The essentials

Start with the right bat.

Narrow the choices by budget, size, shape and willow to find the right bat for you.

1. Set your budget

   Decide what you want to spend on the bat, leaving room for the rest of your kit and any preparation it needs.

2. Check height and bat size

   Use the player’s height and our size guide to narrow the range to the right size.

3. Match the shape to your surface

   More bounce on an artificial wicket? Consider a higher middle. Lower bounce on grass and more front-foot shots? A lower middle may suit you.

   Surface, swell position & pickup explained

   The swell is the thicker part of the blade around the bat’s middle, or sweet spot. Its position helps determine where the bat carries its weight.

   Artificial wickets / higher bounce
   If your artificial wicket produces more bounce, a higher swell can put more wood behind where you tend to make contact. With more of the bat’s mass closer to your hands, it can also feel lighter to pick up and easier to manoeuvre.

   Grass wickets / lower bounce
   On lower-bouncing grass pitches, a lower swell may suit players who favour front-foot shots and meet the ball lower on the blade.

   These are starting points, not fixed rules: grass can be bouncy too. Your shot selection, the bat’s overall weight and balance, and how it feels in your hands all matter.

   Try our website filter
   Open the junior English willow bat range, select Specifications, then compare Mid to High, Mid, Mid to Low or Low Swell Position. Available options depend on the range you’re viewing.

   Check swell position →
4. Compare willow grades last

   Once budget, size and shape are right, compare the willow grades within that shortlist.

   English willow: Grade 1 to Grade 5

   Think of a gradual change in appearance, rather than five completely separate kinds of willow. These are typical descriptions; manufacturers set their own grading standards and the boundaries can overlap.

   Why uniform willow matters

   Clear, straight-grained willow is desirable for more than its looks. Knots interrupt the continuity of wood fibres and divert the surrounding grain, which can concentrate stress and reduce strength. Their size, position and condition matter. Choosing a clear playing area avoids those particular disruptions.

   Evenly spaced growth-ring lines can suggest relatively consistent growth in that part of the tree. Look for a reasonably straight, regular pattern and a playing area free of significant knots. These are useful signs when assessing willow quality, alongside the bat’s actual response.

   Grade 1 typically offers cleaner, more carefully selected willow, so there can be a quality advantage beyond appearance. However, visible rings do not reveal every internal variation: an even-looking face does not guarantee uniform density or identical rebound across the blade. A cosmetic mark is not necessarily a structural defect.

   What about grain count?

   They can be a useful quality clue. Some makers specify around 8–12 straight grains for premium willow, but there is no universal ideal count. Straight, evenly spaced grain is one feature batmakers look for when selecting their best clefts.

   There can be a performance difference as well as a visual one. Carefully selected premium willow may feel more responsive and reach its best performance sooner; a less expensive bat may need longer to play in. That benefit comes from the individual willow and the finished bat, not simply the number of lines on its face.

   Finer grain is not automatically better or more durable. Compare the actual bat’s response with our team and follow its preparation advice. Grain count and the sound of a tap should not decide the purchase on their own.

   Grade 1

   Usually the cleanest-looking selection, with relatively straight, even grain. Small natural marks or some darker wood can still occur.

   Grade 2

   Often similar to Grade 1, with a little more colour variation or an occasional small blemish.

   Grade 3

   More visible colour variation, less regular grain and natural markings are common.

   Grade 4

   Typically more extensive discolouration, more irregular grain and more noticeable natural marks.

   Grade 5

   Usually similar to Grade 4, with more staining and cosmetic variation across the blade.

   The overall trend: cleaner and more uniform → more natural character. A colour change or cosmetic mark alone does not mean a bat will play poorly. Makers may also consider the cleft’s weight and performance potential: grade is a selection guide, not a guarantee of how the finished bat will perform for you.

   Compare the maker’s description, not just the number. Brand model numbers do not necessarily match this Grade 1–5 scale.

5. Make your shortlist

   Save a few bats that match your budget, size, preferred shape and willow choice. Compare their specifications to choose the option that best suits your game.

6. Still unsure? We can help.

   If you’re still deciding, bring your shortlist in-store and our expert staff can pick up where you left off. They’ll help you compare weight, balance and pickup so you can choose with confidence.

Before you play, check the product’s preparation advice and our bat preparation guide.

The essentials

Protection you can move in.

Find the right protection, then check you can grip, bend and move comfortably.

1. Set a budget for your level of cricket

   Consider the level and pace of bowling you face in both nets and matches. Choose hardball protection suited to that level, then compare options within your budget. Reassess your gear when you move up a grade or face quicker bowling.

2. Choose your batting hand

   RH and LH refer to your batting stance, not your writing hand. Gloves place extra protection around the exposed bottom-hand thumb. Handed pads have a protective side wing facing the bowler; ambidextrous pads have wings on both sides.

3. Measure each item separately

   Gloves: measure wrist to middle-fingertip. Pads: measure the top of the instep, where your shoe tongue sits, to the centre of the kneecap. Match each measurement to the relevant brand’s chart.

   Getting the size right

   A size label is a starting point, not a universal fit. Some glove charts also ask for palm width or circumference: follow that maker’s method. A narrow-fit option may suit a slender hand better than simply going down a size.

   Gloves should stay secure when you hold the bat, without squeezed fingers or loose material interfering with your grip. Fit pads over cricket trousers with your playing shoes on. Check that the knee protection sits over your kneecap.

   The junior growth rule
   For a growing junior, up to 1 cm of room at the fingertips can be acceptable. The palm must still lie flat and secure when they close their hand around the bat handle. If the palm bunches or creases excessively, the glove is too large and can reduce grip and control. Fingertips should not be pressed hard against the end either. Buy for a secure fit now and recheck growing juniors regularly.

4. Compare what is inside

   Look beyond the colour and model name. Compare protective coverage, construction, flexibility and comfort.

   Batting gloves: fingers, palms & protection

   Sausage, split or hybrid fingers
   Traditional sausage fingers use longer padded sections; split fingers add bending points, while hybrids combine the two. Try each around a bat handle. Modern designs can offer both movement and protection, so finger style alone is not a protection rating.

   Where the protection sits
   Compare padding over the fingers, back of the hand, thumb and exposed outer edge. Some models add rigid overlays or inserts alongside foam. Check the specification of the actual glove rather than assuming every glove in a range has the same construction.

   Palm feel and ventilation
   Compare how supple the palm feels and whether it grips comfortably. Leather type, thickness and reinforced wear patches differ by model. Ventilated finger sides and sweatbands can help manage heat and moisture; premium materials are useful only if the glove fits you.

   Batting pads: front, knee, wings & weight

   Front construction
   Many pads combine cane rods with foam; other designs use foam-led constructions. Compare the whole pad’s intended protection level and feel. "Cane”, "foam”, heavier or lighter is not enough on its own to rank protection.

   Knee and side coverage
   Look at the knee cup or roll and any reinforced insert, not just the vertical front sections. The side wing adds coverage beside the leg. Padding around the instep affects comfort where the pad rests against your shoe.

   Weight and freedom to move
   Compare suitable pairs while walking and taking your stance. Check for rubbing, pads catching together or a bulky top restricting your movement. A lighter pair can feel easier to move in, but choose it only if its fit and protection suit your cricket.

5. Try your shortlist together in-store

   Bring your bat, playing shoes and any glove inners you use. Grip the handle, take a few practice swings, bend your knees and try your normal footwork. Gloves should stay in place; pads should stay aligned without needing painfully tight straps. Ask our team to check both.

6. Keep the fit and protection working

   Air both items after use and let them dry before packing away. Check the palms, padding and fastenings throughout the season.

   Care, wear & when to replace

   Wipe off dirt gently with a soft damp cloth and dry in a ventilated place away from direct heat. Follow the maker’s care instructions; do not cut away padding to improve the fit.

   Have damaged gear assessed: torn palms, split pads, displaced padding or straps that will not hold need attention. Replace equipment that no longer fits or offers the protection your cricket now needs. Small surface scuffs alone are different from structural damage.

The essentials

Start with certification. Finish with the fit.

A helmet only works as intended when it is approved for the ball being used, correctly fitted and left unmodified.

1. Measure the head. Measure around the widest part of the head, passing slightly above the ears, then use the size chart for that brand and model. Helmet sizing is brand-specific.
2. Fit it low and secure. The helmet should sit low, slightly above the eyebrows and ears, with even contact and no pressure points. Fasten the chin strap firmly, then shake the head side to side: only a small amount of movement is acceptable. It should not slide over the eyes or lift away from the head.
   Fit and grille checks

   Take a batting stance and look straight ahead, down and to both sides. Vision should stay clear, the peak should not block the view and the chin strap should remain comfortable.

   Masuri’s fitting guidance calls for at least two finger widths between the grille and chin. Keep the manufacturer-set gap between the peak and grille; do not bend or alter it. Ask our team to check the actual model.

   Do not buy several sizes too large for growth. Use only adjustments and padding approved by the helmet manufacturer.

3. Choose steel or titanium. Compare certified helmets that fit equally well. Steel usually offers a lower entry price with more weight; titanium reduces grille weight at a higher cost. Grille material does not replace certification or correct fit.
4. Add neck protection and plan replacement. Check whether a neck protector is required for the player’s role and competition, and use only a compatible product fitted as the manufacturer directs. Before every use, inspect the shell, liner, grille, chin strap and fasteners. Replace the helmet after a significant impact or visible damage, and follow the manufacturer’s service-life guidance because damage may not be visible.
   After a hard hit

   Stop using the helmet if it has taken a significant impact or if the shell, grille or fasteners are damaged. Do not straighten the grille or repair the helmet yourself. Have it assessed or replace it in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.

Essentials & recommended protection

Cover the essentials. Keep the player moving.

Start with secure groin protection, add the thigh and hip coverage that suits the player, then test the whole setup in a batting stance.

1. Start with groin protection. Choose an abdominal protector designed for the player and pair it with supportive cricket trunks or briefs that hold it firmly in the correct position. It should stay centred while the player walks, runs, crouches and bats.
2. Add thigh and hip coverage. A thigh guard is a sensible addition for a first hardball kit. Check whether the model is right-handed or left-handed: the main outer-thigh panel protects the batter’s leading leg. Integrated systems can also cover the inner thigh, hip and part of the upper leg.
   Right-handed or left-handed?

   Choose by batting stance, not by the player’s dominant hand for other activities. A right-handed batter leads with the left leg; a left-handed batter leads with the right. Confirm the product’s RH/LH labelling before buying.
3. Measure every component. Use the maker’s chart for the waist, thigh protector and trunks. Bundle pieces can need different sizes, so measure each one rather than assuming a single size will fit the complete set.
4. Do the movement test. Put the protector on under the playing trousers, take a full batting stance, play front- and back-foot movements, run and crouch. The guards should stay in place without rubbing, pinching, restricting the stride or catching on the pads.
5. Add upper-body guards when useful. Chest, forearm and wrist guards are optional additions for many beginners. Consider the pace and length of bowling, the player’s confidence and coach guidance. Any extra guard should cover the intended area without limiting the swing.
6. Inspect and care for it. Before use, check straps, seams, fasteners, padding and the abdominal protector for damage or loss of shape. Clean and dry each piece as its manufacturer directs, and replace any cracked, badly compressed or damaged part.

Recommended

Find your grip. Get the fit right.

Start with where you play and train, then choose the pair you can move in comfortably.

1. Check the surface first.

   Identify the surfaces you play and train on: artificial wickets, grass, indoor courts or practice nets. Check the club or venue’s footwear rules before choosing a sole.

   Rubber soles or spikes?

   Rubber-soled cricket shoes are a useful starting point for artificial pitches and many indoor sessions. Metal spikes are generally a grass-surface option where permitted; they can damage synthetic surfaces. Your match shoes may not be suitable for your training venue.

2. Set your budget around your cricket.

   Once you know the required sole, compare suitable shoes within your budget. Consider how often you train and whether you mainly bat, bowl or keep. A more expensive model is useful only if its fit and features suit you.

3. Measure both feet and check the size system.

   Most shoes on our website are listed in US sizes. Check the sizing note at the bottom of the product description before purchasing, as some brands or models use a different size system. Use the brand’s size chart to find the right fit. Try both shoes with your playing socks and any insoles you normally use. Fit the larger foot without squeezing the smaller one.

   A growing junior’s fit

   Allow comfortable toe room, but do not buy so large that the heel lifts or the foot slides when stopping. Check width as well as length. Recheck fit through the season as feet grow.

4. Compare support, cushioning and weight.

   Look for a secure heel, comfortable forefoot and a sole that bends where your foot bends. Bowlers may prefer a more supportive bowling-specific model for the demands of their run-up and delivery stride. Choose for comfort and support during those movements.

5. Test the fit with cricket movements.

   Walk, rise onto your toes, take a batting stance and make controlled sideways movements. Your toes should not hit the front, your heel should feel secure, and there should be no painful pressure points.

6. Look after the sole.

   Brush off dirt and let shoes dry naturally away from direct heat. Inspect tread and fastenings. For removable spikes, follow the maker’s instructions and use compatible replacements; do not assume every rubber shoe can be converted into a spiked shoe.

Recommended

Choose a bag the player can manage.

Pack for the kit you own, the journey you make and the player carrying it.

1. List what needs to fit.

   Start with the bat, pads, gloves, helmet, body protection and shoes. Add clothing, a drink bottle and any keeping gear. Check what the team supplies so you do not buy extra capacity for equipment you never carry.

2. Choose how you will carry it.

   Compare a duffle, wheelie or hybrid against the trip from home to school, training and matches. Think about stairs, rough ground, storage and who will lift the packed bag.

   Duffle, wheelie or hybrid?

   A duffle with two shoulder straps can leave hands free, but the player still carries the full load. Wheels help on suitable paths; the bag must still be lifted into a car or up stairs. A hybrid offers both options, usually with extra structure and weight.

3. Check dimensions as well as litres.

   Make sure the bat compartment takes your bat and the main opening comfortably accepts the helmet and pads. Compare external dimensions with the car boot or storage space. Capacity figures alone do not tell you how easy a bag is to pack.

4. Pay for useful organisation.

   Compare dedicated bat storage, shoe pockets and smaller compartments for the box, inners and valuables. Check zips, handles, seams and the base. Features vary by model; a separate pocket is not automatically waterproof.

   Keep the clean kit clean

   Separate muddy shoes and damp clothing for the journey home. Keep bottles secure and away from the bat. A wet-kit compartment is temporary storage, not a substitute for unpacking and drying everything.

5. Try it with a realistic load.

   Bring your main pieces of kit when comparing bags. Check that a junior can put it on, lift it and control it comfortably. Adjust shoulder straps or try the pulling handle; avoid choosing a huge bag just for future growth.

6. Unpack after every session.

   Air gloves, pads and shoes before repacking. Remove mud, check zips and wheels, and follow the bag’s cleaning instructions. Do not force an overfilled zip or leave wet gear sealed inside.

Role-specific equipment

Build a keeping kit that moves with you.

Check the team gear first, then fit gloves, inners and pads as one setup.

1. Check what the club supplies.

   If keeping duties are shared, the team may already have gloves and pads. Check their fit and condition with your coach before buying. If you keep regularly, set a budget for equipment suited to the bowling you face.

2. Fit the gloves with your inners.

   Use the maker’s size chart, then try the gloves with the keeping inners you plan to wear. Fingers should sit comfortably in their stalls, and the gloves should stay secure as you open and close your hands. Do not choose an oversized pair simply for a bigger catching area.

   Why keeping inners matter

   Inners can help with comfort and moisture management; padded versions add cushioning at the palm. They also change the fit inside the outer glove. Compare the complete combination so added padding does not make the gloves too tight or difficult to close.

3. Compare grip, protection and flexibility.

   Look at the palm grip, finger protection, lining, cuff and how easily the glove forms a catching shape. A supple feel can help a beginner, but it must still provide suitable hardball protection. Compare the actual model’s construction rather than judging by price alone.

   Keep the webbing as designed

   The Laws limit where glove webbing may sit and how it is shaped. Buy purpose-made wicketkeeping gloves and leave their webbing unmodified. Ask your coach or umpire if you are unsure whether a pair complies.

4. Fit keeping pads for a deep crouch.

   Choose purpose-made wicketkeeping pads using the brand’s measuring guidance. Check knee and shin coverage, secure straps and clearance around your shoes. Crouch, rise and move sideways: the pads should stay aligned without catching together or restricting movement.

5. Complete the protection check.

   Ask the coach which helmet, neck and body protection is required for the player’s age, competition and keeping position, in matches and nets. Standing up and standing back can have different requirements. Do not assume keeping gloves and pads complete the protective kit.

6. Try the setup, then care for it.

   Take your keeping stance and practise controlled hand movements with the full kit on. Follow the maker’s break-in and care instructions. Air gloves and inners after use, dry away from direct heat, and check palms, webbing, finger protection and straps for damage.

For practice

Match the ball to the player and session.

Your coach’s brief comes first: ball type, size, weight and where it will be used.

1. Ask which ball your grade uses.

   Confirm the current club or competition requirements, including ball type, weight and any approved model. Junior formats vary by age and stage. A 142 g leather ball is used in some junior cricket, but is not a universal starting point.

2. Choose for the skill you are practising.

   Identify the purpose of your session: catching, batting, bowling or building confidence with a harder ball. Your coach may recommend a softer training ball, a transition ball or a leather cricket ball. These are different tools, not interchangeable versions of the same session.

   Soft, transition or leather?

   A soft ball can suit introductory drills when the coach selects it. Transition balls vary in construction, weight and bounce, so check the actual product. Leather balls are for an appropriate hardball setting with the required protection and supervision. A softer label does not mean a ball is harmless.

3. Check size, weight and construction.

   Choose the specification the player needs now. For leather balls, compare the stated construction and intended use as well as price. Do not buy an adult-weight ball simply to grow into it.

   Two-piece and four-piece balls

   These terms describe the construction of the leather cover. They do not, by themselves, tell you which ball a junior needs or guarantee quality. Follow the competition’s specification for matches and the coach’s recommendation for training.

4. Check the practice surface and equipment.

   Use a ball intended for the venue and drill. Ask about indoor rules and suitable nets. Bowling machines may require a specific machine ball: follow the machine operator’s instructions rather than feeding in an ordinary ball.

5. Match protection to the session.

   Agree the protective equipment and supervision with the coach before hardball practice. Keep the practice area clear of bystanders and stop if the space, lighting or equipment is unsuitable. Do not use a leather ball for casual practice where people or property are in its path.

6. Buy what you need and check its condition.

   Check what the club provides before buying a match ball or a bulk pack. Inspect for a split cover, loose seam or loss of shape and ask the coach when to retire it. Let wet equipment dry naturally and follow the maker’s care guidance; avoid improvised heating or soaking.