Junior Cricket Gear Checklist for New Zealand
A practical checklist for junior cricket gear in New Zealand, including what children need first and what can wait.
Start with the items the child must supply themselves: correctly sized bat, batting gloves, protective box and suitable shoes. Pads and a helmet may also be essential depending on format and what the club provides. Check the team kit before buying duplicates.
What does a junior cricketer actually need?
The exact list depends on the age group, competition rules and what the school or club already provides.
Before buying a full kit, ask the coach which shared items are supplied. Many families overspend by buying everything at once.
Core personal gear
Cricket bat
Fit matters more than brand. Start with height, then check whether the player can control the bat comfortably.
Use our cricket bat size guide or bat size calculator before ordering.
Batting gloves
Gloves should protect the fingers without being so large that the player loses control of the handle.
Abdominal guard
This is inexpensive, personal protective equipment and should fit securely with the player’s chosen support system.
Cricket shoes
For younger players, the right option depends on the surface and competition. Do not assume metal spikes are required.
Gear that may be personal or shared
Batting pads
Pads need to cover the knee correctly and should not interfere with running. If the club supplies pads, a beginner may not need to buy them immediately.
Helmet
A properly fitted cricket helmet is important when required for the format and level being played. Do not buy one several sizes too large for future growth.
Kit bag
A large wheel bag is unnecessary for many young beginners. Buy enough capacity for the equipment the child actually carries.
What can usually wait?
A second bat, premium wheel bag, multiple pairs of gloves, specialist training aids and top-grade English willow can wait until the player is committed enough to benefit from them.
A sensible first-buy order
- Confirm what the team supplies.
- Choose the correct bat size.
- Buy required personal protection.
- Add gloves and footwear.
- Add pads and helmet if they are not supplied.
- Buy a bag only after you know the final amount of gear.
Buying junior gear in New Zealand
If you want to compare current junior equipment, NZ Cricket Store’s cricket range includes junior bats, protection, gloves, pads, shoes and kits. CricketWise has a disclosed relationship with NZ Cricket Store.
The point of this checklist is to avoid buying unnecessary equipment simply because it appears in a full kit.