Cricketers breed theories beyond the minds of the average stable-minded athlete.
Pre-match food, time of netting, and where you are situated within the changing room are just a few we hear about regularly.
The latest theory to cross our path is “how I pad up affects my batting”.
The Gray-Nicolls batting pads feature a variety of protective features, designs and price points we need to cater for, but one thing that links us all at the start of play is the need to pad up ready for a hit.
Is there a pad you should put on first? Is it left then right or right then left? The question is: is there a right way, or a left way? And would you ever let another man or woman pad you up?
Through the ages we have had belts, buckles and Velcro fastening, all designed to make the art of padding up and getting ready all the easier. Now the question is, how do you pad up and do you have a regimented, well-oiled system that you must adhere to or risk disaster.
If you have a system that works then we would say stick to it. Habits are created from a successful day at the crease or a large spate of runs. The average cricketer will always go with what has worked well on the day and stick with it. Even if that means sanding and oiling their beloved bat and re-housing it each day in the well protected bat cover (ensuring it’s kept well out of the way of any children or a tempted teammate.)
From our own experience with our professional players, you must be consistent in preparation for a day at the crease. From Chanderpaul and Brook to Atherton and Beaumont, there will be a process in place but with a different level of flexibility. We hear of players changing stance or head position mid-innings as they feel something isn’t quite right, but changing the manner in which you pad up on matchday would be a daring change of direction with potentially mind-blowing complications.
So how do you pad up? Is this a routine or superstition passed down generations? Is it a peer-pressured method adopted by the best players in your team? Or have you simply just always popped the pads on in a distracted blur as you are too worried about the opposition’s new signing or overseas bowler that you have been stat Googling all week?
We’d love to hear your padding up routines, so send them on a postcard or message us on social media; we’re @graynics everywhere.
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