For decades cricket has been shaped by tradition. From the timeless appeal of the whites to the classic sound of leather on willow, it is a sport steeped in history. But when it comes to equipment, not every player has been equally catered for. Women’s cricket has grown rapidly in recent years, yet the question still arises: do women use different cricket kit to men?
A Brief History
Historically, the short answer was “no.” Women were expected to use equipment designed for men or junior players, with little thought for the unique requirements of the women’s game. This often meant:
- Cricket bats that were too heavy for effective stroke play.
- Pads and gloves that didn’t fit properly, leading to reduced comfort and performance/
- Clothing that was too big and unflattering
Players had to make do, adapting as best they could. And while cricketers made the best of a testing situation, it highlighted a need for genuine innovation in cricket equipment tailored specifically to women.
Clothing and Confidence: From Whites to Colour
The difference wasn’t just about equipment. Clothing has played a huge role in shaping the women’s game. For decades, all cricketers wore whites, and while the look has become iconic, it created challenges for women around period confidence. White trousers made many players self-conscious at a time when the focus should have been solely on performance.
The arrival of coloured clothing in women’s cricket has been transformative. Not only has it modernised the presentation of the game, but it has also given players peace of mind and confidence on the field. It’s a small but significant step in making cricket more inclusive, comfortable, and performance-driven.
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The GEM Range: Designed for Women
At Gray-Nicolls, we recognised that women’s cricket deserved better. That’s why we introduced the GEM range—a collection of bats, pads and gloves designed specifically for female players.
- Bats: Engineered with a lighter pick-up and smaller dimensions, allowing for powerful stroke play and fast hand speed.
- Protective gear: Pads and gloves engineered to fit smaller frames, delivering the right balance of comfort and protection.
- Our Velocity 5.5 shoe is specifically design with narrow fit to suit female feet
The GEM range has been developed in collaboration with elite female cricketers like Lauren Winfield-Hill to ensure every product genuinely meets the demands of the modern women’s game.
Do Women and Men Use Different Kit Today?
Thanks to innovations like the GEM range, the answer is increasingly yes. Women now have access to kit designed for them, enabling better performance, increased confidence and a stronger connection to the sport.
As the women’s game continues to grow, so too does the importance of making sure every player, regardless of gender, can step onto the pitch with equipment that works for them.
At Gray-Nicolls, we are proud to lead this change. The GEM range transformed the women’s game, giving elite and grassroots players to focus on what matters most: their cricket
Explore the Gray-Nicolls GEM Collection today and discover cricket equipment built for you.
