When the boys where younger, their scooters were a great tool to keep them active. Now, cricket is what helps me get them out of the house and away from Fortnite, FIFA and virtual reality games.

Why cricket, you may ask? Firstly, it’s a way to get the kids outside and play in the fresh air. I just can NOT see the boys stuck behind a screen for hours at a time, whether that’s a console, PC or a phone. Secondly, staying active leads to better overall fitness. It’s true that cricket isn’t the dynamic 90 minutes of physical exertion that football requires, but it takes different types of fitness and stamina for the player to perform their best. And it’s during the long days of cricket that another crucial skill is developed – concentration. When the catch moment comes, you need to be focused and ready to take your chance.

How to Get Started with Cricket?

Cricket is a game that requires some equipment in order to stay safe and reach optimum performance levels. For a youngster starting out, there is a number of key cricket equipment that is considered essential.

Clothing

In a cricket game, players continuously have to run to score runs or catch the ball. Having the right clothing helps them achieve their goal with ease. Nowadays, there are various kinds of junior cricket clothing available on the market designed to maximize performance and allow the player to train in comfort and simply look the part.

Every junior cricketer needs to own a pair of white kids cricket pants and matching shirt as standard. You may also want to consider getting both a long-sleeve and sleeveless jumper, as well as a cap to help shield your kid’s eyes from direct sunlight and prevent their head from overheating during a long fielding session on a sunny day.

In cricket, it’s very important to wear clothing made from a breathable fabric that promotes breathability and doesn’t trap moisture. With that said, buying the right kids cricket pants and shirts should begin with choosing the right fabric. Fabrics such as cotton, polyester, wool and spandex are considered good options. Wool is best for winters. Polyester is lightweight in nature and dries quickly when compared to other fabrics. Wearing a quick-dry material helps maintain the skin temperature and keep the body warm.

In addition to the fabric, you should also check for other features in the apparel like the size of the pockets, shirt side panels, ventilation spots, etc. The right clothing will have breathable mesh and different ventilation spots for a free flow of air. A shirt with a raglan sleeve is a good example of comfort; it’s a type of sleeve that extends to the collar and the neckline. This design creates a wider area in the underarm, giving complete flexibility in the movement of arms. Cricket trousers with an elasticated waistband offer optional comfort.

Bats

Coaches highlight the importance of selecting the correct size and weight of the bat as it plays an important role in the development of a player. They explain that playing with a bat that is too big and/or heavy can inhibit stroke play and timing. The following table is a guide to choosing the right size of a bat with respect to the height of the player.

Height of Batsman	Bat Size
Up to 1.19 m	0
1.19 to 1.30 m	1
1.30 to 1.37 m	2
1.37 to 1.45 m	3
1.45 to 1.50 m	4
1.50 to 1.57 m	5
1.57 to 1.65 m	6

When it comes to weight, there can be noticeable variation for the same size of a bat. For example. a typical weight range for a size 4 bat is 1 kg to 1.5 kg. So, make sure to check the bat weight so it isn’t too heavy for your child.

Helmet

A correctly-fitting and well-adjusted helmet is a key safety feature. To choose the right size, measure the circumference of your child’s head. Use a tape measure, place it at the centre of the forehead and run it just above the ears. Use the following table as a guide to the corresponding helmet size.

51-51 cm	Small Child
53-54 cm	Child
54 -56 cm	Youths

To be right, the helmet should sit comfortably but firmly on the head with no excessive movement. The chin strap should be neither too loose nor too tight. Helmets that come with padding will adjust better to the shape of the head.

Pads

To get the right pad size for your child, measure the centre of his/her kneecap to the top of the foot, where the tongue of the shoe would be. Here is another table to help you find the corresponding pad size.

30-32 cm	Small Child
32-35 cm	Child
36-38 cm	Youths

With the pad fitted comfortably and securely, your child’s knee should align with the centre of the knee-roll of the pad. Make sure the straps are of a suitable length so that the pad can be firmly secured.

Gloves

To get the right glove fit, measure the length in centimetres from where the wrists begin to the tip of the middle finger and use the table below to help choose the proper size.

16.5 cm	Small Child
17.5 cm	Child
19 cm	Youths

Make sure the wrist strap can be fastened securely. Batting gloves come in different grades and price ranges. The more expensive gloves tend to be of better quality and also give greater flexibility.

Play Cricket is an Australian website that you can visit to find out more about programs for learners as well as how to find local clubs. But let’s not forget that cricket can be played anywhere and with anyone!