Batting pads take the impact that would otherwise land on the shin, knee and ankle. A 156g ball at pace onto an unprotected shin is a genuine injury, and pads are compulsory for batting in every organised form of the game.
These use a moulded high-density protective core with a padded knee roll and adjustable strapping across the calf.
Fitting them correctly
The top of the pad should reach just above the knee, and the knee roll — the hinged padded section — must sit directly over the kneecap so the pad bends where your leg bends.
If the knee roll sits above or below the kneecap, the pad fights your running between the wickets and leaves the knee itself exposed. That is the single most common fitting error, and it is worth checking before every innings rather than assuming.
Strap the pad firm but not tight. Too loose and it rotates around the leg; too tight and it restricts circulation over a long innings.
Which pad on which leg
Batting pads are handed — there is a left and a right, and they are not interchangeable. The straps and buckles sit on the outside of each leg so they do not catch each other when you run.
The front-foot pad takes most of the impact, which is why that pad usually wears out first. If you are buying for a club, the pads with the most wear will always be the ones on the leading leg.
Care and club use
Wipe them down after play and let them dry fully before storing — damp pads develop mould in the internal padding, which is difficult to reverse.
Check the straps and buckles regularly since that is where pads fail. For schools and clubs, keeping a range of junior and senior sizes matters more than buying the most expensive pads, because a badly sized pad on a young player is worse than a basic one that fits. WhatsApp 083 563 2999 for bulk school and club pricing. Complete the kit with a helmet and bat.
