The new year is a time of reflection and for looking forwards. And while for us at Gray-Nicolls 2025 was a year for making the world’s best cricket bats, 2026 will be the year absolutely no different! Whether you need bats, pads, gloves, helmets or teamwear, we’re here for club cricketers, all year.
So what are some resolutions for us club cricketers to set and (try to) stick to? Here are five to get you started.
1) I will keep my kit clean in 2026
Come on – it’s the same every year. We start with pristine clothing, gloves and pads and a fresh bat, and by the second week of winter nets it’s an absolute mess. Hopefully the bat is full of cherries, but that is the only bit of mess we condone on your kit this summer. Wash match kit every week – NO EXCUSES!
2) I will play myself in
We know it’s tempting to try to hit a cover drive off your first ball, but if you’ve got a lot of overs in front of you, we don’t need to teeing off straight away. Watch a few balls go by outside off stump. Defend the good balls. Adjust to pace and bounce. Then, when you’re in, make hay! No one remembers pretty 20s, we remember match-defining knocks.
3) Fielding is half the game – work on it!
It’s so tempting to put all our efforts into batting and bowling, but so many games in 2026 will be won and lost in the field. The only way we’ll become better fielders? By fielding more. That means practice, practice and more practice. No one ever got worse at catching by practicing more. And here’s the secret sauce: the better you get at fielding, the more fun it becomes – you actually want the ball to come to you so you can help your team, rather than dreading it arrowing its way to you.
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4) Respect for everyone at all times
It shouldn’t need saying, but cricket should be a sport that is played hard and fair. We all love the battle, and some of the chatter that comes with that, but it should be fun and in good spirit. Personal comments, aggression, swearing and violence don’t belong in our sport.
5) Saturday Is Cricket Day
Clear those calendars, cancel plans, Saturday is cricket day! Don’t be swayed by a BBQ. Forget the holiday. Wedding to attend? That’s what the evening invite is for. Cricket needs your full commitment this year to keep the recreational game strong.
Whether you are a seasoned vet or a returning icon, these are five aims that will put you on firm footing ahead of a big 2026. We can’t wait to hear how you get on.
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