Choosing your child’s first cricket bat? You’re not alone. “What size cricket bat does my child need?” is one of the most common questions we hear from parents, especially when you’re just starting out in junior cricket or gearing up for backyard fun.
The right bat can make a huge difference to your child’s confidence, technique, and enjoyment of the game. Too heavy or too long, and it’s hard to control. Too light, and they won’t get the feel for good hitting.
Let’s take the guesswork out of it with this simple guide and easy-to-follow bat size chart.
Getting the size right isn’t about age—it’s about height, comfort, and control.
A bat that’s too big can mess with your child’s grip, posture and technique, which can lead to frustration (and sometimes a sore wrist). The goal is to find a bat they can comfortably swing and control, with enough reach to play shots—but without it dragging on the ground or feeling like a sledgehammer.
TIP: If your child can hold the bat upright and the toe (bottom) of the bat doesn’t scrape the ground, that’s a great start!
Here’s a quick reference to help you pick the right size based on your child’s height:
| Bat Size | Player Height (cm) |
|---|---|
| Size 0 | Under 120 cm |
| Size 1 | 120 – 129 cm |
| Size 2 | 129 – 137 cm |
| Size 3 | 137 – 144 cm |
| Size 4 | 144 – 150 cm |
| Size 5 | 150 – 157 cm |
| Size 6 | 157 – 163 cm |
| Harrow | 163 – 168 cm |
| Full Size | 168 cm and above |
Note: These sizes can vary a little between brands—but this is a solid starting point. Always check the specific bat dimensions when buying online.
Nope! It’s tempting to buy a size up, but it’s better to size for right now—not next season. An oversized bat can teach bad habits, and undo a lot of the good work they’re doing at training.
If your child is growing fast, go for a bat on the larger end of their current size range—but don’t jump sizes entirely.
Here’s a fast way to tell if the bat is the right size:
You can find junior bats at most major sporting retailers, but cricket-specialist stores (especially online ones) often give better detail about weight and size. And if you’re rural or regional—like many of us—you’ll likely be buying online anyway!
We will always recommend Keith Dudgeon Cricket Specialists. Give the guys a call if you have any questions, they are always incredibly helpful. Their KD Size 2 bats are great starter cricket bats.
Choosing the right cricket bat isn’t just a tick-box—it sets your child up to enjoy the game. When their gear fits properly, they’ll feel more confident, learn faster, and have way more fun.
So next time you’re tempted to grab the biggest bat on sale—stop and size up the right way. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
