The first thing you’ll need is a cricket bat. Whether you are a junior playing for your club or school, or you’re starting out a little later, we have a bat for everyone. Consider the type of wood and the grade of willow, then choose the correct size and weight.

What’s the difference between Kashmir and English Willow?

Cricket bats come made of two types of wood: Kashmir and English willow. The latter is more expensive but generally better, even for beginner cricketers.

What does the willow grade mean?

The willow grade of the bat determines its performance, with a lower number indicating better quality. Bats are available in grades 1 through 5.

What size bat do I need?

The key is to match the bat size to your height. When you stand the bat next to you, the handle should rest just below your hip joint. Use our size chart to find the perfect match.

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A good pair of batting gloves offers excellent protection while allowing full range of motion for a secure bat grip. They should be comfortable and well-ventilated. For sizing, measure from the start of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger.

Batting pads should be protective, lightweight, and comfortable. They must be easy to put on—avoid pads that are too large, as they can hinder your movement between the wickets. For sizing, measure from the centre of the kneecap to the top of your foot.

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A helmet is essential – all players must wear one when batting. Check with your club if a helmet is included in the team gear bag. When purchasing a helmet, a proper fit is crucial for both protection and comfort. Also, consider the weight; a heavy helmet may offer more protection but can be uncomfortable.

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When it comes to groin protection, comfort is key. The shape and stability of the guard are essential; we recommend specially designed cricket underwear to help secure the guard for a comfortable fit.

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A thigh guard can protect you from bruises and boost your confidence on the field. All-in-one thigh guards may provide extra protection for both thighs and the front hip.

For additional protection, consider a chest guard, forearm guard, or wrist guard.

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In the early years of hard ball, you'll mainly play on artificial or turf wickets, so cricket shoes are not essential until you start playing on grass. However, you might still want to wear cricket shoes on artificial wickets for extra toe protection. Remember, you don't need spikes unless you're playing on grass.

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You'll also likely need something to carry all your gear. A cricket bag helps keep your equipment protected and organized. With bags, you have three options: a carry bag, a wheelie bag, or a duffle bag. A carry bag is usually fine for the first year or two, but many players prefer a wheelie or duffle bag as their gear grows.

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In the early years of hard ball, wicket keeping is often shared among team members. Many team gear bags include wicket keeping gear, but if you want your own set, we recommend starting with gloves and pads.

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Although not technically part of your required gear list, one of the most common questions from new hard ball players is, "What type of ball should I get to practice with?" We recommend any 142g leather ball. Just remember to watch the windows if you're practicing at home!

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