Junior and Kids Cricket Gear in the USA: Bats, Protection, and Starter Sets
Getting a young player started in cricket in the United States can be confusing — most general sports stores do not carry cricket gear, and kids' equipment needs to be sized to the player, not bought a few sizes too big to "grow into." This page is for parents, youth players, coaches, schools, academies, and junior cricket programs across the USA. It explains what gear a junior player actually needs, how to size a bat and protective gear for a child, and where to buy.
Bolt Cricket is an American cricket equipment brand. We supply cricket bats and gear for players, parents, clubs, academies, schools, and teams, and we ship from Wheeling, Illinois. We are an online-first store, so you can compare and order junior gear from home and have it delivered — there is no walk-in showroom to visit.
This page is part of our wider USA cricket gear buying hub.
What cricket gear does a junior player need?
A young player does not need everything at once. A practical starting point is:
- A cricket bat sized to the player's height (not an adult bat).
- A ball suited to how they practice — a softer or training ball is often the easiest place to start.
- Basic protective gear once they start facing a harder ball — a helmet, batting gloves, and batting pads.
- A bag to keep everything together.
You can browse age- and size-appropriate options in junior cricket gear, or, if you would prefer an all-in-one option, the beginner cricket starter bundle pairs the essentials in a single order.
Junior cricket bats and sizing
A junior bat should match the player's height and strength. A bat that is too big or too heavy is harder to control and can affect a young player's technique, so it is better to size correctly than to buy ahead.
Use our cricket bat size guide (and the general size guide) to match a player's height to the right bat size before you buy. As a general guide, many children aged roughly 12–14 use a Harrow-size bat and most adults use a Short Handle — but always size by height, and size down in weight if you are unsure. Junior bats are made shorter and lighter for smaller frames.
Browse size-appropriate options in junior cricket gear and the wider cricket bats collection. If you would like help choosing, our how to choose a cricket bat guide walks through it, or you can contact us for a recommendation.
Junior protective gear
Once a young player starts facing a harder or faster ball, protective gear becomes essential. The core pieces are a helmet, batting gloves, and batting pads, sized for the player:
- Cricket helmets — a correctly fitted helmet is important as soon as a hard ball is involved.
- Batting gloves — sized for the player's hand; junior and youth sizes are smaller than adult.
- Batting pads — sized by leg length so the pad protects without restricting movement.
You can see the wider range in protective gear. As a general sizing guide, junior is often suitable for younger children, youth for roughly ages 10–14, and adult for around 15 and over — but check fit by the player's measurements, and when in doubt, size up for pads. For softer-ball or casual play, less protection is needed.
Cricket balls for junior practice
For younger and newer players, a softer or training ball is usually the easiest and safest place to start, especially for net sessions and backyard practice. Players move up to a harder ball as they progress — and should wear full protective gear whenever a hard ball is in use. Browse options in the cricket balls collection.
Bags and accessories
A bag keeps a junior player's kit together and makes practice and match days easier. Browse cricket bags for the right size, and cricket accessories for grips, bat care items, and other extras.
Starter sets for young cricketers
If you would rather not assemble a kit piece by piece, a starter set is a simple way to cover the essentials in one order. Our beginner cricket starter bundle brings together a bat and the other basics, and you can also browse starter kits and beginner cricket gear. For choosing a first bat, our Best Cricket Bat for Beginners guide explains what to look for.
Buying junior cricket gear online
Bolt Cricket is online-first. You can compare junior bats, protective gear, balls, bags, and starter sets by size and format, and check out from home — your order ships to you from Wheeling, Illinois. There is no walk-in store; everything is handled online and delivered to your door. If you are unsure what a player needs, use the size guide or contact us for a recommendation before you buy.
Junior cricket for academies, schools, and youth programs
Bolt Cricket supports clubs, academies, schools, leagues, and youth programs in the United States, Canada, and India with gear and custom teamwear. For multiple players, program kits, or bulk equipment, we can help match the right gear and quantities to your group.
For program and academy orders, see club & team ordering, and for team uniforms see our custom teamwear page — or contact us with your needs and we'll guide you through it.
Shipping and support
Online checkout is currently supported for the United States, Canada, and India. If you are ordering from another country, please contact us for a manual quote and we'll do our best to help. Available delivery options are shown or confirmed based on the order details and shipping address.
If you have a question about junior gear, sizing, an order, or a program request, our FAQ page covers the most common questions, and you can always reach us through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What cricket gear does a junior player need to start?
At a minimum, a young player needs a cricket bat sized to their height and a ball suited to how they practice. Once they start facing a harder ball, basic protective gear — a helmet, batting gloves, and batting pads — becomes essential, and a bag keeps everything together. A beginner starter bundle is an easy way to cover the basics in one order.
How do I choose the right size cricket bat for a child?
Size the bat by the player's height, not their age alone. Use our cricket bat size guide to match height to the right size. As a general guide, many children aged about 12–14 use a Harrow size, but always confirm by height and choose a bat the player can swing comfortably.
Are junior cricket bats lighter than adult bats?
Junior bats are generally made shorter and lighter for smaller frames so a young player can control them through a full swing. A bat that is too heavy is harder to handle and can affect technique, so it is usually better to size correctly than to buy ahead.
What protective gear do junior cricket players need?
Once a young player faces a hard or fast ball, the core protective pieces are a correctly fitted helmet, batting gloves, and batting pads sized for the player. Additional guards add coverage. For softer-ball or casual play, less protection is needed.
How do I size protective gear for a young player?
Size by the player's measurements: gloves by hand size, pads by leg length, and helmets by a proper fit. As a general guide, junior often suits younger children, youth roughly ages 10–14, and adult around 15 and over — but check fit, and when in doubt, size up for pads.
Do you have cricket gear for kids and youth players in the USA?
Yes. Bolt Cricket carries junior and youth cricket gear and ships across the USA from Wheeling, Illinois. Browse the junior cricket gear collection, or start with a beginner starter bundle. We are online-first, with no walk-in store.
What's a good starter set for a young cricketer?
A starter set or the beginner cricket starter bundle is a simple way to cover the essentials — a bat plus the other basics — in one order. You can also browse starter kits and beginner cricket gear and add protective pieces as the player progresses.
Can I buy junior cricket gear online?
Yes. Bolt Cricket is online-first — you can compare junior bats, protective gear, balls, bags, and starter sets by size and check out from home for delivery across the USA. There is no walk-in store to visit.
Do you supply cricket gear to schools, academies, and youth programs?
Yes. Bolt Cricket supports clubs, academies, schools, leagues, and youth programs in the United States, Canada, and India with gear and custom teamwear. For bulk or program orders, see club & team ordering or contact us with your requirements.
Does Bolt Cricket ship junior cricket gear outside the USA?
Online checkout is currently supported for the United States, Canada, and India. If you are ordering from another country, please contact us for a manual quote.