Print

[AverageCricketer]

Recently someone in my team bought keeping pads - for batting, and he isn't even a keeper! I actually think it is a smart idea, as long as you aren't facing bowlers that aren't too fast. Just want to know what are the pros and cons regarding this. Discuss

[parthnayak]

First and foremost , the knee cap isn't well protected and there is a very high chance the ball hits tthat area. .

[wayward_hayward]

The biggest con is that it looks extremely village.

[trypewriter]

The biggest con is that it looks extremely village.

Surely that's a Pro? 
Anyway - it's only really village if you just wear the one.

If it's of any interest, I've always wondered about standard pads being too big for me, in that the knee cup is always above my knee. It wasn't a problem when batting, but it posed one of those questions that just weasels away at you.
So, I ended up buying a pair of youth's pads from Ayrtek - getting the usual fast turnaround service - the aim being to give them a try to see if they were a better fit.
Tom reckoned that the protection was the same as standard men's pads. I haven't tested that yet but they look up to the job.
Fit wise, the pads are perfect, my knee locates in the knee cup, and as a bonus, the straps aren't over long.
The pads are a bit narrower than standard pads which might make them easier to run in, however, they might not quite offer the wrap around protection of standard sized pads. I would suggest though, that if, like me, you have been nipped on the calf by the sort of vicious inswinger that Tim2000 is inclined to deliver, then basic technique is to blame and even standard pads won't protect you.
In keeping with the dimensions of the pads, the top hat does look a bit on the economic side of adequate - but if offers the question of 'were the previous pads too lavish?' In the wearing the pads look more Alastair Cook than Ian Bell.
I'm looking forward to giving them a go in winter nets to see if the protection is adequate, but so far the plus points are:
Better fit.
Better strap size.
Lighter
More room in the kit bag
Price - consider the difference between Harrow bats and standard size.

[Nmcgee]

The biggest con is that it looks extremely village.

Spot on. Besides the protection considerations, you'd look like a real backyard cricketer and surely cop an absolute earful from the opposition.

[edge]

Played a team this year where a couple of lads used keeping pads to bat in, and one guy had actually cut the top hat off his batting pads! Never seen the like of it. Needless to say we gave them no stick at all and they were all quality batsmen...

... bowled them out for 47.

[ProCricketer1982]

you'd look like a real backyard cricketer --- so?? they are all amateurs so are backyard cricketers
 and surely cop an absolute earful from the opposition. --- they should concentrate on their own game

[rahul_1987]

The knee wont be protected properly and that's very risky. I don't see many pros anyway.