Introduction
To play cricket you need a bat, a ball and, for hard ball cricket, protective equipment. The club provides everything that players need (other than abdominal protectors), but if you wish to buy your own, it is important to know what to buy. Using the correct size of equipment is important for both player safety and development.
Cricket balls
Up to School Year 4, cricket is played with a soft ball (tennis ball, windball or Incrediball). Hard ball cricket is introduced in School Year 5, using a junior cricket ball weighing 4¾ ounces. From School Year 9, players use a senior cricket ball weighing 5½ ounces.
Cricket bats
Selecting the correct size bat is fundamental to developing the correct technique in young cricketers. It is imperative that the bat is not too heavy or too long, as this will impede correct stroke play and accurate technical performance. Note that whilst Kashmir willow bats are usually cheaper than English willow bats, they are not always suitable for use with a hard ball.
Bat Size | Approx Age | Height |
0 | Up to 4 | Up to 4' |
1 | 4 - 5 | 4' - 4'3 |
2 | 6 - 7 | 4'3 - 4'6 |
3 | 8 - 9 | 4'6 - 4'9 |
4 | 9 - 11 | 4'9 - 5' |
5 | 10 - 12 | 5' - 5'3 |
6 | 11 - 13 | 5'3 - 5'6 |
Harrow | 12 - 14 | 5'6 - 5'9 |
Full Short Handle | 15+ | 5'9 - 6'2 |
Full Long Handle | 15+ | Over 6'2 |
Size | Length |
Small Boys | 30 - 32cm |
Boys | 32 - 35cm |
Youths | 36 - 38cm |
Mens | 39 - 43cm |
Large Mens | 44 - 48cm |
Size | Length |
Small Boys | 165mm |
Boys | 175mm |
Youths | 190mm |
Mens | 210mm |
Large Mens | 225mm |
Helmets are widely available and are covered by a British Standard (BS7928:1998) and a new standard introduced in 2014 (BS7928:2013). From 30 June 2014, all new head protectors are tested against the new standard (BS7928:2013). However, head protectors which have already been tested against the old standard (BS7928:1998) can and will continue to be available for sale and will not be withdrawn from the market. The key features of the new standard are:
To determine the size of helmet you need, measure the circumference from the middle of the forehead just above the eyebrows, around the sides just above the ears, to the ‘bump' on the back of the head. The helmet should feel secure but comfortable with no unnecessary movement in any direction and the peak level with the eyebrows. The helmet should always be fastened with the chin strap for added security.
Size | Head Circumference |
Small Boys | 51 - 52cm |
Boys | 53 - 54cm |
Youths | 54 - 56cm |
Small Mens | 56 - 58cm |
Mens | 58 - 60cm |
Large Mens | 60 - 62cm |