“
To safeguard those certain vulnerable body parts (such as your head, face, hands, fingers, legs, and groin) protective gear like helmets, gloves, pads (leg and thigh guards), and abdominal guards (protective cups) are specifically designed to minimise the risk of injury to these areas from impact.
There are few things quintessentially more Aussie than a game of cricket. It embodies our sporting heritage and what it means to play a team sport. What we love the most is that it can be played just about anywhere – from your backyard to the beach – with minimal equipment, such as a soft ball (like a tennis ball), bat and stumps.
But if you've been playing backyard cricket since you could walk and now looking to level up, join a team and wonder what you'll need – because there's a bit, like safety gear to keep you top-to-toe protected – we've rounded up the top essentials every cricket kit should have.
Cricket Bat
The cricket bat is the core of the game. It typically consists of a handle and a flat-faced blade made from willow wood (English or Kashmir).
The bat can vary in size and weight depending on age or height.
Stumped on choosing the right one for you? Our guide on cricket bats will help.
Shop Cricket Bats
Cricket Ball
Without a cricket ball, there is no game.
Designed with a hard exterior and dyed in red, white and now pink (depending on the format of the game), a cricket ball is made to withstand the impact of being hit by the bat, as well as the general rough and tumble of the game.
In community cricket, cricket ball size (weight) will be determined by the regulations specific by local associations. Generally, a 156gm ball is used with the exception being female and Under 12's or younger using 142gm.
Shop Cricket BallsCricket Stumps
Whether you're playing in your backyard or a team, you'll need a set of cricket stumps and bails.
Sure, you may have turned your wheelie bin into cricket stumps (haven't we all?), but traditionally, they consist of three wooden posts topped by bails, which are used to mark the wickets at each end of the pitch.
Beyond matches, stumps are integral to practice sessions, allowing bowlers to refine their accuracy and enabling batsmen to hone their defensive and batting skills.
Shop Cricket Stumps
Protective Gear
Cricket is a fast-paced sport, so trust us when we say, safety first.
To safeguard those certain vulnerable body parts (such as your head, face, hands, fingers, legs, and groin) protective gear like helmets, gloves, pads (leg and thigh guards), and abdominal guards (protective cups) are specifically designed to minimise the risk of injury to these areas from impact.
Helmet
In junior cricket, regulations say those under 18 years of age must wear a helmet and include a face guard. Cricket Australia also strongly suggests anyone playing hard-ball cricket wear a British Standard (BS7928:2013) helmet in community cricket when batting, wicket-keeping up to the stumps and fielding.
Since 2023 Cricket Australia is also now strongly recommending that those playing in community cricket (and CA-sanctioned competitions) wear a neck protector with their helmet.
You never know what may happen on the field, so regardless of age or where you play, we recommend wearing one.
Pads (Leg Guards)
These protect the legs of the batsman from impact by the ball, particularly when facing fast bowling. There are generally two types of pads you can buy – cane rod construction covered in foam or just high-density foam pads.
To get the right fit: Measure your leg length from the middle of your knee to the top of your ankle, to determine the size you need. Look for pads that cover your knee completely when bent and extend comfortably down to your ankle.
Abdomen Protector
Abdomen protector (aka groin protector) worn inside pants is a must-have essential if you want to protect the crown jewels.
To ensure your protective gear isn't too loose and fits correctly, it's a good idea to head in-store to try them on and speak with rebel staff before you buy.
Shop Protective gearCricket Clothing
Depending on whether you're training or competing, you may switch between comfortable training clothes, compression wear, a team jersey or a full set of traditional cricket “whites”, which can include everything from a shirt to pants, shorts, trunks and socks.
If you're unsure of what you need, it might be a good idea to check with your club to find out about the dress code before purchasing.
Whatever you choose, opt for lightweight, breathable and sweat-wicking fabrics to help keep you as cool and dry as possible when things start to heat up.
Shop Cricket Clothing
Cricket Shoes
Whether you're batting, bowling or fielding, you might want to give your running shoes a flick for a pair of cricket-specific shoes. These will give you the support, grip and protection you need to play at your best. The surface you intend to play on (grass, artificial turf, indoor) is a likely factor when choosing cricket shoes.
Shoes with spikes or cleats are generally worn for playing on grass to provide better traction whereas shoes with rubber soles are more suitable for artificial turf or indoor cricket surfaces.
Shop Cricket ShoesCricket Bag
Last but not least, you'll need something large enough to stash all your gear in and likely a change of clothes, towel, drink bottle, suncream and some snacks.
Cricket-specific bags come in a range of different sizes – some with wheels, some with back straps – and are typically made from heavy-duty materials to withstand the wear and tear of lugging them around. Go big, or go home.
Shop Cricket Bags
Ready to shop?
Check out our entire range of cricket gear, or head in-store and speak to one of our friendly rebel staff to help you find the right equipment for you.