What gear do kids need for junior cricket?
Cricket has more kit than most summer sports, which makes it a great one to buy second-hand. Here's what your child needs and what to check.
Helmets are compulsory for juniors
New Zealand Cricket's helmet policy says junior cricketers under 19 must wear a helmet with a face guard when batting, when keeping wicket close to the stumps, and when fielding close to the bat. This applies in matches and at practice. The helmet must meet the British Standard BS7928:2013, so look for that label.
Younger children playing modified formats with a softer ball may have different rules, so check with your club.
The kit list
| Gear | Notes | Second-hand? |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | BS7928:2013 label, face guard fitted, no cracks or loose grille | Yes, if it has the label and no damage |
| Bat | Sized to your child. Too heavy a bat is the most common mistake. | Yes, a great buy |
| Batting pads | Should cover from the top of the foot to just above the knee | Yes |
| Batting gloves | Snug, with no split padding on the fingers | Yes |
| Box (abdominal guard) | Needed for hard-ball cricket | Best bought new |
| Whites or club playing kit | Check what your club wears | Yes |
| Kit bag | A wheeled bag helps as the kit grows | Yes |
Choosing a bat size
Junior bats come in numbered sizes. A quick check: stand your child up straight with the bat beside their leg and its toe on the ground. The top of the handle should reach about the top of their thigh. They should be able to hold it out straight with one hand without it dropping. If in doubt, go smaller.
Buying a used bat
- Look along the face and edges for deep cracks. Small surface marks are normal.
- Check the handle doesn't move or click where it joins the blade.
- Check the grip isn't torn. Grips are cheap to replace.
- Ask whether it has been knocked in and oiled.
End of the season
Pads, gloves and bats are often outgrown long before they wear out. List them on SizeUp and $2 goes to your club or school.