Cricket is a sport that requires a lot of physical exertion, especially for the batsmen who face the bowlers. One of the most vulnerable areas of the body for a batsman is the abdomen. A hard-hit ball can cause serious injury to the abdomen, which is why an abdomen guard is a crucial piece of protective equipment for cricket players.
What is an Abdomen Guard?
An abdomen guard, also known as a box or a cup, is a piece of protective equipment that is designed to protect the male genitalia from impact. In cricket, the abdomen guard is worn by the batsman to protect the lower abdomen, groin, and upper thigh area from the impact of the cricket ball.
Why is an Abdomen Guard Necessary in Cricket?
The cricket ball is hard and can travel at a high speed of up to 160 km/h. When a batsman faces a fast bowler, the ball can hit the body with a great force. The abdomen is a particularly vulnerable area as it contains vital organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. A hard-hit ball to the abdomen can cause serious internal injuries, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, an abdomen guard is necessary to protect the batsman from such injuries.
Types of Abdomen Guards
There are two types of abdomen guards available for cricket players - the traditional style and the modern style.
Traditional Style
The traditional style abdomen guard is a hard plastic shell that is shaped like a cup. It is worn inside the underpants and is held in place by a jockstrap. The shell is designed to absorb the impact of the ball and protect the genitalia from injury. The traditional style abdomen guard is still popular among many cricket players.
Modern Style
The modern style abdomen guard is a soft padded guard that is worn directly against the skin. It is designed to be more comfortable and less restrictive than the traditional style. The modern style abdomen guard is held in place by an elastic waistband and does not require a jockstrap. It is becoming increasingly popular among cricket players, especially at the amateur level.
How to Choose the Right Abdomen Guard?
Choosing the right abdomen guard is important to ensure maximum protection and comfort. Here are some factors to consider:
Size
Make sure to choose the right size of the abdomen guard. A guard that is too small will not provide adequate protection, while a guard that is too large will be uncomfortable and may shift during play.
Material
Choose an abdomen guard made from high-quality materials that are durable and provide good protection. The traditional style abdomen guard is made from hard plastic, while the modern style is made from soft foam or gel.
Comfort
Comfort is important when choosing an abdomen guard. The modern style abdomen guard is generally more comfortable than the traditional style as it is softer and less restrictive. Make sure to choose an abdomen guard that feels comfortable and does not interfere with your movement.
How to Wear an Abdomen Guard?
Here are the steps to wear an abdomen guard:
- Put on your underpants and jockstrap (if using the traditional style).
- Insert the
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