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Selecting the right cricket bat type and style can be a bit confusing as there are so many different models, sizes, grains, and constructions to choose from. Make sure you find the one that’s right for you, because it can make a huge difference on your performance and overall season.
With the warmer months quickly approaching and summer sport getting ready to start, there's no better time than now to dust off the old cricket stumps and get ready for the games ahead. A good cricket bat is a big part of having a great season and can make or break your game. If your bat isn't the right size or construction, it can limit your ability to play. This handy guide to buying cricket bats will give you all the ins and outs of how to size and select the right bat, so you can get the most out of your game and dominate the pitch this cricket season.
How to Select the Right Cricket Bat?
When it comes to selecting the right type and style of cricket bat, it can be a little confusing. With so many models, sizes, grains, and constructions on the market, making the right decision is key to your performance and overall season.
Different Types of Wood
There are two main kinds of wood used in the construction of cricket bats for both junior and adult levels. Each is slightly different and is specifically grown for the construction of cricket bats. These include:
- English Willow: Categorised by its white appearance, English Willow is specially grown for producing cricket bats. The willow (wood) is lighter and is of a much higher quality. An English Willow bat is recommended for players who play at a higher competitive level, as the bat offers better performance, thanks to a more pronounced and consistent grain. However, with increased performances comes the price tag to match when compared to other willow bats. Be sure to check the grade of the bat you are looking at, as English Willow comes in a spectrum of wood grain quality, with Grade 1 being of the highest quality English Willow, down to Grad 6 which is the lowest quality.
- Kashmir Willow: In contrast to English Willow, Kashmir Willow is darker and harder in nature, which means these bats are much heavier. This kind of willow is designed for junior or recreational players and is thereby not as expensive as other willow bats. The quality is not as refined as English Willow, as the grain is not as clear or straight. However, Kashmir bats offer beginner players a good starting point to practice their skill without having to buy an expensive bat straight up, allowing players to get a feel for the game first.
Sizes & Weights of Cricket Bats
Having the right size and weighted cricket bat is crucial for your in-game performance, as it means your stance and swing won't be thrown off by having the wrong type of bat.
Size
The size of your cricket bat will largely depend upon your height. Below is a useful guide to determine your bat size:
SIZE |
PLAYER HEIGHT |
| short handle (sh/s) | 175cm & over |
| small men's | 168cm to 175cm |
| harrow (h) | 163 to 168cm |
| 6 | 157cm to 163cm |
| 5 | 150cm to 157cm |
| 4 | 144cm to 150cm |
| 3 | 137cm to 144cm |
| 2 | 129cm to 137cm |
| 1 | up to 129cm |
If you are still unsure about picking the right size, trying the bat out in-store at rebel will give you a feel for the different types of bats available.
If you're trying the bats out in person, here are some simple steps to find the right bat size
- 1. Stand in your natural stance with feet hip-width apart.
- 2. Rest the bat against your leg.
- 3. Drop your arm down beside the bat.
- 4. The top of the handle should rest at the top of your wrist, and that should be the perfect size bat for your height.
Weight
When it comes to the weight of a bat, each model and brand is going to feel different. We recommend that you get a feel for the bat before you purchase. Test your cross-body swing, strike, stance, and block to get a feel for how heavy or light it needs to be. For young players, if you hold up the bat out in front of your body and the bat is unsteady or swinging, it is too heavy.
If the bat is too heavy or too light, this will have an impact on the time it takes to swing at the ball which will impact your overall performance, so make sure you've tested out the weight of the bat beforehand.
Shape and Sweet Spot
The curve and the shape of the sweet spot will range from bat to bat. For those that are new to the game, the sweet spot can be defined as the flat space directly underneath the curve of the bat - wherethe ball and bat have max contact throughout a game. The curve of the bat is useful for the batsman to direct the ball in whichever way they want, especially if they want to make a specific shot, like a latecut or hook.
You can usually easily determine what curve and sweet spot you'd prefer by how you stand to swing. If you like to play off your front foot, you'll want to aim for a bat that has a mid-to-low sweet spot. In thesame way, if you play off your back foot, look for a bat that has a mid-to-high sweet spot.
If you're completely new to the game and still not sure, aim for a bat that has a mid-sweet spot or a curve that is evenly placed on the bat. This way you can test your stance and playing style to see which curve and sweet spot you prefer.
How to Choose Gloves & Pads
Gloves and pads are crucial for any cricket game as they protect the player's body from any serious injury. Having the right size gear is important to make sure that nothing slips off during the game or causes any tripping or slow form mid-game. For choosing the right size of gloves and pads, check out the size chart below:
SIZE |
PLAYER HEIGHT |
| men's (M) | 168cm & over |
| youth's (Y) | 150cm to 168cm |
| boy's (B) | 144cm to 150cm |
| small boy's | up to 144cm |
Cricket Glove Sizes
When choosing the right size, it's important not to go up a size to account for growth. Your gloves should fit nice and snug because if they are too big, the palm will bunch while playing and cause premature wearing.
Cricket Pad Sizes
For your pads, it's equally important to get the right fit, as the wrong size will cause limited movement or not enough coverage. For the right fit, your kneecap should be at the centre of the knee roll, and the top hat should not get in the way when batting and playing your shot.
rebel Exclusive Bats
With cricket season starting up for summer, it is a great time to upgrade your old batting gear and equipment to get ready to jump straight into the season.
1. Gray-Nicolls GNR 5 Blast Cricket Bat
Get your front foot moving down the line of the ball and start scoring some runs with the Gray-Nicolls GNR 5 in hand. A good entry level cricket bat, the Kashmir willow cricket bat is ideal fornet sessions and casual games. Its low profile is ideal for generating power off the front foot with thick edges generating power of the flat bat face.
2. Kookaburra Ghost Pro 8.0 Cricket Bat
Get your mates together for a net session or a quick backyard game with the Kookaburra Ghost Pro 8.0 Cricket Bat. Ideal for training and casual use, the bat is made from Grade 1 unbleached Kashmir Willow. The mid profile bat features a full-length spine for an enhanced sweet spot, so you'll be ready to dispatch your mates bowling all over the park.
3. Kookaburra Pixel Giga Cricket Bat
Exclusive
Settle in for a long innings and force the opposition captain into bowling changes with the Kookaburra Pixel Giga in hand. The English Willow cricket bat features a mid to high profile, ideal for Australian conditions. The slight bow is ideal for attacking shot play while bold stickering ensures that it stands out the moment you walk out to the centre wicket.
4. Kookaburra Pixel Mega Cricket Bat
They'll be ready to target the boundaries with the Kookaburra Pixel Mega in hand. The Kashmir Willow cricket bat is an ideal starter bat for junior cricketers. The mid profile construction with full-length spine is perfect for attacking stroke play.
5. Gray-Nicolls GNR 7 Junior Cricket Bat
The mid profile, large edges and flat face of the Gray-Nicolls GNR 7 make it a great starter batfor young cricketers. The Kashmir willow construction is great for junior games and the ReadyPlay finish means that it needs only a couple of net sessions before it's ready for the centre wicket.
6. Gray-Nicolls GNR 9 Cricket Bat
Construct an innings your own way with the Gray-Nicolls GNR 9 Cricket Bat. This cricket bat isconstructed from quality English Willow and features a light pickup. Its even bow is ideal for controlling the ball and keeping it along the ground. A high-profile construction makes it ideal for players who like to play the ball late off the back foot while the large edges deliver plenty of power across the whole bat face