Heat, Hydration and Sun Protection in Cricket
Also known as: staying hydrated during a long innings, hydration in cricket, playing cricket in the heat, cricket in hot weather, sun protection for cricket, drinks breaks in the heat
To stay hydrated in a long innings, drink water before, during and after play, and use every drinks break. Wear a hat or helmet, long sleeves and sunscreen. In hot weather, organisers may add extra drinks breaks. Tell someone at once if you feel dizzy, cramp up or feel unusually tired.
Cricket keeps players outside for hours, often in full sun. Batters wear pads, gloves and a helmet, which trap heat. Fluids and shade matter for everyone, not just bowlers.
Victoria's Better Health Channel advises drinking water before, during and after play. It also says to wear a hat and use sunscreen, and to avoid playing in extreme heat. Cricket Australia's heat guidelines list drinks, hats, long-sleeved shirts and sunscreen as normal heat management. On hotter days they suggest more frequent drinks breaks and watching players closely.
Cricket Australia lists muscle cramping, dizziness and excessive fatigue as signs of heat stress illness. It also says junior players are at higher risk than adults. This is general information, not medical advice. If a player feels unwell in the heat, stop, cool down and get medical help.
Tips by skill level
Bring a full water bottle and a wide-brimmed hat to every match. Put sunscreen on before you go out to field.
Plan small sips at each break during a long innings. Keep spare gloves ready so sweaty grips do not cost you control.
Example
On a hot afternoon, a batter sips water at every drinks break and changes her gloves. When she feels dizzy, she tells the umpire and leaves the field to cool down.
Why it matters
Heat drains your concentration and judgment as well as your body. Simple habits keep you safer and help you bat well for longer.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until you feel thirsty before drinking
- Skipping sunscreen because you wear a helmet
- Ignoring dizziness or cramp to keep batting
- Forgetting that children are at higher risk in the heat
Frequently asked questions
How do I stay hydrated during a long innings?
Drink water before, during and after play, and use every drinks break. Do not wait until you feel thirsty.
What are the signs of heat illness in cricket?
Cricket Australia lists muscle cramping, dizziness and excessive fatigue as signs to watch for. Stop, cool down and get medical help if a player feels unwell.
Sources
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Government): Cricket - preventing injury ('Drink water before, during and after play'; 'Wear a hat and use sunscreen'; avoid extreme heat)
- Cricket Australia, Community Cricket Heat Guidelines: Heat Stress Management Interventions (drinks, hats, long sleeves, sunscreen; extra drinks breaks; signs of heat stress illness; juniors at higher risk)
Related terms
- Concentration in a Long InningsNobody can concentrate hard for hours, so good batters switch on and off. Relax between balls by looking away and walking towards square leg. Switch on fully as the bowler runs in, with one simple cue like 'watch the ball'. Break the innings into small targets such as the next five overs.
- Fitness for BattingBatting fitness means rotational power from the hips and trunk, strong legs for long strides and low positions, and a firm grip. It also means repeated sprints between the wickets and the stamina to keep going through a long innings. Medicine-ball throws, lunges, carries and short shuttle runs with turns all help.
- Test Match Batting (Batting for a Long Time)Batting in a Test or multi-day match is about time at the crease as much as runs. Leave well, defend tightly and score off bad balls. Break the day into sessions and short goals, and be ready to get through hard spells against the new ball.
- Junior Cricket Kit: What a Child NeedsFor introductory and soft-ball cricket a child needs little more than trainers, sports clothes, a sun hat and a water bottle. For hard-ball cricket they need a bat of the right size, a helmet with a grille, pads, batting gloves and a box. A thigh pad and neck guard are strongly advised. Many clubs lend kit to new juniors.
- Common Batting Injuries and PreventionCommon batting injuries include blows to the hands, fingers and thighs, blows to the head, hamstring strains while running between the wickets, and lower back soreness. Wear protective kit that fits, warm up before you bat and build running fitness. Stop if something hurts, and see a qualified medical professional about pain that persists.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.