Cricket Bat Sizes Explained: A Detailed Guide
Cricket equipment is tailored to meet the needs of players at different stages of their growth and skill development, starting with cricket bat sizes.
Understanding cricket bat sizes is important for all players, but essential for junior players, to ensure they have the best possible equipment for their height, build, and playing style.
Before we start, what are the different sizes of cricket bats available?
To find the best size cricket bat for you or your child, match the player's height to the appropriate bat size. For kids, sizes range from 1 (1.2m tall) to 6 (1.63m tall), and for adults, choose from SH, LH, or LB based on height (up to 2.1m). Consider bat length and weight for comfort and skill level.
In this blog, we'll explore the various cricket bat sizes and their dimensions, helping players choose the right bat for their game.
So as quickly as Mitchel Johnson used to bowl, let's delve straight in!
It is worth noting that the below are the universal sizes and ages, if your child is taller or shorter for their age then you can tailor a bat accordingly.
Size One Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.2m - 1.29m (3.93ft - 4.23ft) Bat Length: 64cm Weight Range: 1lb 7oz to 1lb 9oz
Ideal for young beginners, size one bat are designed for players who are just starting their cricket journey.
The shorter bat length and lighter weight make it easier for young players to control the bat and develop their batting skills. This size is typically suitable for children aged 4-5 years old.
Size Two Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.29m - 1.37m (4.23ft - 4.49ft) Bat Length: 68cm Weight Range: 1lb 9oz to 1lb 11oz
Size two bats are a step up from size one, offering a slightly longer and heavier bat for players who have grown a bit taller and stronger.
This size is often used by children aged 6-7 years old, allowing for a better range of motion and more power in their shots.
Size Three Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.37m - 1.44m (4.49ft - 4.72ft) Bat Length: 72cm Weight Range: 1lb 11oz to 1lb 13oz
As children continue to grow, size three bats provide a good balance between control and power.
This size is suitable for players aged 8-9 years old, who are developing a more refined batting technique and need a bat that can accommodate their increasing strength and skill.
Size Four Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.44m - 1.5m (4.72ft - 4.92ft) Bat Length: 76cm Weight Range: 1lb 13oz to 1lb 15oz
Size four bats are designed for players who are transitioning from junior softball cricket to hardball levels.
Typically used by players aged 9-10 years old, these bats offer a good blend of weight and length for young cricketers who are gaining confidence and capability on the field.
Size Five Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.5m - 1.57m (4.92ft - 5.15ft) Bat Length: 78cm Weight Range: 1lb 15oz to 2lb 1oz
Players aged 10-11 years old often use size five bats, which are designed for those who have outgrown size four but are not yet ready for full adult sizes.
The slightly increased weight and length of these bats help young players develop more power in their shots.
Size Six Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.57m - 1.63m (5.15ft - 5.34ft) Bat Length: 80cm Weight Range: 2lb 1oz to 2lb 3oz
Size six bats are suitable for players aged 11-13 years old, who are nearing the end of their junior cricket stages.
These bats offer a significant step up in terms of size and weight, preparing players for the transition to adult bats.
Harrow Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.63m - 1.68m (5.34ft - 5.51ft) Bat Length: 82.5cm Weight Range: 2lb 3oz to 2lb 5oz
The Harrow size is a bridge between junior and adult bats, ideal for players aged 12-14 years old.
This size provides a comfortable transition for young cricketers moving into the adult game, offering a bat that's suitable for their growing stature without being overly heavy or cumbersome.
When coming to Harrow bats the height of the batter is more important than the age. I have played with adult cricketers who still used Harrow cricket bats due to being on the smaller height side. Adults who require Harrow cricket bats usually opt for a custom-made cricket bat because the weight would be slightly heavier than what is advised for a traditional Harrow bat.
Small Adult (SA) Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.68m - 1.75m (5.51ft - 5.74ft) Bat Length: 83.5cm Weight Range: 2lb 5oz & Above
Small adult bats are designed for players who are beginning their adult cricket journey but may not yet be comfortable with the full size and weight of standard adult bats. This size is perfect for players who are still growing or prefer a slightly lighter bat.
Short Handle (SH) Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.68m - 1.88m (5.74ft - 6.16ft) Bat Length: 85cm Weight Range: 2lb 6oz & Above
The short-handle bat is the most common size for adult players. It's designed to suit a wide range of heights, making it a versatile choice for adult cricketers.
The balanced weight and length of SH bats make them suitable for a variety of playing styles.
Long Handle/Short Blade (LH/SB) Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.68m - 1.88m (5.74ft - 6.16ft) Bat Length: 85cm Weight Range: 2lb 6oz & Above
The long handle/short blade bats are tailored for players who prefer a longer handle for extra leverage but still want the control of a standard-sized blade.
This combination offers unique advantages in stroke play, especially for taller players.
Long Blade (LB) Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.88m - 2.1m (6.16ft - 6.88ft) Bat Length: 87cm Weight Range: 2lb 9oz & Above
Long-blade bats are designed for very tall players, providing a larger hitting area and extended reach.
These bats are ideal for players over 6 feet tall, allowing them to play a wide range of shots comfortably.
Long Handle (LH) Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.88m - 2.1m (6.16ft - 6.88ft) Bat Length: 87cm Weight Range: 2lb 9oz & Above
Long-handle bats offer an extended handle length for players who prefer this style. The additional handle length can provide greater leverage and power, making it a popular choice among taller players.
Long Handle/Long Blade (LH/LB) Cricket Bats
Height Range: 1.88m - 2.1m (6.16ft - 6.88ft) Bat Length: 89cm Weight Range: 2lb 9oz & Above
The long handle/long blade bats combine the benefits of both a long handle and a long blade, providing the ultimate solution for very tall players. This size maximizes reach and power, allowing players to dominate on the field.
The below cricket bat size chart explains all the details and target weights per bat. Please note, that this is the consensus for all bat makers and manufacturers, as with everything cricket bat's, its a personal choice.
There is another option.....
Short Blade, Longer Handle Cricket Bats
There is also a lesser know option and that is a custom made 'short blade - longer handle' cricket bat. The standard length of a short handle from the top of the handle to the bat toe is 85cms, with the handle length being 30cms and the blade being 55cms long.
However, at Trogon to reduce the weight even further for short-handle bats and still maintain lots of wood, we have started making bats with handles being 35cm long and blades being 50cm long, which is a perfect way to reduce weight even further. I have written about this in more detail in my post about cricket bat weight reduction.
Adult Preferences and Customisation in Cricket Bats
As cricketers progress to adulthood, the selection of a cricket bat becomes more nuanced and personalized. Adult players have the freedom to choose bats based not only on size but also on various customizable features that align with their playing style and preferences.
Key aspects of customization include the grade of the willow, weight, edge height, the position of the middles (low-middles and mid-high middle and high middles), and the sweet spot.
Willow Grade
The grade of willow is a crucial factor in the quality and performance of a cricket bat. Higher-grade willows, such as Grade 1 and Grade 2, are typically used for seasoned batters, offering superior performance with straight, even grains and minimal blemishes.
Lower grades, like Grade 3, provide good quality at a more affordable price point. The choice of willow grade affects the bat's overall feel, responsiveness, and durability.
Weight
The weight of a cricket bat is a highly personal choice and can significantly impact a player's comfort and performance at the crease.
Some players prefer a heavier bat for increased power, while others opt for a lighter bat for better manoeuvrability and speed. Customization allows players to select a weight that balances their power and control needs and that is why we offer all players a custom-made cricket bat to match their requirements.
Edge Height
Edge height refers to the thickness of the bat's edges. Bats with thicker edges tend to offer more power and a larger sweet spot, making them ideal for aggressive hitters, but there are some discussions if this is the case.
Position of the Middle
The position of the middle, or the sweet spot, is another critical aspect of bat customization. Bats with a higher middle are generally better suited for players who play on bouncier pitches or like to play off the back foot.
Lower middles are advantageous on slower pitches or for players who play more front-foot shots. Selecting the right middle position enhances a player's ability to execute their preferred shots effectively.
Sweet Spot
The sweet spot is the area of the bat where the player can achieve maximum power with minimal effort. Its size and position can vary based on the bat's design and the player's requirements.
A larger sweet spot is ideal for players who prefer a more forgiving bat, while a smaller sweet spot offers more precision for skilled batsmen.
In conclusion, cricket bat customization is a vital aspect of the game for adult players. By tailoring the grade, weight, edge height, position of the middle, and sweet spot, cricketers can significantly enhance their performance at the crease.
This level of personalization ensures that each player can have a bat that perfectly suits their style and needs.
Conclusion
With full customization options, we ensure that every batter's personal requirements are met. Our vast selection of Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 clefts of English willow offers unmatched quality and performance.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Trogon Cricket has a bat for you, with a price point to suit all budget requirements.
For all custom bat enquiries contact Len on Len@trogoncricket.com or WhatsApp +44 07539000063 and he will answer all your questions.