If you're a cricket player, sunglasses are an essential piece of equipment.
Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun's UV radiation, but they also help you read the game, see the ball better and can even protect you from facial impact injuries. With such extensive game play, cricketers like you demand superior protection from the sun to reduce visual fatigue and help make split-second judgements.
In this blog post, we've reviewed the 7 best sunglasses for playing cricket, dividing them into two categories: dual-lens sunglasses and visor-lens sunglasses. Each of the sports frames below have their own unique benefits and specifications that you should consider before making a purchase.
So whether you're a batting or fielding position, we've got you covered with some of the best cricket sunglasses on the market.
Best dual-lens cricket sunglasses
Dual lens sunglasses are a more traditional style of frame fitted with two separate sun lenses, side by side. For cricket, they typically utilise a strong 'base curvature' which is commonly known as a wraparound style. This curvature lets the frame sit more closely to your head, reducing gaps for the sun to 'leak in' from above or from the sides of the frame. This close-fitting design offers greater coverage and protection from the sun.
Dual lens sunglasses are ideal for cricket because they provide fantastic optics and visibility. The wraparound frame curvature also helps to keep the sun's glare out of your eyes, which can be very helpful when playing in bright conditions for long durations. Check out our best dual lens cricket sunglasses suggestions below.
Bollé Brecken Sunglasses
The Bollé Brecken Sunglasses is a bold rectangular sunglasses style, ideal for playing cricket in a less 'sporty' looking frame. Available in tortoise or black colour variants, the injected TR90 nylon is suitably lightweight and reliably strong for chasing and diving for loose ground balls in the outfield. Better still, Bollés signature Thermogrip® thermoplastic rubber is specifically engineered to get grippier when in contact with sweat. Inserted at the main contact points of this frame - the temples or the nosepiece, it improves grip during intense field or batting sessions.
The straight blade temples are easily slid on or off, making them suitable for wearing under a batting helmet. Depending on your preference, the Brecken is available with standard or polarised lenses with an 86% tint darkness. As a dual lens style, the Brecken combines Bollés supreme optics in a versatile frame style which can be easily worn on or off the pitch.
- Gender: Unisex
- Fit: Large
- Lens Width: 58mm
- Bridge width: 14mm
- Temple Length: 140mm
- Frame Type: Full Rim
- Frame Shape: Dual lens
- Material: TR90 Nylon
- Lens Colour: Grey, category 3
- 100% UV protection
- Polarised: No
Nike Valiant M Sunglasses
These rectangular Nike Valiant Sunglasses are the perfect balance of style and utility. The lightweight TR90 nylon frame is comfortable to wear offering a wraparound 6-base curvature. This close-fitting frame has fantastic facial coverage and provides superb peripheral light blockage on bright sunny days with. Durable, high-tension hinges yield robust articulation making them a reliable choice for cricket or other vigorous sports.
To reduce reflected glare from the ground and grass during cricket matches, the Valiant is fitted with blue mirrored lenses. Over long matches on the field, this glare-reduction minimised visual fatigue, letting you concentrate on the match. The Valiant frame is also available with infrared flash mirror lenses for high intensity sunlight.
- Gender: Unisex
- Fit: Medium
- Lens Width: 60mm
- Bridge width: 17mm
- Temple Length: 135mm
- Frame Type: Full Rim
- Frame Shape: Dual lens
- Material: TR90 Nylon
- Lens Colour: Model dependent
- 100% UV protection
- Polarised: No
Oakley Flak Sunglasses
This article wouldn't be complete without mentioning Oakley, one of the most prominent optical brands in the world of sports.
Their half rim Flak sunglasses model is a sporty dual lens design featuring Oakley's super grippy Unobtanium nose pads and ear socks. For hot days on the cricket field, this patented material becomes more and more grippy as you sweat. When you're chasing deep field boundary balls or sprinting between wicket runs, the Flak stays firmly in place no matter what.
In terms of coverage, the Flak sunglasses have a strong 8.75 base curvature which ensures good peripheral vision and side protection from the sun. For long days on the field, especially in summer, this coverage helps reduce visual fatigue keeping your vision sharp. Available with Oakley's Prizm lenses, these lenses block harmful UV light whist enhancing colour perception and visual clarity.
Made with TR90 Nylon, these sunglasses are durable and lightweight. Straight 'blade' style temples (arms) fit comfortably under a batting helmet thanks to their head-hugging base curvature. The half rim design exposes the lowermost portion of the Prizm lenses, removing any downward visual obstructions which makes them perfect for fast moving ground balls outfield.
- Gender: Men
- Fit: Medium to Large
- Lens Width: 59mm
- Bridge width: 12mm
- Temple Length: 133mm
- Frame Type: Half Rim
- Frame Shape: Dual lens
- Material: TR90 Nylon (O Matter™)
- Lens Colour: Model dependent
- 100% UV protection
- Polarised: No
O’Neil ONS Coast Sunglasses
The O’Neill Coast sunglasses are a rectangular dual lens sunglasses frame in a stealthy matte black colour and suave wayfarer style design. The beauty of the Coast are its stylish looks, combined with glare-diminishing polarised lenses. These grey tinted (slightly mirrored) lenses provide full UV protection whilst blocking reflected light to reduce glare for maximum comfort. Meanwhile, the wayfarer styling makes it a less 'sporty' look, handy for other nonsporting tasks such as driving.
Made from TAC90 shatterproof polycarbonate, these sunglasses are a lightweight and reliable piece of eyewear. At the lower end of the price range, the O’Neill ONS Coast is a budget friendly sunglasses frame for both sport and recreational use. With its durably built frame and high quality polarised lenses, these shades can be reliably worn on or off the cricket field during summer.
- Gender: Unisex
- Fit: Medium to Large
- Lens Width: 55mm
- Bridge width: 18mm
- Temple Length: 142mm
- Frame Type: Full Rim
- Frame Shape: Dual lens
- Material: TAC90 Polycarbonate
- Lens Colour: Model dependent
- 100% UV protection
- Polarised: Yes
Best visor-lens cricket sunglasses
Visor lens sunglasses use a singular large, curved lens that extends across the entire width of your face. For playing cricket, this maximal design provides a large amount of coverage from the sun, helping to block glare from overhead, as well as upward glare from the surrounding ground and grass. Visor lens sunglasses also provide good UV protection and are available with polarised lenses for extra glare reduction.
The main benefit of visor sunglasses for cricket is the amount of coverage they provide. This allows you to focus on the game without having to worry about the sun getting-in behind your lenses and affecting your eyes. Visor sunglasses are also available with a variety of lens tints, so you can find a pair that suits your individual needs. Whether you're looking for maximum glare reduction or enhanced colour perception, there's a visor sunglasses lens tint for you. Check out our best visor sunglasses suggestions below.
Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses
First in the line up of visor sunglasses is the Oakley Radar EV Path. Adorned by legendary players such as India's Virat Kohli and England's Joe Root, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes this frame is a tried and tested titan.
What makes these sunglasses so popular is their featherweight construction. The Radar is made from Oakley's incredibly lightweight O Matter frame material. For batting or fielding, this tough but light frame is ideal for vigorous free movement.
Signature to Oakley, the Radar EV Path utilises their famous three-point system, using Unobtanium ear socks and nose pads for maximum comfort and unshakable security on your head. Even on the hottest days on the cricket pitch, these Unobtanium contact points are incredibly grippy, no matter how much you sweat.
What sets the Radar EV Path aside is its taller lens height. For improved vertical coverage (top to bottom) the lenses are that little bit taller - hence the term EV (extended vision). Detecting cricket balls overhead, this extended coverage lets you see more clearly, even on the brightest of days. Plus, with Prizm lenses available in a variety of colours, you're sure to find a visor that perfectly suits the day's playing conditions.
Like all half rim sports frames, there's no lower rim to obstruct your downward view. For fast moving ground balls, this makes the Radar EV Path one of the best cricket sunglasses frames for maximum eye coverage and superior vision.
- Gender: Men's
- Fit: Medium
- Lens Width: 138mm
- Bridge width: N/A
- Temple Length: 138mm
- Frame Type: Half Rim
- Frame Shape: Shield
- Material: TR90
- Lens Colour: Model dependent
- 100% UV protection
- Polarised: No
Oakley M2 Sunglasses
For cricket, you're ideally looking for sunglasses that will provide you with great protection whilst out on the field. Oakley M2 sunglasses are designed specifically with sports in mind. The M2 XL edition offers enhanced lens coverage with a wraparound lens curvature for the best protection against the sun's UV rays.
Differentiating itself from the Radar EV Path are the exposed lens sides on the M2 at the outermost edges of the frame. This lack of frame-rim maximises peripheral vision for a full range of field view. Unobtanium® ear socks and nose pads increase grip as you perspire, and the Plutonite® Lenses offer top UV protection filtering 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm.
The O Matter™ stress-resistant frame material is both lightweight and durable for all-day comfort and protection. With High Definition Optics®, you can be sure that you're getting the best possible visual acuity and impact resistance in a pair of sunglasses designed that are ideal for lengthy cricket matches in the sun.
- Gender: Men's
- Fit: Large
- Lens Width: 145mm
- Bridge width: N/A
- Temple Length: 121mm
- Frame Type: Half Rim
- Frame Shape: Shield
- Material: TR90
- Lens Colour: Model dependent
- 100% UV protection
- Polarised: No
Oakley EV Zero Pitch Sunglasses
Looking for sunglasses that can keep up with your cricket game? Look no further than the Oakley EV Zero Pitch Sunglasses. Aimed towards the upper end of the market, the EV Zero Pitch is a little less dominant than the M2 or the Radar models mentioned prior. With a slightly shorter lens height and no brow bar/rim, these are skeletal sunglasses option.
The rimless design creates maximum upward and downward vision, making it ideal for tracking overhead or bouncing outfield balls. Fitted with a visor Prizm lens, this wraparound shield offers a light transmission of 36%, making them a versatile option for both bright and changeable conditions. With 100% UV protection, the EV Zero Pitch sunglasses are perfect for intense exposure on the cricket pitch.
Making deep field sprints, the hyper grippy Unobtanium material on the ear socks and nose pads means you can be sure these sunglasses stay in place no matter how fast you run. Made with Oakley's legendary TR90 'O Matter™' (a stress-resistant frame material that's lightweight and durable) this frame provides comfort and durability whether you're fielding or batting.
- Gender: Unisex
- Fit: Medium to Large
- Lens Width: 138mm
- Bridge width: N/A
- Temple Length: 125mm
- Frame Type: Visor
- Frame Shape: Smooth rectangular
- Material: TR90
- Lens Colour: Model dependent
- 100% UV protection
- Polarised: No
Sunglasses for cricket FAQ’s
Image credit: The Telegraph
What sunglasses do cricket players wear?
Cricket players wear sports sunglasses, either in dual lens or single visor lens formats. These strongly curved sunglasses are usually made from lightweight materials and fit closely to the face and eyes. Known as wraparound sunglasses, they help minimise sunlight from 'leaking in' behind the frame and lenses.
As cricket matches are almost always played outside in summer and often for long durations, it's crucial for players to protect their eyes from both UV and visible light. Extensive game-play puts players' vision under strain if unprotected. This is why flash mirror coatings or polarised lenses are so frequently used in their sunglasses to help minimise visual fatigue. Additional protection from cricket caps and zinc oxide sunscreen help deter high exposure from the sun.
For playing cricket, there are two main sunglasses types, dual lens and visor lens frames. Dual lens frames are a more traditional style with two separate sun lenses. Visor lenses are more stylised and use a single shield lens within the frame.
Image credit: ESPN
What colour of lens is best for cricket?
For playing cricket, the best colour of sunglasses lenses depends on the conditions. For bright cloudless days, grey, green, brown or mirrored lenses are all good tint colours for reducing glare, especially if they're polarised. For intermittent sun, yellow and blue lenses with a lighter tint absorption percentage (ABS%) are better for providing visual contrast.
Category 3 sun lens with around an 80% absorption is the best option for playing cricket in most conditions. Category 3 lenses are the most common tint darkness for sunglasses. For sport they provide sufficient visual comfort during game play.
Category 2 sun lenses are much lighter in tint darkness, only absorbing around 30% of visible light. Whilst they're still UV protective, these lighter lenses are really only for intermittent sunlight or bright overcast days to improve visual contrast.
If you're curious about getting the right sunglasses tint darkness for playing cricket, it's worth familiarising yourself with the 5 sunglasses categories.
Image credit: The Telegraph
How do you wear glasses with a batting helmet?
You can wear spectacles or sunglasses under a batting helmet, as long as they're well-fitting and don't create pressure points on the sides of your head. Frames with slim temples (arms) are ideal as they're less likely to squeezed into the sides of your head whilst wearing a batting helmet. For game play and to help see the fast moving cricket ball, it's best that your frame is secure and doesn't regularly require adjusting on your face.
If your spectacles causes 'pinching' under a batting helmet, you should consider alternative options. Contact lenses are an obvious option as they can be temporarily worn for most sports without hindering your performance. Another option are prescription sports goggles which are specifically designed to fit under protective headwear such as ski or cricket batting helmets and can be fitted with prescription lenses.
Image credit: The Times
Are polarised sunglasses good for cricket?
Polarised sunglasses are a great option for playing cricket. Like regular sun lenses, they offer UV protection but they're much better at reducing glare. On bright sunny days, this is crucial when playing in direct sunlight, as it can be difficult to see the ball clearly.
Within their lens construction, polarised lenses contain an in-built filter which provides you with smoother vision, free from reflected glare from the surrounding grass pitch. For extensive cricket matches, polarised lenses alleviate visual fatigue, extending your ability to concentrate, focus and see clearly. Whether your fielding or batting, polarised lenses are a superior lens-choice compared to regular sun lenses.
What are the disadvantages of polarised sunglasses?
Whilst polarised sunglasses are great for reducing glare and offer superior vision when playing cricket, they do have a few disadvantages. The first is that they're generally more expensive than regular sunglasses - usually around 28% more costly.
The second is that they can be less forgiving in low-light conditions, especially if the weather is quite changeable. If you're playing cricket at dusk or in a semi-darkened stadium, the polarisation effect will be reduced and you may find it harder to see the ball. For this reason, it's best to have a pair of regular sunglasses as well as polarised sunglasses if you're planning on playing cricket in different light settings.
Image credit: TheHindu.com
Which brand sunglasses does Virat Kohli wear?
Virat Kohli regularly wears Oakley sunglasses when playing cricket and has been seen wearing various versions of the Oakley Radar EV Path (as featured above). With their high performance profile and Virat's endorsement, the Oakley Radar EV Path is one of the most popular cricket sunglasses frames on the market.
Off the cricket field, Virat's known for his fashionable outfits, travel photos and inspirational Instagram fitness reels. On his many travels he's often wearing sunglasses in various, less sporty styles. On occasion, he's worn the Oakley Holbrook sunglasses frame, as well as the Rayban Clubmaster. He also wears the '80s style Oakley Frogskins in various colourways such as brown, clear and red acetates.
The Oakley Holbrook is a rectangular shaped active lifestyle sunglasses frame. Seen above, Virat Kohli is wearing the polished black edition with mirrored lenses. Designed with both sports and fashion in mind, this is versatile sunglasses frame for people who plays sports but also want to look good.
Originally known as browline frames, these combination sunglasses worn by Indian cricket star Virat Kohli are a fashionable '50s style. Made from metal and acetate, the RayBan Clubmaster features a thick browline upper half and a thin wire rim lower half. For fashion or as spectacles, the Clubmaster in one of RayBan's most popular styles and is available in numerous colourways such as black or tortoise with silver or gold coloured metal detailing.
By now, you'll know that sports people are really really into Oakley sunglasses. On or off the cricket pitch, Virat Kohli wears various editions of Oakley's range including their sports and fashion orientated frames. In the image above, he's wearing one of Oakley's longest lasting and most popular styles, the Frogskins.
First released in 1985, these stylish acetate frames were Oakley's answer to the insanely popular RayBan Wayfarer. Named after 'green backs' (a nickname for American dollar bills) the Frogskin is a classic sunglasses frame which has been a 30 year fore runner in sunglasses frame fashion.
Image credit: The Times
What sunglasses do England cricketers wear?
The England cricket team wear various sunglasses, usually opting for the shield or visor lens style of frame. Having been previously sponsored by Adidas, the team used to wear their sunglasses , before transitioning to frames by other sports brands such as Oakley.
Image credit: Eurosport
What sunglasses does Joe Root wear?
Batsman and ex England captain Joe Root regularly wears the Oakley Sutro sunglasses frame which is a large visor-lens style of frame. Developed for road cyclists, these large sun shield frames offer large facial and eye coverage for high sun exposure.
Image credit: Sky Sports
What sunglasses does Mark Wood wear?
Ferocious bowler and England cricketer Mark Wood is known to wear the Oakley Radar EV Path sunglasses frame. As featured above, these visor-lens sunglasses are popular for their extended vision (EV) thanks to their tall lens-height in various Oakley Prizm tints. With no lower rim, these sunglasses offer excellent downward and peripheral vision.
Image credit: Shropshire Star
What sunglasses does Ben Stokes wear?
Worn by England's all-rounder Ben Stokes, the Oakley Radar EV Path sunglasses frame is popular for its extended vision (EV) thanks to their tall lens-height in various Oakley Prizm tints. With no lower rim, these sunglasses offer excellent downward and peripheral vision - perfect for cricket players who need to keep an eye on the ball at all times. Worn by England cricketer Ben Stokes, this sunglasses frame is perfect for athletes who want to stay safe in the sun while playing their sport.
Conclusion
This list of the 7 best sunglasses for cricket provides an overview of some of the best sports sunglasses frames on the market, divided into dual-lens sunglasses and visor-lens sunglasses categories. With a range of styles and specifications available, there's pair of sunglasses perfect for every cricket player.
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