Helmet is undoubtedly the most important asset in the game of cricket. Though helmets weren’t considered necessary in underarm cricket, they became a major requirement with the arrival of overarm cricket. Dennis Amiss was the first ever batsman to use the helmet in international cricket. Other popular cricketers soon adapted the style of playing with helmets. The helmet used by Dennis Amiss was similar to a bike helmet.
The initial cricket helmet wasn’t the permanent solution. The motorcycle style helmet provided protection only to the head with the majority facial portion left open. Later, grilles were attached to the helmets for ensuring safety of the rest of the skull. A small guard then blocked the ear portion. Features like adjustable straps, vents and sweat absorbing pads make the modern helmets super comfortable.
Purpose of a Cricket Helmet
Helmets are meant to protect the skull of an individual. With highly important organs on the face, helmets turn out to be life savers. There have been several incidents of the deliveries hitting on the helmets. Ultimately players were able to ensure their safety due to the presence of helmets with some important features like grille and a guard on both ears. Helmets soon became handy for wicket-keepers and fielders as well for the rarest circumstances.
Helmet Safety and Standard Certifications
As per ICC’s Clothing and Equipment Regulations, a helmet must be compliant to the new British Standard. The features of the specifications are:
- It now includes a facial contact projectile test that assesses for penetration of the ball through the faceguard, and contact of the faceguard onto the face, using realistic ball impact speeds and conditions.
- Head protectors have been tested separately against men’s and junior sized cricket balls (a five-and-a-half ounce ball and a four-and-three-quarter ounce ball, respectively).
Proper Helmet Fit
| Helmet Size | Head Circumference |
| Small Junior | 51-52 CM |
| Junior | 53-54 CM |
| Youths | 54-56 CM |
| Small Adult | 56-58 CM |
| Adult | 58-60 CM |
| Large Adult | 60-62 CM |
An uncomfortable helmet can be tough to deal with throughout. Before purchasing a helmet, the head circumference must be measured. The size charts are provided by manufacturers and they must be referred for better experience. Also, The chin strap must be placed properly on the chin. Tight or loose, either way it can turn out to be fatal. A loose helmet might not resist the high impact of an incoming delivery. Helmets on the heavier side can restrict head movements while playing. Apart from batting, the helmet comes in clutch for wicket-keeping and high risk fielding in Test cricket. The fielders at silly point or short leg are often exposed to hard hit shots and a properly fit helmet can prevent severe injuries.
Helmet Construction and Materials
Different parts of helmets are made with different materials. The shell or the head covering portion is made with materials such as Polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), which resist high impact. The grille is made up of titanium, steel or carbon fibre. The inner portion includes soft pads for absorbing sweat. Helmets are available with adjustable and removable parts which has also resulted in changes to manufacturing process.
Grille Selection and Visibility
The initial helmets didn’t have an attached grille. The grille turned out to be a vital addition to the helmet. It prevented the ball from hitting the face. With time it was realized that the space between the grille and the top is enough for a ball to enter. It is important to mind the gap as it might provide better visibility but could also invite risks. As a batter, not having clear vision can not only disrupt gameplay but can also cause injuries. Apart from batting, helmets are now mandatory for high risk positioned fielders and hence it is important to have a strong grille. Recently, cricketer Shubman Gill was spotted wearing a helmet which had a newly designed grill.
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Ventilation and Comfort
Modern day cricket helmets have all top and safest features. The most interesting feature is indeed the vent. Small vents are present on top to avoid excessive sweating and ventilation in hot and humid conditions. With the presence of sweat absorbing pads, helmets have become super comfortable. Certain helmets include multiple vents which help avoiding suffocation.
Additional features and Considerations
Helmets are comfortable due to the multiple adjustable features. Adjustable grills and chin straps make it convenient for the user. The sweat absorbing pads are removable and washable which help in ensuring freshness before using. With such additional features, it has also been easier for the users to clean and maintain the helmets.
Trying on and Testing Helmets
Helmets should be tried and tested before purchasing. Size, comfort, weight, grill and vents etc should be considered highly important. Measuring the head circumference before purchasing is the finest solution. Selecting the proper weight on your helmet would help reduce pressure on the head. Helmets with irrelevant size can affect movements while on field. It is also important to adjust the chin strap properly at the chin part itself.
Maintenance and Replacement
The state of a cricket helmet must be monitored thoroughly. A damaged helmet must be repaired or replaced instantly. In terms of maintenance, helmets are washable and can be cleaned easily. A toothbrush or a cloth with the least amount of detergent can be used to clean the helmet and bring back the freshness. It has been advised that helmets should be stored in dry conditions to avoid rust. Helmets should be strictly distanced from products like paints and adhesives.
Conclusion
Helmets have served the same purpose since the first day of its invention. Initially fans and players considered ignoring the usage of helmets. Ultimately, it was only Sir Vivian Richards who never wore a helmet in his entire career. Helmets underwent changes which turned out to be crucial for all players around the world. Under rare circumstances, players lost their careers and some lost lives too but some players were protected too. The perfect choice of helmet would provide the utmost comfort and protection.
