Well, well, well… look who’s unpacking the kit bag. The sun’s hanging around past 5pm, you’ve started shadow-batting while watching the footy on TV and someone’s mentioned trials in the group chat. That’s right, cricket season is creeping up behind us like a medium pacer bowling off a short run.

Whether you’re back to battle it out in the prem side, easing into Saturday arvo social cricket, or just trying to avoid injury, pre-season is where it all begins. Let’s be honest, showing up with a cracked bat and one shoe held together with electrical tape is hardly setting the tone for greatness.

So, here’s your no-nonsense pre-season gear checklist to help you hit the ground running (or at least jogging comfortably between the wickets).

1


A net-worthy bat (not your game day treasure)


We get it, for some of you your match bat is your prized possession, beautiful, perfectly balanced and absolutely not for throwdowns. For pre-season, if you don’t have one already, grab a reliable training bat, something that can cop a few inside edges without giving you heart palpitations.

Great picks: Entry-level models that still feel good in the hands without taking a match fee-sized chunk out of your wallet.

Tip from the workshop: If your bat hasn’t seen oil since the last Ashes, now’s the time.

Cricket bats Shop Bats Here
2


Turf shoes, let’s talk about grip


Indoor nets are great... until you try bowling off two steps in worn-out gym shoes and end up doing the splits like a budget gymnast. Invest in a pair of proper cricket turf shoes, designed for synthetic surfaces with grip, stability, and support where it counts.

Batters will notice the difference in their footwork. Bowlers? Your ankles will no longer file formal complaints.

We have a huge range available from Adidas, Asics, New Balance and more, in all sizes and price points.

Cricket turf shoes Shop Turf Shoes Here
3


Protective gear that actually protects


Do your gloves crunch when you flex them? Pads have more tape than a physio table? It could be time for an upgrade. Pre-season is the perfect time to check your helmet, gloves, pads, and thigh guards, because pain isn’t a character-building exercise. It’s avoidable.

Protective gear continues to get lighter, stronger and more breathable, so treat yourself (and your body).

Helmet close-up Shop Protective Gear
4


Training Balls, sidearms & solo training


Heading to the nets on your own? Or coaching your mate that reckons they’re "all it”? Load up on training balls, a sidearm thrower and maybe a pop-up target stump for some bowling practice. Even better: get a mate to field your throwdowns so you can do less running and more hitting.

Training balls Shop Training Gear
5


Grips, tapes & handy little extras


If cricket has taught us anything, it’s that the small things make a big difference:

• A fresh grip can resurrect a tired bat.
• Toe guards keep your blade alive through dewy mornings.
• Bat tape, facings and knocking-in mallets are all underrated heroes of the pre-season.

It’s cricket’s version of car maintenance. Do the work now, avoid the breakdown later.

Grips and tape Shop Accessories
6


A functioning cricket bag (because the car boot’s not a gear shed)


A good cricket bag that’s not falling to bits, with compartments for shoes, pads, bats, and mystery snacks makes life easier, cleaner, and far less smelly.

Choose from duffles, wheelie bags, or hybrid bags depending on your storage style (and how much you like carrying things).

Cricket bags Shop Luggage
7


Extras for the body & mind


Let’s be honest, most of us are not in "match fitness” just yet. A few handy extras to consider:

• Water bottles that don’t leak in your bag
• A foam roller or massage ball (your hamstrings will love you)
• Compression gear for post-training recovery

Foam rollers Shop Recovery Gear
Final Thoughts


Be that player


You know the one, they turn up early, fully prepped, all their gear clean and functional, and casually middles their first throwdown. They’re not lucky. They’re prepared.

So this pre-season, don’t just talk about getting back into it, actually do it. Grab your essentials, check your gear, and give yourself the best start to the season.

Shop all your pre-season essentials now at Cricket Express. Or check out our full new season range in-store or online.

See you in the nets, we’ll be the ones wearing new turf shoes and pretending it’s still just "light training.”

Protective kit laid out Shop All Pre-Season Gear