Equipment Guide
Complete equipment guide for young cricket players — from batting to fielding.
ℹ️ Bat sizes range from Size 1 (under 4'3") to Size 6 (4'9"+) and Short Handle adult. Match the bat to your child's height, not age.
All-in estimate
$100 – $350
7 must-have items · 10 total
The bat is the most important and personal piece of equipment. English willow bats are premium; Kashmir willow is more affordable and fine for youth players. Match the size to your child's height — a bat that's too long makes technique harder to develop. Oil a new bat before first use.
Knock in a new bat with a mallet or old cricket ball for 3–6 hours before using in a match. This compresses the willow and prevents the bat from cracking.
Strapped leg guards that protect the shin, knee, and thigh from fast-moving deliveries. Junior sizes for under-13; short adult for taller youth. Should cover from ankle to 2 inches above the knee without restricting movement. Worn on both legs.
Padded gloves protect the fingers and back of the hand from deliveries that hit the edge of the bat. Must allow a firm grip on the bat handle. Look for reinforced 'sausage fingers' on the top hand — that's where most hits land.
Required for batting and wicket-keeping in all youth cricket. Look for BS7928 certification. The grill must be close enough that a ball cannot pass through it (roughly a 55mm gap). Replace after any significant impact to the grill or shell, even if it looks undamaged.
A hard plastic box worn inside the shorts to protect against direct hits. Required for batters and wicket-keepers. Comes in junior and adult sizes — fit matters more than brand. Not needed for fielders but batters and keepers never skip this.
This is non-negotiable. A cricket ball travels at 50+ mph even in youth cricket — this protects against a career-ending injury.
Cricket shoes have rubber spikes for grass or dimpled soles for turf and hard pitches. All-rounder shoes work for batting, bowling, and fielding on most youth surfaces. Avoid metal spikes for youth — most leagues don't permit them and they damage the pitch.
Traditional cricket is played in white — white shirt, white trousers, white socks. T20 youth leagues sometimes use colored kits, so confirm with your league. Whites show dirt and grass stains aggressively — buy two sets if your child plays regularly.
Cold wash only. Hot water sets the grass stains permanently. Pre-treat before washing.
Worn on the front (exposed) thigh when batting. The inner thigh is especially vulnerable to balls that seam or swing into the body. Most competitive youth players wear both an inner and outer thigh pad. Attaches with Velcro straps.
A leather ball is the standard for match play. Practice with a tennis ball or incrediball first — they're softer and let beginners build confidence before moving to a hard ball. A proper leather ball is necessary for developing real bowling and batting technique.
Tape the seam on a worn ball to practice swinging the ball — it's how professional cricketers train at home.
A dedicated kit bag with compartments for the bat, pads, gloves, helmet, and accessories. Bat pockets prevent blades from bumping against pads and gloves. Wheeled options are popular for tournaments. Junior sizes are shorter to accommodate smaller bats.
For the parents on the sideline — because you're out there every weekend too.
A lightweight, portable chair with a carry bag. You will spend hours on sidelines — your back will thank you.
Est. $25 – $80
Keeps coffee hot through a two-hour game in the cold. Keep drinks cold all day in summer. A non-negotiable for any sideline parent.
Est. $20 – $45
Two hours on an open field adds up fast. Water-resistant SPF 50+ in a spray is the fastest to apply for the whole family before game time.
Est. $8 – $18
Fields near tree lines or evening games bring the mosquitoes out. Keep a travel-size can in the same bag as the sunscreen so you never forget it.
Est. $6 – $15
Fits snacks, drinks, and ice packs for the whole team. Collapsible cooler bags are easy to carry and store flat in the car.
Est. $20 – $55
For those early morning or late fall games when it drops 20 degrees by kick-off. Compact, warm, and doubles as a picnic blanket.
Est. $18 – $45
A solid dad hat or wide-brim sun hat for long days in the sun. Look for UPF 50+ if you're at weekend tournaments.
Est. $15 – $40
Fast-drying and compact. Great for wiping down wet gear, drying off kids after a rainy game, or cleaning up spills at the snack table.
Est. $10 – $25
Single-serve packets you can toss in a water bottle. Better than hauling cases of sports drinks — and easier on the sugar.
Est. $15 – $30
Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and an instant cold pack. Small enough to toss in your bag, essential when someone rolls an ankle in the last five minutes.
Est. $12 – $30
Folds to the size of a baseball. Games don't get cancelled for light rain — you'll be glad it's in your bag the first time it pours in the third quarter.
Est. $8 – $20
Bleachers, dugout benches, folding chairs — they are all hard after an hour. A folding, water-resistant seat cushion with back support makes a full tournament day survivable.
Est. $15 – $35
All-day tournaments mean hours of photos, group texts, and livestreaming to grandparents — with no outlet nearby to charge in between games. A power bank keeps you covered.
Est. $18 – $40
Catch up on a podcast, take a call, or just tune into the game — wireless earbuds keep your hands free while everyone else fumbles with a cord.
Est. $30 – $250
Heavy-duty collapsible wagon with wide wheels for hauling chairs, coolers, and gear bags across thick grass or mud at complex venues.
Est. $80 – $150
Enclosed pop-up tent to stay dry and warm during freezing rain, wind, or extreme cold at early morning or late fall games.
Est. $70 – $180
USB-powered padded seat with back support that hooks onto metal bleachers or lawn chairs to keep parents warm during long tournament days.
Est. $45 – $90
Rechargeable cooling fan with water mist attachment to protect young athletes and parents from overheating during summer tournaments.
Est. $20 – $40
Machine-washable, towel-style seat protector designed to prevent sweat, mud, and turf pellets from ruining car upholstery after games.
Est. $25 – $45
Divided snack organizer ideal for parents assigned to team snack duty or packing fuel for multi-game tournament weekends.
Est. $15 – $30
Compact muscle massager for warming up tight hamstrings and easing post-game quad soreness between tournament bracket rounds.
Est. $35 – $80
Fast-charging battery pack to keep phones, video cameras, scoring apps (like GameChanger), and heating cushions powered all day.
Est. $25 – $60
Loud gyms, packed rinks, echoey arenas — a good pair of over-ear headphones lets you dial down the noise between plays without missing your kid's turn.
Est. $40 – $200
Cricket matches can run 2–3 hours in full sun with no shade breaks. A water-resistant SPF 50+ sunscreen is non-negotiable for a day at the cricket ground.
Est. $10–$25
Total Estimated Cost
$100 – $350
Based on must-have items at typical retail prices. Costs vary by brand, retailer, and whether the league supplies certain gear.
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