Top 5 changes in cricket gear since the 80s

2) Bats

The Mongoose bat that was used by Matthew Hayden

The sledgehammer used in demolishing bowlers is one of the most dynamic gears the cricketing world has ever seen. While the length (38 inches) and width (4.25 inches) remains more or less the same, there has been amendments in terms of the shape and design of the willow.

In 1979, Dennis Lillee strode out with an aluminium bat and soon after there were complaints that the bat was damaging the ball. Though it was not proved later, the rules were amended and the usage of wooden bats was made compulsory.

2005 saw Kookaburra launch a type of bat, which sustained the life of bat through a sheet of fiber down the back of the bat. Ricky Ponting used this bat to score tons of runs. Later it was banned by the ICC, as it was deemed to generate tremendous force. The bat was also not accessible to all players.

Newberry launched bats with a carbon fiber composite handle and it went on for three years. The MCC changed the law with the fear that a batsman can easily get away with the game. The Law 6 of cricket was revised and further restrictions were imposed on the materials used for the handles.

The Mongoose bat launched in 2008 also became a huge hit and In 2010 the bat was launched in India with Matthew Hayden being the brand ambassador.