Cricket is a popular sport, but it’s also got a pretty long list of gear needed for good play. These are the items that every cricket kit should have!

10(ish) Items Every Cricket Kit Needs

Given both its extensive history, and its status as a ‘gentlemen’s game’, it’s no wonder that cricket has become one of the most popular in the world.

And with over 350,000 people in the UK alone playing this classic sport, and the 2024 Ashes looming just over the horizon, there’s never been a better time to jump into this sport.

However, if you’re thinking about playing this sport in any serious capacity, you’re going to want the right kit for the job. Not just to help you play at your best, but for your safety as well.

With that in mind, here are 10 items that your cricket kit should include, especially if you’re considering going semi-professional or higher. We’ve also added a few extra items to check out too, just for good measure, and to really help you get ahead in your cricket games.

Cricket Bat

This is probably the most famous piece of equipment in the whole sport, and one that is unlike anything that any other batting sport uses. Every cricket player needs a bat to go with their kit!

Also sometimes called a stick, willow, or even blade, cricket bats are exclusively made from wood, and their rounded handles and flat batting side are iconic amongst other sports equipment.

Simply picking any old bat that you find off a rack or shelf won’t cut it, however. There are a massive variety of different cricket bats that you can buy for your kit, which can have a massive impact on your overall performance.

So, make sure that you consider the budget that you’re working with at your level, as well as the shape and type of bat you’re looking to buy. Different batting and play styles will fit certain willows better than others.

Knowing your cricket play style will be crucial to this piece of kit, so make sure that you know your skill level, or consult a professional.

Batting Pads (Pair)

Alongside having a good bat, having the right protective gear is also essential. Especially if you’re a batsman on the pitch, and you’re in the sights of a fast ball!

Batting pads are just as important as a good bat. A good pair of this type of pad will cover most of your lower legs, from just above your knee down to your ankle.

Batting pads, like many other protective items, will come in a range of sizes when sold in stores. Wearing pads that are the wrong size can seriously hamper your performance. Too big, and they’ll get in the way while you’re trying to score a run. Too small, and they’ll feel tight and cut into your legs uncomfortably.

If you want to check if one is the right size for you, rest the pad on your ankle, as if you were putting it on, and see if it feels comfortable.

Cricket Gloves (Pair)

Another vital piece of kit for any cricketer, padded cricket gloves are the perfect protection for players while throwing and catching the ball.

Plus, they also extend further down the hand, protecting the wrist and lower arm too. Cricket gloves come in a variety of sizes, so make sure that you find a size that fits comfortably, without too much tightness.

As a quick note, wicketkeepers will need to use a slightly different type of cricket glove, so keep this in mind when looking for the right type.

Cricket Whites

We’re technically cheating with this next item, as it’s two pieces of equipment in one. Still, together, your cricket shirt and trousers make up your iconic cricket white uniform, something that every player needs.

Cricket Shirt

The white cricket jersey/collared shirt is a staple part of any cricket uniform. A good-fitting Cricket Shirt will not only fit well, but will also help manage air regulation and sweat across the upper body. Two features that are essential for intense cricket games!

You can find cricket shirts that come in both short and half-sleeve types, depending on the make, brand, and the player/team’s preference. In conditions where wearing just a shirt isn’t ideal, a cricket uniform will also include a cricket jumper, like this one.

Cricket Trousers

The other half of the iconic look, cricket trousers should also be well-fitted and comfortable to wear, alongside providing good air and sweat regulation for your legs. Moisture management is a must for a good pair!

Cricket Thigh Pads

Moving back to the cricket pads, thigh pads are exactly what they sound like: protective pads that protect your upper thigh from damage. Attached by a strap around the waist and a lower one around the leg, these pads should feel a little tight around the thigh, but not too much that they are uncomfortable.

Thigh pads will sit underneath the top of most batting pads, meaning there’s a little overlap in the parts of the body they both protect.

You’ve probably noticed that cricket players only tend to wear just one thigh pad, rather than one on each leg. These pads are supposed to be worn on the front that faces closer to the batsman, when worn by a bowler.

Some players, both bowlers and batsmen, choose to not wear thigh pads at all in games, as they tend to move around a lot. However, given that they also provide players with both comfort and protection, we recommend starting with a thigh pad, at least.

Abdominal Pad/Protective Cup

Just above the thigh pad is where the abdominal pad should be. More specifically, it will protect a player’s lower abdominal and groin area.

Protective cups save more than a little discomfort in other sports, and cricket is no exception here, either. They can feel a little bulky or awkward to wear at first, especially if you’ve never used one before. But don't worry, you’ll start to get used to them with practice.

And with direct contact with cricket balls being serious, even, you’ll find these pads are worth putting up with a little discomfort for!

Chest Guard

Another piece of guard equipment, chest pads/guards are worn underneath your cricket uniform, and are placed on the side of a batsman’s body that is facing the bowler.

Should the bowler throw the ball slightly off-centre, or the batsman miss, the chest guard will protect the most exposed side of the chest, preventing them from taking the full brunt of the bowl.

Considering that fast-enough cricket balls have been known to fracture and even break ribs, this is an essential piece of kit for every batsman.

Arm Guard

These pieces of protective padding are placed from the middle of the forearm to past the elbow, which is why they’re also sometimes called elbow pads.

Like with thigh and chest guards, cricket players tend to only have one arm guard, which is placed on a bowler’s arm that faces the batsman.

In a real match scenario, this means that if you were facing a right-handed batsman, you would have your guard placed on your left arm (and vice versa).

Helmet

Where would a cricketer be without their trusty helmet? Virtually all batters and wicket keepers are required to wear them, after all!

As we’ve already mentioned a couple of times, cricket balls that are bowled at high speeds have some serious potential for causing injuries. This includes fractures to the skull if it makes contact.

So, not only do cricketers wear full-head helmets, but they will also have mouth/face guards attached to them, like those that you’ll see on NFL players.

A good cricket helmet will have a lot of the same features that we’ve talked about already, such as being comfortable to wear for long periods, allowing for good airflow, and, of course, great protection. A cricket helmet should fit on your head with little to no wiggle room, but not be too tight.

With such a vital piece of protective gear, make sure that you get your helmet from a trustworthy and reliable manufacturer. Kookaburro are arguably the most famous brand when it comes to dedicated cricket gear.

Cricket Bag

Last, but certainly not least, you’re going to need a good cricket bag to carry around all of your gear in!

Most cricket bags will have plenty of compartments for the different parts of your kit, as well as smaller pockets for other extras and accessories (your sunglasses, sun cream, grips, etc.). However, most of the space should be for your main equipment, such as your bat, pads, and uniform.

We've actually covered this topic in more detail in it's own guide. To give you the main points, a good bag will be tough, but light enough to carry with just one arm. Make sure to pick a cricket bag that you’ll be able to carry and transport on your own.

Honourable Mentions

While the last 10 items are definitely the most important equipment that you should have, they are by no means the only things you should be looking to add to your bag.

These are some extra cricket accessories that, while not immediately vital to your cricket kit, will be useful to have on-hand during the season.

Grip Tape

This is an essential little extra that you’ll want if you’re looking for a more secure handle on your cricket bat.

There are plenty of different brands and levels of grip that you can find in your tape of choice, so make sure to pick one that provides the traction you need, while also feeling comfortable and easy to hold.

Cricket Bat Oil

Cricket bat wood can dry and crack if it is left uncared for long enough. So, it’s essential to carry cricket bat oil on your regularly, so you can prevent this from happening.

(We’ve actually got a guide for taking care of your cricket bat here, if you’re looking for bat-care tips!)

Sunglasses/Eye Protection

Glare from the sun can be distracting for players at best, and potentially game-ruining, even dangerous at worst. This is why good sunglasses are considered an essential kit for most serious cricket players.

Not only will they protect your eyes from sunlight and UV rays, but you’ll also be able to scan the pitch and other players easier. Especially against those glaring whites!

Final Notes

So, as you can see, the list of essentials for cricket isn’t exactly short. This can feel like a lot of items to pick out, especially for a newcomer to the sport.

However, once you do have your whole kit together, you’ll be ready to handle anything on the pitch!

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