Release a bit of cricket equipment (4)
I believe the answer is:
bail
'release' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Conditional release' mean 'bail' so perhaps 'release' could also mean 'bail')
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bail that I've seen before include "Money lodged to secure release pending trial" , "one puts up then another jumps?" , "Wooden bar" , "Security for release from custody" , "Security for temporary release" .)