By Mark & Shelly, Over the Rope
Starting cricket should be exciting, not an expensive guessing game. Here is a practical guide to what children really need and what can wait.
Ask the club before shopping
The kit a child needs depends on age, club rules and whether sessions use soft balls, incrediballs or hard leather balls. Many junior clubs can lend equipment for introductory sessions. Ask the coach what is required now, rather than buying a full kit before the first practice.
The basics for early sessions
For a soft-ball introduction, comfortable sportswear, suitable trainers and a water bottle may be enough. As children progress to hard-ball cricket, they will generally need a suitable bat, batting pads, batting gloves, and a correctly fitting cricket helmet. The club should confirm any additional requirements.
Prioritise protective equipment
Do not buy a helmet simply for a child to grow into. It must fit correctly now and meet the applicable cricket helmet safety requirements for the activity. Ask the coach about approved protective equipment, and follow the manufacturer’s fitting guidance. For hard-ball play, appropriate protection matters more than matching colours or brands. Boys playing cricket may also wish to invest in a box.
Size matters more than the label
Children grow at different rates. Check bat length and pickup, glove finger length and wrist fit, pad coverage and helmet adjustment. Adult small is not automatically equivalent to a junior size.
Spend wisely
A well-fitting entry-level bat can be a sensible starting point. Consider investing first in correctly fitting protective kit and footwear suitable for the playing surface. Second-hand equipment may be useful for some items, but be especially cautious about the history, condition and suitability of helmets.
A simple parent checklist
Before the first hard-ball session, check: bat; batting gloves; pads; helmet; abdominal protection as appropriate; shoes; comfortable clothing; water; and a bag. Ask whether the club supplies spare kit or team clothing.
The takeaway
Buy for the cricket your child is playing today. Start with the club’s requirements, check every fit and add equipment as your child develops.
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Junior cricket equipment · Junior helmets · Junior protection
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