Cricket requires a lot of equipment – cricket bats, balls, apparel, water bottles, and a range of protective gear – which means that you’ll need a suitable carrier for it. Nowadays, there are many different types of cricket bags, such as the duffle, rucksack, ball bag, cricket wheelie bag, etc., all of which serve different functions. Some of these are more suitable for training, while others can also serve as typical gym bags. Others even have a specialised purpose, like storing cricket balls or even a helmet.
What Are the Different Types of Cricket Bags?
Depending on your needs and space constraints, you’ll need to carefully examine the models available to you. Look at the size, capacity and type of pockets and compartments, ventilation, the material used, wheel size and orientation as well as any additional straps. Some of the most sought-after models include:
Wheelie Cricket Bag
Out of all the different models, a practical cricket bag with wheels is the most popular option because it quite literally takes the weight off your shoulders and makes it easier to transport the gear. The wheels are generally strong and come in different sizes and shapes, ranging from small to large.
The bigger the wheel, the better and easier it is to move the bag around, especially on rougher surfaces. It offers greater stability and makes it easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
On the other hand, smaller wheels are better for more even surfaces, such as flat ground. They’re not as tough as their larger counterparts, mainly due to the shortage of space they cover. Also, due to their size and shape, they may not be able to withstand heavier loads for long periods of time.
Either way, the wheels are normally made of robust polyurethane and mounted on steel axles. They’re normally protected by a special casing and can be detached if necessary. Each one usually has a carry handle and an inbuilt telescopic trolley system to make transportation more convenient.
Evidently, a cricket bag with wheels is a great option for those who need to transport their gear on a regular basis, or if you simply want your bag to be as easy to maneuver as possible. You can use the handle to pull it along without having to pick it up constantly.
Duffel Bag
Certain cricketers prefer an over-the-shoulder carrier over the conventional wheelie, so they opt for cricket duffle bags, also known as cricket duffels. These are also quite popular, and they’re excellent for training, especially if you’re not bringing all your cricket gear with you.
The duffle is a modern alternative to the wheelie, and it typically fits less gear. On the other hand, the wheelie is a preferable choice if you own a lot of cricket equipment and don’t want to carry that much weight on your shoulders. The duffel’s comfortable shoulder straps are unique features that make carrying it upstairs a breeze.
Rucksack
The rucksack is a classic choice for casual players or those who don’t carry a lot of equipment. They’re also a good alternative for juniors who are accustomed to carrying a backpack to class. Certain rucksacks can also convert into a duffel for easier carrying.
Tour Bag
The typical design of tour cricket bags is a classic wheelie with a pull handle. They are roomy enough to hold a lot of cricket equipment, clothing, and accessories.
Despite their size, cricket tour bags usually fit into most car trunks, but if you drive a compact vehicle, it’s best to take measurements first. Most of these carriers include several compartments, a stand-up style, and wheels at the bottom.
Cricket Kit Bags
These are over-the-shoulder designs and aren’t nearly as large as the standard cricket bag wheel or duffel. They’re ideal for keeping clothes and accessories organized, but they typically don’t have enough room for batting gloves and a cricket bat.
Some players carry their cricket equipment in a medium-sized wheelie or duffel in addition to a kit bag that has their clothes, valuables, beverages, and party shoes.
For casual cricketers – those who play the occasional corporate match – a cricket kit bag is often all they need because their club or organisation offers the basic batting equipment for its members.
What’s the Ideal Size?
Size does crucial when purchasing cricket bags. If your club doesn’t offer certain types of cricket gear, you’ll need a fairly large bag to fit all your essentials – especially if you’re a wicketkeeper. Similar to how baseball captains need a lot of storage space, cricket captains typically carry match balls, extra equipment, scorebooks, coaching/fitness tools, and similar items.
Wheelies are quite large, and they fit all your cricket essentials. Their sizes range from 80-90 cm in width, 40 cm in height, and 40 cm in depth. Anything less than these measurements cricketers typically refer to as a small wheelie.
A big duffel is around 90 cm in height and around 35-40 cm in depth and width. Medium duffels are about 80 cm in height, and 30-35 cm in width and depth, while little cricket duffels are even smaller.
Practicality and Storage Options
When looking for the right cricket bag, utility is equally as important as size. After all, the main reason you need a specific carrier is so you can easily and conveniently store and carry your cricket equipment. Cricket wheelies often feature several pockets and a wide opening that makes it easy to dig through them, whereas duffels let you sling them over the shoulder, which is quite convenient.
Make sure that you read through the product descriptions and examine the photographs while browsing for cricket bags online. This will help you get familiar with their additional features and storage options, so you can select the right design for your needs. Some models include several different sections, such as one for your clothes, another for your toiletries, and a separate section for the rest of your equipment.
