How to Choose Cricket Batting Pads

Batting pads protect your shins, knees and the top of your feet, and the right pair also lets you run and play your shots freely. The wrong size can slip, hinder your running or leave your knee exposed. Here is how to choose well.

Step 1: Pick the size by height

Pad sizes are matched to leg length, and brands label them differently (for example Small Boys, Boys, Youth, Small Men, Men and Large Men). As a rough guide:

• Small Boys and Boys: young children, roughly under 4 ft 9 in.
• Youth: roughly 4 ft 9 in to 5 ft 4 in.
• Men: most adults, roughly 5 ft 6 in to 6 ft 0 in.
• Large Men: taller adults.

Always check the maker's own chart, because the same label can mean slightly different sizes from brand to brand.

Step 2: Check the fit

1. Strap the pads on in your batting stance, with the knee roll over the middle of your kneecap.
2. The bottom of the pad should sit just above your shoe, not drag on the ground.
3. The top should end below the thigh pad, leaving no gap that exposes the thigh or knee.
4. Walk, jog and bend. The pads should not twist or slide.

Step 3: Choose the style

• Weight: lighter pads help running between the wickets; heavier pads give extra protection against fast bowling.
• Strap system: three straps with secure buckles hold the pad steady.
• Left or right: pads are made for left handed and right handed batters. Check the label.
• Foam density: high-density foam protects better and lasts longer.

Don't forget the rest of the protective kit

Pads work with thigh guards, an abdominal guard, gloves and a helmet. Browse our batting pads, thigh guards and complete cricket kits. If you are not sure about the size, send us your height and playing level.