Cricket Gloves and Wicketkeeping Gloves Explained
The differences between batting gloves and wicketkeeping gloves, what they protect, and how to choose the right pair.
Batting Gloves
Batting gloves protect a batter's hands and fingers from fast deliveries that strike the glove rather than the bat. They also provide grip on the bat handle. The Laws of Cricket permit batting gloves as part of a batter's equipment — they are not considered part of the body for LBW purposes.
- Fingers: foam-padded top sections absorb ball impact on individual fingers.
- Thumb: the leading thumb (bottom hand) receives the most impact and has extra reinforcement.
- Palm: grippy inner lining — usually chamois or synthetic leather — improves bat control.
- Cuff: Velcro-fastened wrist support keeps gloves in place during strokes.
Wicketkeeping Gloves
Wicketkeeping gloves are fundamentally different from batting gloves. They are large, webbed gloves designed to catch and smother fast deliveries and provide grip for a clean take. A wrist-high inner glove (chamois) sits beneath the outer glove to protect against ball sting.
- Webbing: the finger joints have webbing to assist cup-catching.
- Padded palm: thick inner padding absorbs the repeated impact of fast bowling.
- Index finger slit: many keepers cut a slit in the inner glove to improve feel.
- Rolled fingers: the fingers are pre-rolled to encourage a cupped catching position.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Batting Gloves | Keeping Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Hand protection + bat grip | Catching + hand protection |
| Webbing | None | Between fingers |
| Size | Form-fitting | Large and padded |
| Inner glove | Not used | Chamois inner glove standard |
| Finger protection | Padded top sections | Rolled padding throughout |
Choosing Gloves
For batting, prioritise finger padding in the top section, thumb reinforcement, and a comfortable wrist strap. For wicketkeeping, choose gloves that match your pace: harder padding for fast bowling, softer compound gloves for spin-wicket keeping where feel is paramount.
Frequently asked questions
Do batting gloves count in the LBW decision?
No. Ball-on-glove contact does not count as hitting the ball for LBW purposes since the gloves are part of the bat (held in hand). However, if the ball hits the glove and then the pad, LBW may still apply depending on the trajectory.
How long do wicketkeeping gloves last?
At club level, keeping gloves typically last two to three seasons if maintained. The webbing and palm padding degrade with heavy use. Signs of replacement: torn webbing, flattened palm padding, damaged Velcro.
Can a wicketkeeper use batting gloves?
No — keeping gloves are mandatory equipment for the wicketkeeper. The umpire must approve all protective equipment worn by the keeper.