounces (155.9 and 163.0 g) and measure between 8 13/16 and 9 in (224 and 229 mm) in circumference. Balls used in women's and youth matches are slightly smaller.Cricket balls are traditionally dyed red, and red balls are used in Test cricket and First-class cricket. White balls were introduced when one-day matches began being played at night under floodlights, as they are more visible at night. Professional one-day matches are now played with white balls, even when they are not played at night. Other colors have occasionally been experimented with, such as yellow and orange for improved night visibility, but the coloring process has so far rendered such balls unsuitable for professional play because they wear differently to standard balls . The white ball has been found to swing a lot more during the first half of the innings than the red ball and also deteriorates more quickly, although manufacturers claim that white and red balls are manufactured using the same methods and materials.

Cricket balls are expensive. As of 2007, the ball used in first class cricket in England has a recommended retail price of 70 pounds sterling. In test match cricket this ball is used for a minimum of 80 overs (theoretically five hours and twenty minutes of play). In professional one day cricket, at least two new balls are used for each match. Amateur cricketers often have to use old balls, or cheap substitutes, in which case the changes in the condition of the ball may not be experienced in the same manner as that which occurs during an innings of professional cricket.

All ODI matches are played with Kookaburra balls but Test Matches in India are played with SG cricket balls. And when England hosts a International test match, they use “Duke cricket balls” whereas in all other Test Matches, Kookaburra balls comes in.

During 1996 World Cup both umpire had a ball of their each when an one day International was played. Umpires switch between main umpire to leg umpire after every over and they used to give their ball to the fielding team, just to bowl six legal balls and used to take it back when the over finished. Same did the other umpire… & that is how ODI cricket was played at that time, purely because white balls gets dirty fairly quickly.

Goalkeeper Gloves

1. Selsport Wrappa X TR


The Selsport Wrappa X TR is a great new glove for 2010, which oozes quality the minute you put it on. Designed with the 4mm ULTRA Adhesion+ latex palm, this is an all weather glove designed to continue performance in all conditions.





Other key features of these goalkeeper gloves include the 3-point Selsport wrist lock and a roll finger cut for maximum latex coverage. Although it is one of the dearer gloves on the list, we think it’s great value for money regardless!
2. Uhlsport Ergonomic Absolute grip


A nice flat palm goalkeeper glove, the Uhlsport Ergonomic Absolutgripis pre-curved and benefits from the long lasting, high grip Absolutgrip latex palm. As well as this, you get the Ergonomic cut, which offers reliable flexibility and ensures the gloves offer added freedom of movement.





Easily one of the best Flat Palm gloves available, it reaches our Top 5 as the price is a bargain at under £50!
3. Nike Gunn Cut 2010


Continuing on from previous years, the Nike Gunn Cut 2010 shows further improvement this year, and is now one of the better Roll Finger gloves available. The Nike Gunn Cut features a belt lock wrist bandage, and Pre-Curved fingers, making the hands “catch-ready”.





A great addition to your bag, the Nike Gunn Cut is the glove of choice for Nike sponsored goalkeepers.
4. Reusch Magno D1


OK, so in black/red the Reusch Magno D1 might not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s the choice of this years fantastic Reusch range, and is the cheapest in our list. Another Flat Palm goalkeeper glove, the Magno D1 features Durasoft latex, which is superb in all conditions and offers a fantastic feel on the ball.





A bit of a no-frills goalkeeper glove, but this isn’t a bad thing as performance is premium!
5. Puma Powercat 1.10 Protect


At this price, you get a lot of glove for your money! The Puma Powercat 1.10 Protect features finger protection throughout, yes, including the thumb. The spines used can be removed or moved so the glove is customisable for each goalkeeper.





A Twin Wrap thumb and Control Wrap technology ensure maximum latex to ball contact, essential in gaining maximum grip, and reducing uncomfortable seams.

The Brazil home Football Shirt

This is the latest Brazil football shirt made by kit sponsors Nike. The Brazil shirt is one of the most recognisable and feared in world football, this is down to the natural ability of the Brazil national team, past and present.


The home shirt will also be worn at this years Copa America and all other international matches up until 2013.

The Brazil home shirt is possibly Nike’s most engineered and technical football shirt to to date. The Shirt weighs only 150g and is made from an 85% recycled polyester material, the recycled material is made from up to 8 plastic bottles.

The shirt is styled in the traditional national colours of yellow and green, but the actual design of the shirt is completely different from the last Brazil top worn at the Word Cup, perfect for the next generation of Brazil’s footballing elite to make the breakthrough. It now features a bold green stripe running across the chest just underneath the badge, this is to symbolise the toughness and artistry embodied by the canarinhos.

The shirt also features dri-fit properties that help the players perform at the highest level, this helps by wicking sweat away from the body and promoting airflow around the body. A new crew neck line is now incorporated into the Brazil shirt, this helps by providing a non restrictive fit to the players.

The shirt is complemented by the traditional blue shorts that come with the shirt, the Brazil home shorts are made from a 100% recycled lightweight woven material, they feature great dri-fit properties just like the home shirt.

The design of the shorts are a slim line design, they also feature a long ergonomically designed leg.

Adidas Football Boots

The Adidas Predator X in White/Macaw/Green are the latest in the line of colourways to rejuvenate the popular Predator X range. This model is also the Champions League Adidas Predator X for the remainder of the season, with the Champions League logo featured on the instep.





These football boots are the same technically as previous colourways in the Predator X range, with key elements such as the Taurus leather upper, Predator Vamp and Powerspine in the sole.


Available in Soft Ground and Firm Ground versions of the Adidas Traxion sole, the Predator X is the boot of choice by a host of top footballers, including Steven Gerrard and Robin Van Persie and benefitted from the knowledge of Zinedine Zidane during their design phase.









Adidas have gave the F50 Adizero a vibrant makeover with this new colourway of White, Radiant Pink, and Cyan Blue. These Adizero’s have already been worn by some of the top footballing stars prior to there public release, such as Real Madrid’s Emmanuel Adebayor.


The Adidas F50 Adizero are one of the lightest speed boots available weighing an amazing 165g, this gives you the confidence and edge to go past players at will. The main colour on these Adizero’s are white with cyan blue detailing running down the center of the extremely lightweight SprintSkin upper, the other colour being radiant pink detailing on the side of the boot and the tip of the studs.


Like the previous versions of the Adizero, the unique TPU support bands that are strategically placed on the inside of the Sprintskin offering great support and comfort to the boot whilst performing at high levels.


The Adidas F50 Adizero continues to be one of the front runners in today’s race for the lightweight speed boot and with the selection of designs and colourways available, it’s no wonder that the boot is a favourite with professionals and fans alike.










The Adidas F50 Adi Zero football boots have come to prominence over the last year, this is because of there striking design and also the caliber of player wearing the boot, professionals such as world player of the year Leo Messi, David Villa and Gareth Bale all favour the Adidas AdiZero.


The latest Adidas Adizero are the Warning/Black range, a bright orange and black colorfast which will make players stand out on the pitch. The addition of such colour also has some technical merit as watching the ball becomes more difficult, if you can move your feet like Messi that is!







The Adizero weighs only 165 grams one of the lightest speed boot on the market, which is one of the main draws for the professionals. The lightweight feel while aiding performance, is also from a mental point of view a great benefit as the overwhelming feeling offered is that of speed.


The Adizero design is very unique, with the Sprintskin upper different to most football boots on the market. The Sprintskin is designed to feel like a thin second skin around the foot, enhancing the natural pace and flare of the professional player.


The sole plate on the Adidas F50 AdiZero is called the Sprint Frame, a super lightweight sole which uses clever design in the form of a central spine of support to reduce weight without any loss in strength.

Umbro Football Wardrobe collection

Umbro are well known for there professional high standard tailoring brought to us through previous replica kits including the England national squad, and this line of football clothing is no different, the Umbro football wardrobe is designed to offer the every day footballer robust and high quality pieces of clothing at affordable prices.

The Umbro football wardrobe is made up of a collection of classic and retro football 

kit and training wear,


bringing back the traditional heritage of the Umbro brand, and combining it with modern day football clothing.


Available in a range of bold colours to suit a wide range of players, the Umbro football wardrobe features a great selection of football kit and training wear including football drill tops, sweatshirts, football t-shirts and woven shorts. As well as this, a great selection of training jackets, hoodies and tracksuit trousers are also available to buy from the Umbro


wardrobe collection.
Taking a closer look into the collection we have the Epsom football drill top, a high quality polyester training top styled in a classic design with the same retro features of the drill tops used back in the 1970’s and 80’s. As well as this, we have the Repton football sweatshirt, a perfectly designed sweatshirt for the training ground, made from a warm brushed cotton fabric with a classic crew neck collar.


For the footballer looking for a t-shirt and shorts, the Umbro wardrobe has a classic mix and match range, with a selection of Umbro Fettes Logo football t-shirts and woven Stowe football shorts all made from the highest quality polyester.