The Biggest Cricketing Event Has Just Ended – T20 World Cup 2022

The once in two year cricketing extravaganza is over with scintillating performances, up and downs, lows and highs, holding the fans in nerve wrecking last ball deciders. The famed two time champion West Indies didn’t even make it to the super 12. A couple of last ball finishes between India – Pakistan and Zimbabwe – Pakistan, both lost by Pakistan, are seat edge stuff. The rain played spoil sport with delight and dismay for teams who scraped through and lost big. Many upsets made favourite title contenders Australia, India, New Zealand and South Africa go back to their drawing rooms to rewrite their future strategies.

The T20 World Cup 2022 was played in Australia from 16th October to 13th November 2022. An epic finale between a strong England and the unpredictable Pakistan who scraped through with two losses in their initial games and fought their way in to the decider. In the end a well balanced and consistent England lifted the trophy for the second time, which they absolutely deserved. A fitting finale for the month long action packed cricketing event, every cricket fan’s delight.

T20 World Cup Finals and Winners So Far

Below are the list of finals played up to 2022 and the winners of those matches.

Year     No. Of Teams              Host Country              Winner            Runner Up

2007                12                    South Afirca                India                Pakistan

2009                12                    England                       Pakistan          Sri Lanka

2010                12                    West Indies                England           Australia

2012                12                    Sri Lanka                     West Indies    Sri Lanka

2014                16                    Bangladesh                 Sri Lanka         India

2016                16                    India                            West Indies    England

2021                16                    UAE/Oman                 Australia         New Zealand

2022                16                    Australia                     England           Pakistan

T20 Cricket World Cup – A Brief History

T20 also known as twenty twenty,  is a format of  the cricket game where twenty overs per team is allowed play against another team. The other two formats of the game are test matches played for five days comprising of two innings for each team and ODI, one day international where 50 overs per team is allowed to play. The longer formats of the game was attracting lesser crowd and there was a need to attract the younger generation and create new fans for the game. Thus T20 was introduced in the year 2002 in England between county teams. The first international T20 game was played between New Zealand and Australia in 2005. The official T20 Men’s World Cup was played in the year 2007 in South Africa with 12 teams. It was also decided that the T20 World Cup will be played once in two years with an exception to advance the T20 World Cup Final to the previous year if there is another Cricket World Cup event taking place in the scheduled year. The number of teams was expanded to 16 in 2014.

Teams Played In The T20 World Cup 2022 In Australia

Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Scotland, South Africa, UAE, Zimbabwe and West Indies.

Rules & Regulations For T20 World Cup

Apart from the existing cricketing rules for T20 game, some new rules are introduced from 2022.

There is a ban to use saliva to shine the ball.

The “Mankad” rules has become official and categorized as a run out.

A new batsman coming in to the game after the one playing got out, the new batsman will be the striker even though the batsman who got out has crossed to other side for a run.

No deliberate movement of players allowed during the time a bowler is running in to bowl. This will result in a dead ball and five runs awarded to the batting team.

A dead ball will be considered if the bowler throws the ball to the strike for a run out, if the striker attempts to position himself by walking down from the crease.

A part of the batsman’s body or the bat should be within the pitch. If the batter moves out of the pitch it will considered a dead ball.

A forceful movement of the batter out of the pitch is considered a no ball.

Get The Same Cricket Gears Your Players Use During World Cup Australia 2022

VKS Sports supplies all the leading brands of cricket gear and equipment that are used by professional international players in the World Cup 2022 which ended in Australia. Use the same high quality bats, ball, gloves, pads, team jerseys, etc., delivered right at your door step from VKS.com and replay the actions of your favourite cricketing heroes.

 

Best Cricket Shoes on VKS under£120!

The importance of good cricket shoes in the game of cricket cannot be overstated as players are on their feet all the time – walking, running, jumping and sprinting. Shoes that fit well, are comfortable and conducive to movement help players in focusing on their game better. VKS has top models of cricket shoes from the best of brands in the world of cricket. Here’s a glimpse of VKS’ top picks for cricket shoes under £120 –

  1. Adidas Vector Mid Cricket Shoe – If you are a bowler, then this shoe is among the best in terms of comfort and support. This shoe offers a great fit and keeps the foot stable with its new revolutionary BOA tightening system. The bevelled heel of the shoe is conducive to a smooth transition from jumping to landing, and the internal support cage and mid-cut heel height help in stabilizing the foot efficiently. The shoe had EVA midsole with adiprene in the heel for additional comfort. 
  2. Payntr Bodyline 225 Bowling Spike – If you are a fast bowler, then this shoe is for you. The upper of the shoe has been made from double layered Microfiber PU (Polyurethane) for maximum strength and durability. The air holes in the upper give breathability and aid in moisture management. The topline collar has been cut to mid height for extra ankle support without being restrictive for the player’s movement. The 30mm Velcro strap has been positioned strategically – it looks the foot down and keeps it stable when the player is running at full speed. 
  3. Adidas 22yds Boost Cricket Shoe – This shoe is known for giving incredible energy return and cushioning. It comes with the new revolutionary BOA tightening system that is much more efficient than the traditional lacing system. The ultra-sharp TPU outsole of the shoe provides optimal grip and lightweight feel. The running tongue and soft upper of the shoe offer incredible comfort to the player. The shoe has support in the key forefoot area for quick multi directional movements. 
  4. Asics Gel Advance 6 Cricket Shoe – This robust shoe is extremely lightweight with top level cushioning gel which also makes it an extremely comfortable shoe. With this shoe, players can be assured of a secure footing on the pitch as the shoe has enhanced support to keep the foot stable. 
  5. Adidas Vector Cricket Shoe – This shoe is suitable for both batsmen and bowlers. The detachable strap of the shoe helps in keeping the foot of the player stable. The outsole of the shoe is made from TPU material which is not durable but also lightweight. The EVA midsole with adiprene in the heel provides additional cushioning and enhances the comfort of the shoe. The bevelled heel of the shoe helps in  a smooth transition from jumping to landing while bowling. 
  6. New Balance CK4040 Cricket Bowling Shoe – A show designed especially for bowling, it has been equipped with excellent support in the ankle area. The design of the shoe is well suited for medium and fast bowlers because of the great stability that it provides to the foot. Also, the shoe has an 11-spike configuration design. The Revlite midsole of the shoe keeps it lightweight and enhances its comfort. 

VKS is your go-to place for all your cricket equipment, be it bats, balls, bags, shoes, clothing, accessories or protective gear. VKS offers premium quality cricket gear from the best-known brands at affordable prices. We also have cricket helmets, shirts, cricket trousers, cricket shoes, sweaters, baselayers, socks, caps and hats, safety equipment and teamwear in a variety of designs and sizes. Shop with us in-store or order online at www.vks.com and avail fantastic discounts on your purchase. 

Cricket and the Coronavirus.

What we are experiencing right now is a really bad Hollywood movie, one that we would laugh at and simply not believe. One that we would walk out of the cinema saying, “which looney producer ever thought of a crappy story like that!”

The world right now is at a standstill, countries that once upon a time looked at each other with distrust and disdain, now stand shoulder to shoulder in the hope that the other has a solution to this problem.

Our Easter window created just before the lockdown.

For us as a business it’s come like a bolt of lightning and at a time when we should be buzzing with customers and have orders flying out of the door from online sales. It’s at this time of the year that everything really happens for us and other retailers, as well as all the manufacturers. It is however now all about safety first. Money comes and goes, but the health and welfare of our staff, family and customers is simply of the paramount importance and what I could see in the days leading up to the official lockdown scared me a little.

Whilst the vast majority of customers walked in with care and courtesy, a minor few took no notice of the government’s guidance on social distancing and from mixing with friends. It’s at this point that we as a business had to close our doors temporarily. Our decision actually came a day before the government’s official notice. Whilst we knew this decision was going to hurt us financially, from a safety perspective it’s just seemed like the right thing to do.

We are currently working from home which is a little too relaxing 😊 and attending to customers enquiries via email and having diverted all calls we are answering all phone calls too. We are doing our best and we feel that means us staying at home too. It’s all about “Safety First”

Needless to say, we are simply itching to get back to work, to showcase so many of the fantastic products we have it stock, to see the great smiles on the kids faces when they come in to get thier new cricket bats. It’s what makes it all worthwhile, but until then we shall wait patiently until we are told it’s safe to do so. When we get to play cricket again this season is anyone’s guess, but one thing is for sure…when that time does come, it will be just like the good old days again!!

StaySafe…wishing you and your families all the very best.

The Ashes 2019 Cricket Series – England vs Australia!

After the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, comes another important tournament – The Ashes 2019 Cricket Series which is being played between two cricket giants – England and Australia. The series is the first Test series of the 2019–21 ICC World Test Championship, which is being conducted for the first time in the history of cricket. 

The Ashes Series started in August 2019 and it will conclude in September 2019. There are 5 venues for the 5 Tests –  Edgbaston, Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval. 

The following players are playing from the English cricket team –

Joe Root (Captain), Ben Stokes (Vice-Captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (Wicket-Keeper), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (Wicket-Keeper), Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, and Chris Woakes

The following players are playing from the Australian cricket team – 

Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner

So far, 3 of the 5 tests have been played, and the fourth one is going on. 

The first test was held at Edgbaston, Birmingham from 1st August to 5th August. Australia won the toss and chose to bat and won by 251 runs against England. Steve Smith from the Australian match was the player of the match. 

The second test was played at Lord’s London from 14th August to 18th August. Australia won the toss and chose to field. The match ended in a draw. Ben Stokes from the English cricket team was the player of the match. 

The third test was played at Headingley, Leeds from 22nd August to 26th August. England won the toss and elected to field. England won against Australia by 1 wicket. Ben Stokes from the English cricket team was the player of the match again. 

The fourth test is being played at Old Trafford, Manchester. It began on 4th September and will end on the 8th of August. Australia won the toss and elected to bat. 

The fifth and the last test will be played at The Oval, London from 12th September to 16th September. 

This was a quick update on the Ashes 2019 Cricket Series between England and Australia. The series has given the world of cricket more excitement after the outrageously popular ICC Cricket World Cup. May the best team win the championship!Looking for top-quality cricket equipment from the best of brands? Whether you are a batsman, a bowler or a fielder, VKS Cricket has the latest models of cricket equipment for you including bats, balls, clothing, protective gear for you from the best of brands including Adidas, Payntr, Asics, Gunn & Moore, Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra and New Balance. Our range of products is available for you both in-store and on the website. Shop online or at our cricket store in Ealing for your cricket shoes and the rest of your cricket equipment, and avail fantastic discounts on your purchase!

Cricket Trousers to Buy This Season!

In the last blog, we talked about the top cricket shirts you could buy at VKS at discounted prices. Well, your cricket uniform is incomplete without a pair of good trousers, so in this blog, that’s what we are going to focus on. Here’s a glimpse of the cricket trousers available on VKS –

  1. Adidas Cricket Trousers – Adidas is not only excellent at creating cricket shirts, but it has also done an equally good job with its cricket trousers as well in terms of fabric, fit and design. The fabric used is soft, but durable and capable of withstanding rough use. The fabric and fit are such that they allow easy movement. The trousers are available from size Small (30’’) to XXL (46’’).
  2. Kookaburra Pro Players Cricket Trousers – Kookaburra is a winner when it comes to functional and minimal design. The plain white trousers have the Kookaburra branding on the left leg. The stretchable fabric of the trousers, comprising of 100% polyester pique, allows for easy movement. Furthermore, the trousers have a loose fit so that protective gear can be worn underneath. 
  3. GM Premier Cricket Trousers – GM is one of the top cricket brands in the world, and be it a bat or a trouser, their products will not let you down. This trouser is made from 100% Two-way stretch Polyester Fabric that dries up quickly and allows for easy movement. The waist is fully elasticated and the trouser has two side pockets. They also offer different leg sizes – from 29” to unfinished 37” leg. 
  4. Gray Nicolls Cricket Trousers – Another superb product from Gray Nicolls. These trousers are comfortable, durable, and their price doesn’t burn a hole in the pocket. The standard fit cricket trousers are made of a durable polyester twill fabric. They have a fly front with an elasticated waistband. There are two side pockets too and the hem is unfinished so that you can get the legs made of a custom length. The sizes available range from Small to XXX-Large.
  5. VKS Cricket Trousers – Our designers have studied the top-performing cricket trousers and used their features for making this one. The soft feel mesh fabric is well-ventilated and helps the player keep cool and dry. The waist is elasticated and has a drawstring for better fitting. The leg is unfinished, so you can get it custom-made according to your size. There are 3 sizes in these trousers – Large, XX-Large and XXX-Large. 

Inspired to complete your cricket uniform? VKS offers premium quality cricket clothing from the best-known brands at affordable prices. We have cricket shirts, cricket trousers, cricket shoes, sweaters, baselayers, socks, caps and hats and teamwear in a variety of designs and sizes. We also sell the complete cricket protection gear at our store and on our online shop. Shop at our cricket store in Ealing or order with us online for completing your cricket kit!

Cricket Shirts to Buy This Season!

We believe that if you are a true blue cricket player, then you should look like one too. All professional cricket teams have a uniform – The English cricket team usually wears a light blue uniform for one-day cricket, the Australian team wears yellow and green, and the Indian cricket team wears ice blue. So, when you go out to play on the field, you should be decked up in the right uniform too. Not only will the right cricket uniform help you play comfortably, but it will also boost your confidence. Here are a few cricket shirts you can choose from at VKS –

  1. Adidas Elite Cricket Shirt Long Sleeve – Adidas is a known name in the cricket space, and it is particularly well-known for its clothing. This cricket shirt is made from Climacool fabric that absorbs sweat quickly and helps the player stay dry during the game. The fabric is not just soft, but durable as well and capable of sustaining many washes. The shirt has pop-style buttons traditional collars, and long sleeves. 
  2. Kookaburra Cricket Shirt – Kookaburra is synonymous with style and durability in the world of cricket. If you’re playing in summers, then this a shirt you should get. The super-soft shirt is excellent at absorbing sweat and keeping the player dry and cool. It has a minimal design – Kookaburra logo on the chest on the right and sleek navy trim. The shirt has half sleeves and the extended tail adds to the fit of the shirt. 
  3. GM Teknik Club Cricket Shirt – This cricket shirt from GM spells comfort and great style. The fabric is soft and light-weight – it weighs just 210 grams. The collared shirt has a raglan sleeve design. It has a colour-coordinated trim and logo. The logo is in bold on the left sleeve. The shirt is available in navy, green and maroon piping and trim in sizes Small to XXL.
  4. Gray Nicolls Matrix Shirt – Gray Nicolls is known for the way it pays careful attention to detail in everything it designs. In this cricket shirt too, Gray Nicolls’ craftsmanship is visible. The easy-breathe polyester fabric allows for maximum air-flow and ventilation and helps in keeping the player sweat-free. The shirt is lightweight for the optimum level of comfort for the player. 
  5. VKS Cricket Shirt – One from the home brand – this shirt has all the features a player would need in a cricket shirt and it yet quite affordable. The soft-feel mesh fabric is good at absorbing sweat to keep the player cool and dry at all times. The shirt has half sleeves and a navy piping and trim. It is available in sizes ranging from Large to XXX Large. 

Inspired to complete your cricket uniform? VKS offers premium quality cricket clothing from the best-known brands at affordable prices. We have cricket shirts, cricket trousers, cricket shoes, sweaters, baselayers, socks, caps and hats and teamwear in a variety of designs and sizes. We also sell the complete cricket protection gear at our store and on our online shop. Shop at our cricket store in Ealing or order with us online for completing your cricket kit.

Top GM Bats under £500 to Check Out this Season!

GM is among the most well-known brands in the world of cricket. It is the go-to brand for cricket equipment for many game enthusiast; GM bats are known particularly well-known for their exceptional quality and are used by many cricket players. At VKS, we have all the top-performing bats from the brand in stock, and they are available for less than £500 – that’s a discount of over 20%! 

Here’s a sneak-peak of the top GM bats available at VKS –

  1. GM Diamond Original LE Cricket Bat – This bat is a stunner not just in terms of looks, but it promises power-packed action on the pitch as well. It is a bat that has been developed with the help of the all-rounder Ben Stokes, the current vice-captain of the English cricket team. The bat, made from select English willow, has a L540 blade design that offers a dynamic sweet spot.The blade is shorter than the standard L555 blade, but the length of the bat is made up by a longer handle. The optimized F4.5 face dynamics help in giving the batsman great control as well as consistent power all across the blade.
  2. GM Mythos Original LE Cricket Bat – The GM Mythos Original LE Cricket Bat is a top choice for many professional cricket players. It has a  L540 blade design, but with a 310 mm handle, the bat becomes of a standard length. This bat allows for accurate and power-packed shots because of its dynamic sweet spot, larger swell area and greater balance and overall power. The concave profile contribute to superb pick up and balance of the bat.
  3. GM Noir Original LE Cricket Bat – This bat has intimidating looks that will make heads turn on the pitch. But, that’s not the only reason why it is a great bat. The bat, made using top-quality English willow, has a traditional L555 blade design and a standard length handle. The bat gives the players great power owing to its low to mid-level sweet spot and thick edges in this zonal area. If you’re thinking of buying this beauty, then you should do it ASAP because it is in limited supply due to the unparalleled quality of this blade.
  4. GM Zelos DXM Original LE Cricket Bat – The classic GM branding with a neon twist makes this bat stand out. It has an ultra-curved F4.5mm face profile and a low to mid swell position that delivers great power in the hands of the batsman. The bat has an incredibly smooth pick-up owing to its lightweight profile. Made from the finest grade unbleached English willow, this bat is suited for all types of players. 

Looking for the perfect cricket bat for yourself? VKS has bats from the best brands in the world, and shopping with us is super easy as we have both a brick-and-mortar store and an online shop. In the shop, our trained and experienced sales staff are there to help you choose the right bat, and on our website, we provide sufficient details about products for you to make well-informed decisions. So, shop online or at our cricket store in Ealing for all your cricket needs!

Top cricket pads to buy under £100 on VKS.com!

A batsman’s uniform is incomplete without a pair of cricket pads – after all, there is always a high risk of injuries to the leg from a power-packed leather ball. Why take chances when you can buy a pair of good, high-performing cricket pads from some of the most popular brands from VKS.com for less than £100? Let us acquaint you with our top picks of cricket pads for less than £100 –

  1. Gray Nicolls Powerbow 6 1500 Legguards – The Powerbow series from Gray Nicolls not only boasts of excellent bats, but it has given the world robust legguards as well. The Powerbow 6 1500 is a high-performing legguard that uses Ultralite HDF to offer excellent durability while being lightweight. The pad’s performance comes from its trisystem vertical booster which is made of EVA and Poly-armour and then complemented with seven 30mm light HD Foam bolsters and reinforced cane rods.
  2. GM Original Batting Legguard 2018 – GM is among the top names for all kinds of cricket equipment and they have not compromised on quality or design while creating the excellent GM Original Batting legguard 2018 as well. The front of the pad has a 7- bar vertical bar design and high-density foam construction to offer the highest level of security. The wide side bolsters also add to the security factor of the pads. 
  3. Kookaburra Kahuna 1000 Batting Legguard – The Kahuna series is well known for being an eye-catcher and the Kookaburra Kahuna 1000 Batting pad is no different. The legguard also has the stunning Kookaburra Kahuna design. The reversed foam makes the bat lightweight and gives great impact protection. The flex contoured knee roll area offers flexibility while playing.
  4. Adidas SL22 Pro Batting Legguard – The Adidas SL22 Pro Batting pad is among the best choices for professionals. With full front vertical cane protection, TPU foam and TPU knee protection, the pad promises great flexibility, durability and comfort. The lightweight construction with high and low-density foam ensures enhanced comfort. The single knee locator with height adjuster allows for the best fit possible. 
  5. New Balance TC 1260 Batting Legguards – It is a top-quality batting pad used by several professional players including Joe Root. The 7-bars front vertical bolsters with foam padding provide a high level of protection against impact. The nylon straps with cushioned support straps ensure that the pads stay in place all the time while keeping the player comfortable. 

VKS is your go-to cricket store for all your cricket equipment, be it bats, balls, bags, shoes, clothing, accessories or protective gear. VKS offers premium quality cricket gear from the best-known brands at affordable prices. We also have cricket helmets, shirts, cricket trousers, cricket shoes, sweaters, baselayers, socks, caps and hats, safety equipment and teamwear in a variety of designs and sizes. Shop with us in-store or order online at www.vks.com and avail fantastic discounts on your purchase. 

Top cricket helmets to buy under £50 on VKS.com

As players with a zeal for playing cricket on the pitch, it is your responsibility to abide by the rules of the game and that include taking appropriate measures to protect yourself from injuries and promote safe playing practices. A cricket helmet is an important part of the cricket protective gear and it should not be missed out on while playing on the pitch. On VKS.com, we have cricket helmets from some of the best-known brands in the world of cricket. Here are some of the top cricket helmets you can buy for less than £50 –

  1. Gray Nicolls Atomic Cricket Helmet – Gray Nicolls is a brand that can be counted for any kind of cricket equipment. The Gray Nicolls Atomic Cricket Helmet is an excellent helmet featuring an Atomic grille with Internal Size Adjustment (ISA) system that helps get the perfect fit. The navy, available in 3 adult sizes, is perfect for amateurs as well as professionals looking for a budget-friendly helmet. 
  2. Kookaburra Pro 600 Cricket Helmet – This Kookaburra helmet is an eye-catcher because though it has been built in the usual navy blue colour, its design also incorporates a shade on neon green. The best feature of the helmet is the lightweight ABS shell protection with a unique shock dissipating polymer lining system. The lightweight steel faceguard protects the face effectively without hampering visibility. 
  3. Masuri Legacy Cricket Helmet – Masuri creates some of the most robust cricket helmets and these prized helmets often come with a hefty price tag. The Masuri Legacy Cricket Helmet has the craftsmanship of Masuri, but it is priced economically. The helmet comforms to the highest standards of safety and is comfortable and lightweight. The sturdy grille but lightweight grille is made to offer maximum protection. 
  4. Shrey Performance Steel Cricket Helmet – The designers of this helmet have put a lot of thought and effort into designing this model. It is lightweight and weighs only 940 grams but it does not compromise on safety. The new grill design offers the maximum level of protection to the front of the face as well as the sides, without making the helmet bulky. The helmet also has a removable sweatband that can be washed easily. 

Looking for the top-quality cricket gear? VKS is your go-to cricket store for all your cricket equipment, be it bats, balls, bags, shoes, clothing, accessories or protective gear. VKS offers premium quality cricket gear from the best-known brands at affordable prices. We also have cricket helmets, shirts, cricket trousers, cricket shoes, sweaters, baselayers, socks, caps and hats, safety equipment and teamwear in a variety of designs and sizes. Shop with us in-store or order online at www.vks.com and avail fantastic discounts on your purchase.

Top batting gloves to buy under £50 on VKS.com!

Cricket equipment from the top brands usually costs a bomb, but on VKS.com, we make sure that we have cricket gear from the best of brands for all kinds of budgets. We also have generous discount offers into the bargain. In this blog, we have curated a list of the top batting gloves from brands including GM, Gray Nicolls and Kookaburra to buy for under £50! Check them out –

  1. Gray Nicolls Prestige Batting Gloves – Gray Nicolls is one of the most prestigious names in the cricket industry and everything it makes is of top-notch quality. It has a traditional finger design with a curved Fibre Shield covering all the fingers. There is flat fibre added at the back of the hand of the glove for added protection. The glove’s protection factor is enhanced by a three-sectioned side impact bar made of EV. The high-quality leather palms offer exceptional feel, grip and durability apart from excellent moisture management. 
  2. GM 808 Limited Edition Batting Gloves 2019 – One of the best gloves of 2019, these gloves are made using PU and have leather palms. The PU back of hand provides great flexibility and comfort. The gloves use both sausage and split-finger design for ease of movement and grip; the thumb uses a split-finger design for enhanced flexibility. In white and matte silver colour, not only do these gloves aid in a great performance, but they look stylish as well. 
  3. Kookaburra Kahuna 2.0 Batting Gloves – Blending stunning design and effective functionality, these gloves, available for less than £50, offer a bang for the buck. The soft Rome sheep leather palms with max flow ventilation keep the palms comfortable and effectively sweat-free. To add to the comfort factor of the gloves are rounded cotton fingers with five protection chambers. The wide towel wristband with hook and loop fastening makes it super easy to put on and take off the gloves. 
  4. Ton Test Opener II Batting Gloves – Made from top-quality leather, these gloves are comfortable, lightweight and great protecting the hand from impact from a fact-paced leather ball. The leather palms come with ventilation holes to keep the hands from getting too sweaty while playing. The fingers of the gloves are quite flexible and the front fingers come with extra HD protection. The side protection bolsters elevate the protection level of the gloves. The fibre inserts in the glove work well for shock absorption. 
  5. New Balance TC 860 Batting Gloves – The palms of these excellent gloves are made using premium quality sheep leather and the back of the gloves are in resilient PU. The crosslink foam padding offers both comfortability and a high level of protection. The high grade stretchable and ventilated gussets contribute effectively to managing moisture. 

VKS is your go-to cricket store for not only batting gloves but all your cricket equipment including cricket helmets, gloves, aero strippers, Abdo guards, arm guards, batting pads, chest guards, jock protective briefs, thigh guards, wicket keeping inners, wicket keeping pads and wicket keeping gloves. VKS offers this premium quality cricket protection gear from the best-known brands at affordable prices. Shop with us in-store or order online at www.vks.com and avail fantastic discounts on your purchase.

Which cricket ball should you buy this cricket season?

If you are a bowler, a cricket ball can go a long way in making or breaking your game. While playing, always make sure that your ball is of high-quality and unspoilt. 

On VKS.com, we have cricket balls from some of the most prestigious brands available at bargain prices. Let us show you a glimpse of some of our best-selling cricket balls in this blog –

  1. Dukes Crown Prince Cricket Ball (5 1/2oz) – This ball, aptly titles, is the crown prince of cricket balls because of its unparalleled quality and finishing. The ball, made using the finest quality English Alum tanned leather, is fully hand sewn. It weighs 156 grams and is the best suited for top-level league cricket matches lasting 50 overs or more. The Dukes Crown Prince retains its shape and sheen even after repeated use because of its tough core made with a Cortex Centre. 
  2. VKS Test International Grade ‘A’ Cricket Ball – One from our own brand, this ball has been created meticulously for delivering a power-packed performance. It is made using top-quality English Alum tanned leather and comes with 6 to 7 layers of best quality wool compressed cork for shape retention and even bounce. The ball has 80 stitches and it is waxed painstakingly to ensure that the shine of the ball lasts a long time. The ball is also tallow dipped for waterproofing. 
  3. VKS League Special Grade ‘A’ cricket ball – An excellent ball for intense matches – it has been made using premium quality alum tanned leather. The fully hand-sewn ball, with its 80 stitches, is durable and used during many leagues in the UK. It has 6 to 7 layers of wool and a cork centre. The wax polish ensures that the ball retains its sheen during its lifetime and the tallow-dipping makes the ball waterproof. 
  4. County Special Grade ‘A’ 5oz Ladies Cricket Ball (Red or Pink) – Ladies cricket has become a mainstream sport and it is only fair that they have special balls for their matches. The County Special Grade ‘A’ Cricket Ball comes in both red and pink for day and night matches. The ball is made with select alum tanned leather pieces and is meticulously hand-sewn. The ball is waxed for shine and tallow-dipped for water-proofing. 

Want to buy the best quality cricket balls? VKS.com is your go-to online cricket store where you can shop for cricket balls from the best brands and much more! Buy bats, bags, shoes, clothing, accessories or protective gear from the best-known brands at affordable prices. We also have cricket helmets, shirts, cricket trousers, cricket shoes, sweaters, baselayers, socks, caps and hats, safety equipment and teamwear in a variety of designs and sizes. Shop with us in-store or order online at www.vks.com and avail fantastic discounts on your purchase. 

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – The England Cricket Team

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is really hot right now. If you are new to cricket, then this blog will help you get familiarised with the England cricket team.

We are at 39 of the 48 ODIs, and the England Cricket Team is at the 4th rank at the moment. Just in the last match, it won from India by 31 runs. It will be playing New Zealand on the 3rd of July now. 

Let us introduce you to the England squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. 

Moeen Ali
Batting all-rounder, left-handed batsman, right arm off-spinner. 

Age: 31, Caps: 96, Batting average: 26.01, Strike rate: 103.74, Bowling average: 48.84, Economy: 5.26

Jofra Archer
All-rounder

Age: 24, Caps: 3, Bowling average: 36, Economy: 4.90

Jofra Archer stands third, with 16 wickets, in the list of players who have taken the most wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. 

Jonny Bairstow
right-hand batsman, wicket-keeper, Vice-Captain of England cricket team

Age: 29, Caps: 63, Batting average: 47.53, Strike rate: 107.03

Jos Buttler (wkt)
right-handed batsman, wicket-keeper

Age: 28, Caps: 131, Batting average: 41.54, Strike rate: 119.57

Tom Curran
right-arm fast-medium bowler, right-handed batsman

Age: 24, Caps: 17, Bowling average: 29.81, Economy: 6.33

Liam Dawson
right-handed batsman, slow left-arm orthodox spinner

Age: 29, Caps: 3, Batting average: 7, Strike rate: 82.35, Bowling average: 32, Economy: 6.85

Eoin Morgan
left-handed batsman, Captain of England Cricket Team

Age: 32, Caps: 222, Batting average: 39.64, Strike rate: 90.38

At present, Eoin Morgan is among the highest scorers of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 with his score of 148 against Afghanistan.

Liam Plunkett
right-arm fast bowler

Age: 34, Caps: 82, Bowling average: 30.14, Economy: 5.90

Adil Rashid – Leg
Spinner

Age: 31, Caps: 88, Bowling average: 30.46, Economy: 5.61

Joe Root
right-handed batsman

Age: 28, Caps: 132, Batting average: 50.47, Strike rate: 87.15

At present, Joe Root is the third-highest scorer in the ICC Cricket World Cup with 476 runs. 

Jason Roy
right-handed batsman

Age: 28, Caps: 76, Batting average: 40.80, Strike rate: 106.29

Jason Roy scored a massive 153 in England vs Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Ben Stokes
middle-order batsman, fielder

Age: 27, Caps: 84, Batting average: 37.57, Strike rate: 94.10, Bowling average: 42.44, Economy: 6.15

James Vince
right-handed middle-order batsman, right-arm medium pace bowler

Age: 28, Caps: 10, Batting average: 28.12, Strike rate: 90.72

Chris Woakes
right-handed batsman, right-arm fast-medium pace bowler

Age: 30, Caps: 88, Batting average: 26.30, Strike rate: 90.14, Bowling average: 30.80, Economy: 5.64

Mark Wood
right-arm fast bowler, right-handed batsman

Age: 29, Caps: 41, Bowling average: 44.69, Economy: 5.63 At present, Mark Wood stands 5th with 13 wickets in the list of players who have taken the most wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Top bats to buy this cricket season!

For cricket fans, it is the most important time of
the year – The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is going on! True blue lovers have
waited patiently for 4 years for this event, and it is finally happening. 

What’s equally exciting is all the new cricket
equipment that’s come into the market. Leading brands have come up with
beautiful new cricket bats keeping into consideration the significance of this
year. Let us take a look at some of the top cricket bats from our favourite
brands –

  1. 2019 Gray Nicolls Legend Cricket Bat – Regarded as the finest cricket in existence today, the all-new 2019 Gray Nicolls Legend Cricket Bat is for the legends of cricket for whom cricket is the ultimate passion. This masterpiece has been made using top-grade English willow. The bat’s mid-blade sweet spot offers all round stroke play. The branding has been etched with a laser, so as it make it immaculate.
  2. MRF Genius Grand Edition Cricket Bat – This bat has been used the world’s top batsman, Virat Kohli. Need we say more? The bat, made from Grade 1 English willow, has thick edges and a flat face with a duckbill toe. The pickup of the bat is very smooth owing its lightness. The minimal shaping of the bat gives it a full profile.
  3. GM Noir Original LE Cricket Bat – This bat is quite the stunner – both in terms of performance as well as looks. It has the traditional L555 blade design and a standard length handle. The f4.5 concave face profile not only offers excellent control and power over the bat, but also aids in a light pickup. The low to mid swell position is well-suited for front foot players.
  4. Kookaburra Kahuna Pro Cricket Bat 2019 – The Kookaburra Kahuna Pro is a favourite among many because of its unconventional graphics and excellent features. The bat, made with the finest quality English willow, has a full body spine and thick edges that give the bat awesome power. The snake grip on the handle helps the batsman maintain a strong grip on the bat.
  5. Keeley Superior Premium Cricket Bat – Keeley brothers are well-known for their quality in the cricket space, and this is one of the finest bats that they have given to the world. They select the finest willow pieces for their bats and create each part meticulously. The handle, for instance, is semi-oval and made of 12 pieces to provide balance, strength and reduce twists. The semi-round bat face is also meant for twist reduction.

Looking
for the perfect cricket bat for yourself? VKS has bats from the best brands in
the world, and shopping with us is super easy as we have both a
brick-and-mortar store and an online shop. In the shop, our trained and
experienced sales staff are there to help you choose the right bat, and on our
website, we provide sufficient details about products for you to make
well-informed decisions. So, shop for all your cricket needs at VKS! 

New cricket gear (not bats!) to buy this season

The cricket season is really hot right now. And why
wouldn’t it be? It’s the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 after all! There’s a lot of
exciting new cricket gear out in the market, and if you need to upgrade your
cricket kit, now would be a good time because it’s raining discounts at VKS.
Here are some of our top picks for new cricket equipment this season –

  1. Adidas
    Adipower Vector Mid Cricket Shoes 2019
    – Adidas launched excellent new shoes for bowlers in
    a beautiful colour scheme. The shoes have mid-cut ankle height for enhanced fit
    and support. The internal vector strap holds the foot firmly in place. The TPU
    outsole material is lightweight and it also helps in maintaining mid-foot
    integrity. The bevelled heel contributes to a smooth transition from jumping to
    landing. 
  2. Gray
    Nicolls Legend Batting Gloves​ 2019
    – These all-new gloves come with some excellent
    features such as pittard gripster leather palms that offer a great feel, good
    grip and help in moisture management. The multi-sectioned interlocking “V”
    design not only offers great flexibility but also makes for excellent armour.
    The quad layer of diffuser foam, Ultra-lite HDF, Fibre Shield and Impact Gel
    all on the key areas of the Legend glove makes it an ace among gloves. 
  3. Kookaburra
    Pro Tour Wheelie Bag – 2019
    – Proper equipment management is a must in the game
    of cricket and this wheelie bag has been designed to enable you to do the same.
    The ultra-tough bag has been made using high-quality tarpaulin, cotton denim
    and braided fabric. The tapered design offers excellent flexibility. The bat
    section can comfortably accommodate two full-size bats. 
  4. GM
    Original LE Batting Gloves – 2019
    – These gloves are regarded as one of the top gloves
    available in the market. They have parade leather palms for comfort and
    flexibility, and a multi-section design that enhances durability. They are
    capable of absorbing up to 90% of the energy when impacted at high strain
    rates. The Microban® antimicrobial protection ensures that there is no growth
    of stain and odour-causing bacteria. 
  5. VKS
    Ultra Series Batting Legguards
    – A product from the house, these legguards have been
    designed after a lot of research. The front design is traditional with
    high-density padding for maximum impact absorption. The velcro straps make the
    pads very comfortable and easy to wear. The sides of the pads come equipped
    with large bolsters for added protection. 

VKS is your go-to place for all your cricket equipment, be it bats,
balls, bags, shoes, clothing, accessories or protective gear. VKS offers
premium quality cricket gear from the best-known brands at affordable prices.
We also have cricket helmets, shirts, cricket trousers, cricket shoes,
sweaters, baselayers, socks, caps and hats, safety equipment and teamwear in a
variety of designs and sizes. Shop with us in-store or order online at
www.vks.com and avail fantastic discounts on your purchase. 

Who is going to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019?

The big question! The excitement is building up with each match and we can’t help but wonder which out all these amazing teams, is going to take home the trophy.

We are done with 38 out of 48 ODIs already. The top
rankers at present are –

  1. Australia – 14 points
  2. India – 11 points 
  3. New Zealand -11 points
  4. England – 10 points

Australia has won 7 matches so far. India, New
Zealand and England have won 5 matches each. 

With each of these teams giving a smashing
performance, it is very hard to predict who will win the ICC Cricket World Cup
2019. Each team has its share of excellent batsmen, bowlers, fielders and
wicket-keepers. The following are the members in each team –

AUSTRALIA

Aaron Finch – right-handed batsman, left-arm orthodox bowler

Alex Carey – Wicket-keeper, left-handed batsman

Pat Cummins
right-handed batsman, right-arm fast bowler

Jason Behrendorff
right-handed batsman, left-arm, fast-medium fast bowler

Nathan Coulter-Nile
– Right-arm fast bowler, right-handed batsman

Usman Khawaja
Left-handed batsman, right-arm off spinner

Nathan Lyon
Right-arm off-spinner, right-handed batsman

Shaun Marsh
Left-handed batsman, left-arm orthodox bowler

Glenn Maxwell
Right-handed batsman, right-arm off-spinner

Kane Richardson
right-arm fast-medium bowler, right-handed batsman

Steve Smith
right-handed batsman, right-arm leg spinner

Mitchell Starc
Left-arm fast bowler, left-handed batsman

Marcus Stoinis
right-handed batsman, right-arm medium bowler

David Warner
Left-handed batsman, right-arm leg spinner

Adam Zampa
right-arm leg spinner, right-handed batsman

INDIA 

Virat Kohli (capt) – right-handed
batsman, right-arm medium bowler

Jasprit Bumrah – right-arm
fast-medium bowler, right-handed batsman

Yuzvendra Chahal – right-arm
leg spinner, right-handed batsman

Shikhar Dhawan – Left-handed
batsman, right-arm off spinner

MS Dhoni (wk) –  right-handed
batsman, right-arm medium bowler

Ravindra Jadeja – Left-handed
batsman, left-arm orthodox bowler

Kedar Jadhav – Right-handed
batsman, right-arm off-spinner

Dinesh Karthik (wk) – right-handed
batsman

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – right-arm
fast-medium bowler, right-handed batsman

Hardik Pandya – right-handed
batsman, right-arm medium-fast bowler

KL Rahul – right-handed
batsman

Mohammed Shami – right-arm
fast-medium bowler, right-handed batsman

Vijay Shankar – right-handed
batsman, right-arm medium bowler

Rohit Sharma – Right-handed
batsman, right-arm off-spinner

Kuldeep Yadav – Left-arm
wrist spinner, left-handed batsman

NEW ZEALAND

Kane Williamson (capt) – Right-handed
batsman, right-arm off-spinner

Tom Blundell (wk) – Right-handed
batsman, right-arm off-spinner

Trent Boult – Left-arm
fast-medium bowler, left-handed batsman

Colin de Grandhomme – right-handed
batsman, right-arm medium-fast bowler

Lockie Ferguson – Right-arm
fast bowler, right-handed batsman

Martin Guptill – Right-handed
batsman, right-arm off-spinner

Matt Henry – right-arm
fast-medium bowler, right-handed batsman

Tom Latham (wk) – right-arm
medium bowler, left-handed batsman

Colin Munro –
left-handed batsman, right-arm medium bowler

Jimmy Neesham – left-handed
batsman, right-arm medium bowler

Henry Nicholls –  left-handed
batsman, right-arm off-spinner

Mitchell Santner – left-handed
batsman, left-arm orthodox bowler

Ish Sodhi – right-arm
leg spinner, right-handed batsman

Tim Southee – right-arm
fast-medium bowler, right-handed batsman

Ross Taylor – Right-handed
batsman, right-arm off break bowler 

ENGLAND 

Eoin Morgan (capt) – left-handed
batsman, right-arm medium bowler

Moeen Ali – left-handed
batsman, right-arm off-spinner

Jofra Archer – Right-arm
fast bowler, right-handed batsman

Jonny Bairstow (wk) – right-handed
batsman

Jos Buttler (wk) – right-handed
batsman

Tom Curran – right-arm
fast-medium bowler, right-handed batsman

Liam Dawson – Right-arm
fast bowler, right-handed batsman

Liam Plunkett – Right-arm
fast bowler, right-handed batsman

Adil Rashid – right-arm
leg spinner, right-handed batsman

Joe Root – right-handed
batsman, right-arm spinner

Jason Roy – right-handed
batsman

Ben Stokes –
left-handed batsman, right-arm fast-medium bowler

James Vince –  right-handed
batsman, right-arm medium bowler

Chris Woakes – right-handed
batsman, right-arm fast-medium bowler

Mark Wood –  Right-arm
fast bowler, right-handed batsman

There
are still quite a few matches to before the semi-finals and finals. We can only
cheer for our favourite team and hope for it to win!

Top cricket bags for less than £100

A good cricket bag
can go a long way in helping you keep your thoughts organised and your focus on
point – when all your cricket equipment is secured neatly in a single place,
you will not have to waste energy on looking for it when you need it. Also,
logistically, cricket bags make our lives so much easier – you can either roll
them or carry them on your shoulder. Just imagine, what a pain it would have
been to carry all the equipment separately. Here are our top picks for cricket
bags that cost less than £100 –

  1. GM Original Wheelie Duffle – With a volume of 126 litres, this bag combines the best of both the worlds – wheelie bags and duffle bags. The bag has two full-length zipped bat pockets and a shoe tunnel. The zips are rust proof and the shoulder strap is easily adjustable. Made from 1680 Denier Polyester, and equipped with heavy-duty scuff protection panels,  the bag is quite durable.
  2. Gray Nicolls GN 1000 Wheelie Cricket Bag – This bag is known for its unique design which protects the kit as well as the equipment. The bag, equipped with high-quality wheels and full-length runners, is extremely stable and manoeuvrable. The bat section has dedicated pockets for 3 bags. There are an additional 5 pockets for storing other equipment.
  3. Kookaburra Pro Players Wheelie Bag – This bag, made from heavy duty tarpaulin and a mixture of carbon PVC and braided fabric is not just sturdy, but stylish as well. With the classic Kookaburra branding in fluorescent green, the bag is a keeper. The bag has a vertical design storage system with a semi rigid skeleton frame. There are external compartments for batting pads and internal sections for two full-length bats. The protective runners run full length along the bag.
  4. Adidas Libro 1.0 Cricket Wheelie Bag – The lightweight bag boasts of great strength and durability. Done in shades of blue, this bag has sufficient space for all your cricket equipment and more. The bat is well-padded all around to provide enhanced protection to your gear. The bag’s internal footwear and helmet section are of great convenience.
  5. Newberry SPS Cricket Bag – This Newberry bag will not let you down even when you have the most hectic schedule and are busy travelling from one place to another to play. The bag has heavy-duty wheels and is easily manoeuvrable. The zippers are robust and the retractable handle adds to the manoeuvrability of the bag.

VKS is your go-to place for
all your cricket equipment, be it bats, balls, bags, shoes, clothing,
accessories or protective gear. VKS offers these premium quality cricket bags
and many more from the best-known brands at affordable prices. We also have
cricket helmets, shirts, cricket trousers, cricket shoes, sweaters, baselayers,
socks, caps and hats, safety equipment and teamwear in a variety of designs and
sizes. Shop with us in-store or order online at
www.vks.com and avail fantastic
discounts on your purchase.