As the end of the English season starts to draw to a close in the next few weeks, cricket companies the world over start to slowly release new equipment hoping to get our money over the winter and before next season. It used to be that we would have to wait until Jan/Feb to see the new lines from companies such as Woodworm, GM, Gray Nicolls etc, but now with a better global marketing strategy from companies like these we see test players using them now, creating a bit of “buzz” and then seeing them released to the Aussie market first in some occasions seeing as their season is soon to spring into action.

As there has been great interest in past posts of mine on equipment, and seeing as my general writing interest in live cricket is low at the moment, I’m going to start showcasing some new stuff as it hits the press. If you have any “scoops” or info which you think is worth me talking about, let me know and I’ll give you the credit if you so wish!

There is talk and rumour about Adidas releasing some cricket equipment this winter after the success of their English and Australian replica shirts. There is no doubt that with a brand name as big as theirs that they will have a certain amount of success, but until we see the quality of the equipment then i’ll reserve judgement on the full success.

Early ‘09 news from Gray Nicolls is two new bat ranges, the ignite and xiphos, and from Albion there is a rather bizarre looking new helmet, as worn by Andre Nel the other night. I’ll try and find a better picture in the next few days but it looks more like a police riot helmet than a cricket one!