Cricket Equipment � Guards - Staying Safe On The Cricket Pitch

Cricket can be a dangerous sport so its vital that you always stay on guard to avoid injuries from equipment.

Cricket is a very safe sport overall, but there can be occasional injuries if people don't stick to the simple rules. Always remember that your cricket equipment is potentially lethal when used incorrectly and you must always be on guard when you're preparing to use it.

The most important factor to think about is your proximately to other people when preparing to use your cricket equipment. Before you get your cricket bat out, make sure that other players are a safe distance away from you and be on guard and aware that people might approach you when you least expect it. Never swing your cricket bat if another person is stood near to you and particularly watch out for junior cricket players on the pitch who might not have the maturity or ability to be on guard when it comes to the distance between themselves and your cricket equipment.

When you're waiting to take your next innings, be aware of other cricket players around you. Although you might have cricket guards on to protect you, not everyone on the pitch will have the same amount of protection. It's important to make sure that your cricket equipment is fitted to you properly as badly fitting guards can also result in injury. Make sure that your helmet has a small enough gap to prevent the ball from getting through.

When and Where Do Cricket Injuries Occur?

• Almost half of all injuries to adult cricket players occur during formal play when players can often be caught off guard.
• One third of cricket injuries to children occur during school hours reflecting the popularity of cricket as a school sport. Children don't have the suitable protective cricket equipment whilst at school which increases the injuries they can sustain.
• Almost 20 per cent of injuries occur during training or practice, which is why its important to wear cricket equipment at all times, even when training, and stay on guard.

The Cause and Type of Injuries Caused By Being Off Guard

• Overall, cricket injuries are mostly sprains, fractures and bruising.
• Adult cricketers most often sustain injuries to the upper limbs, followed by the lower limbs and the head which is why cricket guards are vital pieces of cricket equipment. Child injury is most often to the head and face followed by the fingers or hand.
• A direct blow from the cricket ball during delivery or fielding, mostly to the face, fingers and hands, is the most common cause of injury and results in fractures and bruising. That's why investing in equipment like gloves and face guards is imperative when playing this type of sport.
• Overuse injuries are also common and are most often associated with back injuries to fast bowlers, particularly at the elite level and in young cricketers .

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