PRODUCT ADVICE

Cricket Bats



At the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre, we know purchasing a new cricket bat can be an exciting, but sometimes daunting task. That's why we're happy to assist you in any way we can to select and prepare your new cricket bat!

Arguably the most exciting piece of cricket equipment you can buy yourself; here's your guide to selecting that perfect piece of willow.

1. Bat Size - Get It Right From the Start

This is fundamental. Junior bat sizes range from 00 (smallest) to SA (Small Adults)
Size 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Youth/Harrow, Small Adults

For juniors who might be just about to start their cricketing journey, the bat should reach your hip bone comfortably when standing upright with the bat resting on the ground.

Senior size bats are usual:
Short Blade (SB), Short Handle (SH) , Long Blade (LB) 

The most common adults size bat is the Short Handle, which suits the vast majority of players. Long Blade bats are available for taller players (typically over 193cm) who prefer a longer hitting area. Short Blades can be perfect for those with a slighter build, this could be an adolescent moving into their first senior bat, or a female cricketer

Always check the manufacturer's size chart and where possible, get a fitting from one of our GCCC Kit Crew – a bat that's too long or too short will throw off your balance and timing.

SIZE GUIDE

2. Bat Weight
This is highly personal.
For Junior bats, the manufacturing will always try to make these as lightweight as they can for the kids.
For Senior cricket bats, they typically range from 2lb 7oz to 3lb+.

Too Heavy: A bat that's too heavy will slow your bat speed, make it difficult to adjust to quick deliveries, and lead to fatigue.

Too Light: A bat that's too light might feel whippy, but it can lack power and sometimes lead to a loss of control if you over-swing.

The "Pick-Up" Test: This is more important than the actual static weight on a scale. Hold the bat by the handle and extend it in front of you. Does it feel balanced? Does it feel lighter than its actual weight? This "pick-up" is critical for comfortable manoeuvring and quick hand-eye coordination. A well-balanced heavier bat can often feel lighter on the pick-up than a poorly balanced lighter bat.

3. Sweet Spot Position 
Tailor your sweet spot to your style of play - usually cricket bats will be marked as having a low, mid, or high sweet spot.
Here's a breakdown below:

Low Sweet Spot: Favoured by front-foot players, typically those playing on flatter, slower pitches (less common here, but good for driving).

Mid Sweet Spot: The most common and versatile profile, suitable for all-round players and a good choice for the variety of pitches we encounter.

High Sweet Spot: Preferred by back-foot players, or those playing on bouncier pitches (like some fast wickets). Good for cutting and pulling.

PROFILES

4. English vs Kashmir Willow
This is a BIG one!
So what's the difference?

English Willow: This is the gold standard for cricket bats due to its superior performance, lightness, and responsiveness. It's renowned for its fantastic "ping" (the sound and feel of the ball coming off the bat).

English Willow is typcially graded (Grade 1 being the highest, then 2, 3, etc.). Higher grades typically have more unblemished grains, better performance, and a higher price tag. But Don't be afraid of a few blemishes or a slightly lower grade if the bat feels good – sometimes a Grade 3 bat can outperform a Grade 1!

Kashmir Willow: This is a more affordable and durable alternative. However, it's typically heavier and doesn't offer the same "ping" or feel as English willow.
Kashmir willow is ideal for casual play, beginners, or those on a tighter budget. For serious match play, especially at higher levels, English willow is highly recommended.

Still not sure? Don't Be Afraid to Ask!
Our staff at the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre are very knowledgeable and can offer tailored advice.

Remember, once you buy your new English willow bat, it will need knocking in before use. 
You can check out our range of GCCC Exclusive Knock in Services here - 

Or if you want to give it a crack yourself - check out our DIY Knock In Guide

May your new blade be filled with runs and boundaries!

If you require further expert advice and assistance in hand-selecting your new bat please call us on 1800 469 928 or email us on enquire@cricketcentre.com.au our cricketing experts will be happy to help!

Cricket Batting Gloves Explained

Choosing the right cricket batting gloves is crucial for both performance and protection. The Greg Chappell Cricket Centre Kit Crew have listed out some advice below to help you make an informed decision on your purchase!

Important considerations when purchasing the right pair of batting gloves:

Left or Right Handed 
Size 
Cost 
Style 
Brand 

Left or Right Handed
Easy, do you play left or right handed? Don’t make the mistake of getting the wrong gloves. They are labelled RH or LH normally with the initial of the size before the particular style of batsman that you are. Eg: ARH = Adults Right Hand.

Size
The sizing is the most important part when purchasing a pair of batting gloves. The sizes that are available are Oversize Adult (Large), Adult (Medium), Small Adults (Small), Youth, Junior. Small Junior, XS Junior.
In recent years brands have also added "Slim Fit" or "Narrow Fit" gloves to the range. These are usual a smaller adults sizing with narrow fit - ideal for slender hands!


If you are able to try the glove on then there are some key indicators to tell you if you the glove is too big or small:

If there is material over hang in the palm then the glove is too big, this will become uncomfortable with use. 
If the fingers are more then 1 cm from the tip of the glove then it is another sign that the gloves are too big. If the fingers can touch the tip and it is uncomfortable then look to going for the next size up if possible. 
If you cannot try on the glove then the best way to work out what size you are is to match your age with the size: 
OS Adults – Large Hands generally people over 6ft 
Adults – Generally 16 years and above 
Small Adults = Women and older adolescence
Slim/Narrow Fit = Women and older adolescence
Youths – Ages of 12-15 years 
Junior - Ages 10-11 years 
Small Junior – Ages 8-9 years
XS Junior - Ages 5-7 years
XXS Junior - Ages 2-5 years

The GCCC has also put together a generalised size chart based on the average glove length across several of the brands. 
Please note: this is a guide only and there may be some slight variations between brands. Check the brand specific size charts on your product listing where available.

Cost
The cost of gloves varies of course with the quality of glove that you wish to use. 

The best gloves are made from the highest quality Pittards leather or Premium supple Sheepskin. They are excellent in absorbing perspiration, are extremely comfortable and durable. These gloves sometimes have soft back fill and have high impact pro guards inserted in the makeup of the glove for added reinforcement protection. 

The second tier of batting glove has a calf skin palm as the leather used. The gloves are generally made with plastizote filling and are often pre curved for comfort and flexibility. 

The entry point in batting glove is made for the player who wants a glove that will simply ‘do the job’. The gloves have suede leather which is cool and absorbs sweat through. These gloves also typically have a cotton or vegan leather palm. The gloves generally have a one piece PVC cover guard on the individual fingers. These gloves are made with all ages and sizes in mind. 



Style:

Sausage Finger
  

Split Finger - Diagonal/Split Splits or 'V' Splits





There are two different styles of batting gloves that combine with other variables to make a difference that is visible and noticeable when you use the product. Some gloves have splits in the finer rolls for flexibility, and the others are sausage rolled fingers.

The two styles are different in feel and have contrasting comfort ability.
The flexibility in the sausage fingers gloves is generally not as good as the split fingered batting gloves but is commonly known to have greater protection, but with the added guards that are placed in all batting gloves at the top end both gloves are excellent in quality and protection. It is up to the individual and the preference that feels most comfortable. 

Brand
All brands cover price points that relate to the quality of the product extremely well. The way in which you chose which glove to purchase may well be based on the brand, but it should not take away from the most important aspect when buying a glove and that is to make sure that the glove you choose has the comfort and quality that suits the type of player that you are.

By considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect pair of batting gloves. 

Got more questions? Don't hesitate to reach out, we're here to help!
enquire@cricketcentre.com.au  or 1800 469 928

Cricket Batting Pads Explained:

There are many different types of batting pads available to cricketers and it’s very important to choose the ones to suit your game. There are reasons why the price, look, and shape of leg guards differ. The guide below should assist you in your purchase.

First steps
1. Selecting the correct size pads is VERY IMPORTANT. The Greg Chappell Cricket Centre staff will assist you on selecting the correct size. 
2. Try on as many different pads at the price point you wish to spend.

Batting Pad Sizes
The sizes that are available are: Oversize Adults (Large), Adults (Medium), Small Adults (Small), Youth, Junior, Small Junior, XS Junior, XXS Junior.
The best guide for leg guard sizes is to ensure your knee is lined up right in the middle of the knee roll and that the top of the pads are not getting in the way of your hands when you are in your batting stance. 
Never choose bigger pads to grow into. The batting pads will get in the way and become a burden when running and playing strokes. They are also less effective in providing protection as the padding is situated in the wrong places due to incorrect size. 

Batting Pad Designs
Each Cricket Equipment Company has their own designs, shapes, and theories on the best leg guards available. 
The best batting pads for you are the ones that are the most comfortable, do not impede movement, and are the price you want to spend. 
The designs generally differ by quality of material, colour, shape, and added benefits like padding around the buckles. 
Generally the more expensive pads provide lighter more advanced protection, allowing you the flexibility when running and playing stokes. 

Batting Pad Materials 
All batting pads are faced with a variety of P.U (Polyurethane) and PVC materials which are hard wearing, light synthetic coverings, easily maintained with wipe clean care. 
The interior is a mixture of cane, cotton, and some offer carbon reinforcement for extra protection. 
There are generally two styles when it comes to the main area at the front of the pad. One is where the cane is right at the front, covered in P.U, and the other has mostly foam covered in P.U. Both of these styles will then have the reverse material on the inside near the leg. 
The pair of pads that are best suited to your game will be purchased using a mixture of ideas. The level of protection and the price you wish to spend. The best protection for your legs is definitely available in the higher models. 
The best information on each pair of pads is listed throughout the Cricket Centre catalogue and website. 

Batting Pad Care
A few simple steps after each innings can prolong the life and effectiveness of your batting pads.
Straight after batting, always leave your batting pads in a shady area to dry with the straps open. Never in the sun and never in your bag. The sun will cause the padding at the back to dry out and harden, your bag will keep the padded area moist this leads to wear and smell. This includes after each net session! 
A tip for when you first buy your batting pads. Leave them in your bag with the straps done up, however pull the straps as tight as possible. This will get the pads used to the shape of your leg quicker.

Cricket Helmets

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Cricket Helmet

Cricket is a game of skill, passion, and sometimes, incredibly fast projectiles. While the thrill of facing pace or stepping out to spin is undeniable, protecting your most valuable asset – your head – is non-negotiable. A cricket helmet isn't just a piece of equipment; it's your first line of defence against serious injury.

If you're a cricketer in Australia, whether an aspiring junior or a seasoned veteran, understanding what to look for in a helmet is crucial. And when it comes to finding the perfect fit and ultimate protection, there's no better place than the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre.

Why a Cricket Helmet is Non-Negotiable

Let's be clear: wearing a helmet when batting, wicket-keeping up to the stumps, or fielding in close proximity is paramount. Modern cricket balls can reach speeds well over 140 km/h (87 mph), and even a slower delivery can cause significant damage. Concussions, facial fractures, and other serious injuries are a real risk without proper head protection.

Investing in a good quality, well-fitting helmet isn't just about safety; it's about confidence. Knowing you're protected allows you to focus on your game, not on fear.

Key Factors When Choosing Your Cricket Helmet

So, what should you look for when you're ready to invest in a new helmet?

Safety Standards (Crucial!): This is the absolute priority. In Australia, look for helmets that comply with British Standard BS7928:2013 (the most widely accepted international standard for cricket helmets). Many modern helmets also integrate the newer BS7928:2013+A1:2019 standard or equivalent. Always check the helmet's labelling or product description to ensure it meets current safety requirements. Don't compromise on this!

Fit and Comfort: A helmet that doesn't fit properly offers compromised protection. It should be snug but not uncomfortably tight.

Snug Fit: It should not move around on your head when you shake it.

Chin Strap: The chin strap should be adjustable and comfortable, keeping the helmet securely in place.

Padding: Look for comfortable internal padding that can often be adjusted for a custom fit. Many helmets come with interchangeable pads.

Visibility: The grille (faceguard) is designed to protect your face without obstructing your vision.

Grille Type: Most helmets come with a fixed steel grille. Some higher-end models use titanium for lighter weight.

Field of Vision: Ensure the gaps in the grille are small enough to prevent a ball from passing through, but large enough to provide an unobstructed view of the ball and the field.

Weight: A lighter helmet can reduce neck strain over long periods at the crease. However, never sacrifice safety for a lighter weight – ensure it still meets safety standards. Titanium grilles can significantly reduce weight.

Shopping for Your Helmet at the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre

This is where the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre truly shines. Why? Because choosing a helmet is best done in person, with expert assistance. If you cant get into a store, don't stress! Our Online Team can help you with a virtual fit and offer advice via any communication channel you choose!

Visit your nearest Greg Chappell Cricket Centre today and get fitted for the ultimate protection!

GCCC size guide for cricket helmets