Best Cricket Gear for Junior Players

Starting out in cricket needs a few key items, and for young players the priority is fit and safety, not price tags or brand names. Here is what a junior player needs and how to choose each item.

The junior cricket kit checklist

1. Bat: the right size for their height, not one to grow into.
2. Helmet: essential when batting against a hard ball.
3. Batting pads: junior sizes (for example boys or youth) that sit just above the shoe.
4. Batting gloves: sized to the hand, with good finger protection.
5. Thigh guard and abdominal guard: for hard ball batting.
6. Kit bag: a bag that fits the gear and is easy to carry.

Choosing the bat

Check the height-based chart in our cricket bat size chart. A bat that is too big or heavy leads to bad habits. For tennis ball or tape ball cricket, a Kashmir Willow or tape ball bat is fine; for a leather ball, choose English Willow.

Buying tips

• Buy the right size now: growth spurts are not a reason to buy large.
• Choose lighter gear so the child can move freely.
• Check pad and glove sizing against the maker's chart.
• Buy a complete set to be sure everything fits together.

Shop junior gear

Browse complete cricket kits, Harrow size bats, batting pads and batting gloves. Read our guide to choosing a beginner's bat.