Quick answer: choose a junior cricket bat by your child's height, not their age. Use the chart below. If they fall between two sizes, pick the smaller, lighter bat: kids learn better technique with a bat they can control. Never buy a bat to "grow into".
Junior cricket bat size chart (by height)
| Bat size | Child's height | Typical age (guide only) |
|---|---|---|
| Size 0 | Under 120 cm | 4–5 years |
| Size 1 | 120–129 cm | 5–6 years |
| Size 2 | 129–137 cm | 6–7 years |
| Size 3 | 137–144 cm | 8–9 years |
| Size 4 | 144–150 cm | 9–10 years |
| Size 5 | 150–157 cm | 10–11 years |
| Size 6 | 157–163 cm | 11–13 years |
| Harrow | 163–168 cm | 12–14 years |
| Small Adult (SM / Academy) | 168–175 cm | 14+ years |
| Short Handle (SH, full size) | 175 cm and over | Adults |
Sizes vary slightly between brands, so treat the chart as a starting point.
How to check the size at home
- Measure height in bare feet, standing against a wall.
- Stand the bat next to your child, toe of the bat on the floor beside their foot. The top of the handle should sit just below the hip joint. If it reaches their waist or higher, the bat is too long.
- Do the one-hand test. Ask them to hold the bat by the handle in their top hand, arm straight out in front, for a few seconds. If the bat drops or wobbles, it's too heavy.
- Take a stance. In their batting stance the bat should rest comfortably next to their back foot, without them bending over or choking down the handle.
Between sizes? Go smaller
A bat that's too big or heavy pulls kids into bad habits: a slow backlift, dropping the shoulder and swinging across the line. A lighter bat lets them play straight, react quickly and enjoy batting. They'll have a better season with the right size now than with a bigger bat they "grow into".
Kashmir willow or English willow for a junior?
- Kashmir willow is harder, more durable and much cheaper. It's the best choice for beginners, backyard cricket and kids who are growing fast. Most young players are perfectly served by a Kashmir bat. Shop junior Kashmir willow bats
- English willow is lighter for its size and gives more "ping" off the middle, so it suits keen juniors playing club cricket with a hard ball. It needs knocking in and occasional oiling before use. Shop junior English willow bats
Popular junior bats at SJ Sports
- Gray-Nicolls Vapour Strike Junior Kashmir Willow: a great-value first bat, sizes 0–4.
- Kookaburra Kahuna Pro 9.0 Junior Kashmir Willow: a popular Kookaburra starter bat.
- Gray-Nicolls Nova 4.0 1200 English Willow Junior: a step up for club juniors.
- Gray-Nicolls Junior Cricket Set 2026: bat, gloves, leg guards, thigh guard, ball and bag in one box, in Junior Small, Junior and Youth.
Bigger kids: browse Harrow bats, Small Adult bats and Senior Short Handle bats.
Sizing the rest of the kit
| Item | How to measure | Junior guide |
|---|---|---|
| Batting gloves | Wrist crease to tip of middle finger | Small Junior about 16.5 cm, Junior about 17.5 cm, Youth about 19 cm |
| Helmet | Head circumference with a soft tape, just above the eyebrows | Junior Small 51–52 cm, Junior 53–54 cm, Youth 54–56 cm |
| Batting pads | Centre of kneecap to top of foot | Small Junior 30–32 cm, Junior 32–34 cm, Youth 34–37 cm |
Shop junior gloves, junior helmets, junior pads and cricket kits.
Frequently asked questions
What size cricket bat does an 8-year-old need?
Most 8-year-olds use a size 3 (for a height of about 137–144 cm). A smaller 8-year-old may need a size 2. Always check their height against the chart.
What size cricket bat for a 10-year-old?
Usually a size 4 or size 5, depending on height: size 4 for 144–150 cm, size 5 for 150–157 cm.
What size cricket bat for a 12-year-old?
Usually a size 6 (157–163 cm). Taller 12-year-olds may be ready for a Harrow (163–168 cm).
When should my child move to a Harrow or full-size bat?
Move to a Harrow at about 163 cm, a Small Adult at about 168 cm, and a full-size Short Handle at about 175 cm.
Should I buy a bigger bat so they can grow into it?
No. An oversized bat is heavier and longer, which makes good technique harder and can put kids off batting. Buy the size that fits now.
Can left-handed kids use any bat?
Yes, bats themselves aren't left- or right-handed. Starter kits like the Gray-Nicolls Junior Cricket Set are ambidextrous, so the gloves and pads suit both.
Still not sure? Try sizes in store
Bring your young cricketer to SJ Sports, 60 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba (Brisbane) and we'll help them find the right bat and gear. You can also call us on 0423 240 478.
