It is inconceivable to consider confronting the West Indies fast bowlers of the 1970s and 1980s on a green, bouncy pitch without modern safety equipment such as abdominal guards and helmets.
Cricket in the past was less physical than it is today; however, the sport has evolved to become increasingly fast-paced and physically demanding.
As a safety precaution, cricket was played without a helmet until the 1970s, and very little protective equipment such as pads and gloves was available.
The preference for unconventional shot-making in contemporary cricket has supplanted the skill of confronting the short-pitched ball, according to purists, because modern batsmen are less concerned about injuring themselves due to the superior quality of protective equipment available today.
However, modern equipment makes the game more dynamic and effective. And the results can bring real money not only to the players but also to the fans thanks to online betting 1xbet cricket. Don’t miss this opportunity either.
Cricket bat
Initially, cricket bats were crafted by hand by artisans of exceptional skill. As a result of their substantial weight, thick edges, and sharp curves, bats were extremely robust and long-lasting.
Over time, as a result of cricket’s development, the sport gained in popularity and spawned power-hitting and dynamic gameplay. Bats were required to adapt to the change, and they underwent significant transformations.
The earliest bats resembled hockey sticks in appearance, and the oldest bat was made in 1729. When bowlers began tossing the ball, modifications to the bat’s construction became necessary to penetrate the bouncing ball.
Additionally, science contributed significantly to the development of the cricket bat. By continuously analyzing the bat’s materials and testing alternative materials, technology contributed to substantial enhancements to the bat’s quality.
Through the use of steam technology, bats became lighter and more powerful. This facilitated the batsmen’s ability to play freely and possess good bat speed, which enabled them to score effortlessly.
The introduction of compressed bats into modern cricket enabled the bat to have a greater sweet spot, which facilitated shot formation.
The implementation of carbon fiber technology revolutionized the bat manufacturing process, resulting in an incredibly lightweight bat that maintained its strength and ability to swing freely. In addition to improved balance, the bat became an exceptional shock absorber for powerful shots.
Bats are currently tailored to the specific style of play of each batsman.
Ball for cricket
From 1760 until 1841, Duke balls were in use. This was the six-stitch ball, an innovation that has persisted to the present day.
The red ball was conventionally employed until the advent of the World Series, at which point the white ball was utilized for limited overs. Presently, white ball is used exclusively in limited over test matches, whereas red ball is utilized exclusively in test matches.
Over time, the Red Ball has been enhanced with the addition of waxing to preserve the ball’s luster and swing for an extended period.
Limited over matches utilize the White ball because it is more conspicuous than the Red ball during day-night matches.
The additional layer of lacquer and black thread that compose the pink ball improve its visibility and swing in comparison to the red ball.
At the moment, the three predominant brands of cricket balls utilized in the professional game are Dukes, Kookaburra, and SG.
Utilizing saliva to enhance the ball’s sheen and preserve its heavier side was prohibited following the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, ball manufacturers have been diligently striving to develop and refine the technology incorporated into their products to extend the lifespan of the ball’s shine.
Helmet
When spectators in the stadium during the 1977 World Cricket Series observed Dennis Amiss donning the helmet, they applauded and derided the batsman for donning the protective gear. The helmet’s significance became immediately apparent when Dennis received a blow to the face from a delivery by Wayne Prior. Aside from the face wiser, no injuries occurred.
In 1978, the inaugural Test player to don the Helmet during Test Cricket was Grahan Yallop.
Multiple incidents compelled cricket to seriously consider enhancing protective equipment. This is due to the ease with which a batsman can sustain a bodily injury when the ball collides with his body during play. Certain injuries are deemed insufficiently severe, while others have proven to be fatal.
The same cannot be said about the game of Kabaddi, where players still run around without helmets. If you are a fan of 1xbet Pro Kabaddi online betting, then you understand what we are talking about.
Conclusion
Since the evolution of cricket equipment, the quality of the game has been significantly elevated, making it more entertaining than ever before to watch. Sports performance has increased with each development in protective equipment, fielding equipment, and bat design. The advancement of technology will correspondingly drive the development of more innovative cricket equipment.