A boxed junior cricket set or kids cricket set can be a fast starting point, but the bat size matters more than what is in the box. Start with the player's age, height and club advice before buying gear in Ireland.
For a young player in Ireland, the right junior cricket kit depends on where they are playing, how often they train, whether they bat in hard ball cricket, and what the club can already provide.
If the player is new, borrow club gear first where possible. A few net sessions tell you more than any size chart. You will see whether the bat feels too heavy, whether pads sit properly, and whether the player is likely to stick with cricket beyond the first few weeks.
When you are ready to price gear, keep the request simple: age, height, dominant hand, club or school, hard ball or soft ball, and the items the coach asked for.
CricketGear.ie is built around Irish cricket buyers. That means parents buying one starter set, coaches planning junior sessions and clubs pricing group orders before the season gets busy.
Cricket Ireland points families toward club programmes for children, including entry level sessions and girls cricket. For kit planning, that usually means mixed sizes, shared bags and equipment that can cope with repeat training sessions.
A useful club request should separate personal starter items from shared session gear. Keep bats and pads tied to height or age group, then list balls, stumps, cones and spare bags by quantity.
If your child is trying cricket for the first time, ask the club what can be borrowed before buying a full set. The first paid item is often not the most expensive one. It is the item the player will actually use every week.
When asking for pricing, include whether the player is in soft ball, incrediball or hard ball cricket. That one detail changes the kit conversation more than brand preference.
A practical list for parents and junior coaches. Treat it as a conversation starter, not a rule for every player.
A junior bat should be manageable, not just impressive in the hand. If it feels heavy in a short net, it will feel worse late in training.
Fit matters more than buying a larger size to grow into. Loose pads and oversized gloves can make batting harder for a young player.
For home practice, ask the coach what type of ball suits the player's age and session. Clubs may use different balls for junior groups.
A simple cricket bag, abdominal guard and small accessories are often enough. Add specialist items only when the player needs them.
Bat size is where many junior kit purchases go wrong. Use height first, then check weight and control before spending money.
| Bat size | Typical player height | Usual stage | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 1 | Up to about 130 cm | Young starter | Light pickup and basic control matter more than power. |
| Size 2 | About 130 to 135 cm | Early junior cricket | The player should swing without dropping the bat head. |
| Size 3 | About 135 to 140 cm | Junior training | Check pad fit and batting stance at the same time. |
| Size 4 | About 140 to 145 cm | Developing junior | Good for many players who are moving into more regular nets. |
| Size 5 | About 145 to 150 cm | Older junior | A lighter pickup may beat a thicker profile for match confidence. |
| Size 6 | About 150 to 155 cm | Pre teen or early teen | Do not jump to Harrow unless the player can control it. |
| Harrow | About 155 to 165 cm | Taller junior | A common bridge before adult short handle bats. |
| Short handle | About 165 cm plus | Teen or adult player | Only use it when height and strength both fit. |
Measure the player in socks, then use the chart as a starting point. The better test is control. A junior bat should let the player stand normally, lift the bat without strain and swing without the head dropping.
A short note is enough for the first reply. Height is the most useful detail, but it should sit beside age, batting hand and the type of cricket the child is playing.
Junior cricket is seasonal for many families. If a player is just trying the sport, a staged purchase usually makes more sense than a full kit bag straight away.
Helmets and other protective items need a slower decision. Do not rely on a product name alone.
A clear enquiry saves time. You do not need every detail, but these notes help avoid the wrong kit.
Age, height, batting hand and whether the player is new or already playing matches.
Hard ball, soft ball, school training, club nets, camp use or home practice.
Bat only, batting set, bag, balls, stumps, club group order or a starter bundle.
When training starts, whether it is for one player or a group, and any coach preferences.
The request button opens the main CricketGear.ie enquiry form. Send your name, email, kit type, rough quantity and any notes you already know.
We can ask for sizes, hand preference, brands or budget in the reply. No payment details are collected in the form.
Send the basics now. The button opens the main enquiry form. If we need sizes, brands or delivery details, we will ask in the reply.
Short answers for parents, coaches and club volunteers.
Start with the items the player needs for their role and level. A junior bat, batting pads, gloves, abdominal guard, bag and suitable balls for practice are common first items. Check with the coach before buying a helmet or other protective gear because documents and certification need checking first.
Often, yes. If the club has shared kit, it can help a new player work out bat size, pad fit and batting preference before parents spend money on a full personal set.
Yes. Send the age group, rough quantities, timing and any coach preferences. CricketGear.ie can reply with questions or pricing options once supplier details, documents and costs have been checked.
Yes. Enquiries are welcome from clubs, schools and parents in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Include the delivery town or postcode so shipping, taxes, duty, fees and timing can be checked for that route.
We can ask for age, height, batting hand and playing level before suggesting options. Height gives a starting point, but the player still needs a bat they can lift and swing without losing shape.
Use the player's height as the starting point. Many children move through sizes 1 to 6 before Harrow, then short handle when they are tall enough and strong enough. Age is only a rough guide because children grow at different speeds.
Choose the bat the player can lift, swing and control cleanly. If the larger size makes the bat head drop or changes the player's stance, ask about the smaller size or a lighter pickup before sizing up.
Harrow is usually a bridge for taller juniors before adult short handle bats. Do not move to short handle on height alone. The player also needs enough strength and control to use it properly in nets.
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