This Is Why Cricketers Wear White Clothes During Test Cricket

Cricket is not just a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players each but a sporting phenomena, which consumes the audience as the game proceeds. And a true cricket fan would never let the Test match fade away in his conscious among the recent entertaining kicks such as T20s and ODIs.

With this comes ‘Why white jersey for Test match in cricket?’ a question that everybody at some point wanted an answer for!

Flannels is another name for cricket whites, that is the kit or uniform worn by most cricketers.

Here are the major reasons why cricketers wear white during test matches:

1. Availability

Cricket has a history beginning in the late 16th century in south east England and became the country’s national sport in 18th century (yes people, not an Indian national sport). And in those days they had to use the materials that were readily available, so the choice of all white was purely practical.

2. Tradition – Cricket a gentlemen game

The colour white being steeped in chivalry, as the line goes ‘Knight in white shining armor’ was apt for cricket as it was played by elite in Britain during 18th century. And upholding the traditions of Test cricket which is considered purest and highest standard of cricket gaming so what better colour than white to show it, making it an official uniform in late 19th century. This was also true for ODI until changed from white to coloured after the WC 1992.

3. Comfort – A summertime sports

Cricket was an English summer time sports and another reason why white was taken as right colour for playing in early days. However it is still continued owing to the comfort it provides during the 5 days of gruelling Test matches which as the name indicate is to examine the teams playing ability and endurance. As white is the colour that absorbs least of the sun’s heat easing on sun stroke or other heat stress.

4. Logical – Distinguishing the ball

The cricket white being a uniform dress code for Test matches has an added advantage where the player can easily sight the traditional red cricket ball that is used when compared to ODI and T20 where white ball is used as it is visible in the flood light.

Hope this gives a rest to the twitching in your brain when you see all white during a Test match.