The Golden Rule Before You Buy Anything
Don't buy gear before your child has played cricket. Many Perth parents spend $400–$600 on equipment before the first game, only to discover their child prefers swimming. Start with the minimum, see if they love it, then invest properly.
Most clubs — especially PSCA community clubs — can lend helmets and pads to new players for the first few weeks. Ask your club secretary before buying anything.
What Gear Does Your Child Actually Need?
Select your child's age group for a personalised gear breakdown.
Young Junior (U8–U11) — Gear Checklist
Total: $350–$605Kashmir willow is fine. Go to Meulemans to get the right size — a bat that's too heavy will ruin technique.
Fit matters more than brand. Must protect knee roll and shin properly.
Check handed — right or left. Most kids are right-handed batters.
Buy new. Shrey Classic Junior or Kookaburra Pro 600. Never buy secondhand.
Hard box for boys. Often forgotten until someone gets hurt.
Rubber sole fine at this age. Breathable and comfortable.
Basic duffle is fine. Kids this age don't need a wheelie bag.
⚠️ Always Buy These New
A helmet that has absorbed an impact may look fine but be structurally compromised. You cannot see internal damage. This is not a place to save money — a new certified junior helmet starts at around $95 at Meulemans. Similarly, always buy a new box/abdominal guard for hygiene.
The Bat — Getting This Right Matters Most
The bat is the single most important piece of cricket equipment and the one parents most commonly get wrong. The two most common mistakes: buying too heavy, and buying the wrong size.
Junior Bat Size Guide
Kashmir Willow vs English Willow — Which to Buy?
Kashmir Willow
Best for: U8–U12 players, beginners, anyone not sure if they'll stick with cricket.
English Willow
Best for: U12+ players who are committed, playing turf cricket, or at WACA Premier level.
Perth Tip: Get Fitted at Meulemans
Meulemans Cricket Centre (South Perth and Joondalup) has staff who have played the game professionally. They will pick the right bat weight and size for your child in minutes. A bat that's too heavy is the single biggest cause of poor technique in young players. It's worth the trip even if you end up buying online — knowing the right size and weight saves you from an expensive mistake.
The Helmet — Safety First, No Exceptions
Cricket helmets in Australia must comply with the AS/NZS 4499 standard. This is not optional — clubs will not allow a child to bat or keep wicket without a certified helmet. Here's what to look for and what Perth families are paying.
Shrey Classic 2.0 Junior
Best value certified junior helmet in Perth. Available at Meulemans. Great for U8–U14.
Kookaburra Pro 600
Excellent fit and ventilation. Available at Rebel Sport and Meulemans. Popular choice for U12+.
Masuri T-Line Junior
Used by professional and state-level juniors. Superior ventilation and fit. Worth it for U15+ serious players.
Helmet Safety Rules — Non-Negotiable
- • Always buy a helmet new — never secondhand
- • Replace after any significant impact, even if no visible damage
- • Replace every 3–4 years regardless of condition
- • Check for the AS/NZS 4499 certification sticker inside the helmet
- • The helmet must fit snugly — if it moves, it's too big
Perth-Specific: Sun Protection Is Not Optional
Cricket in Perth means playing outside for 3–6 hours at a stretch during the hottest months of the year (October–March). UV levels in Perth are extreme — often rated 11+ (Extreme) during summer match days. This is something mainland-focused cricket guides consistently miss. For Perth families, sun protection is as important as any piece of cricket gear.
Essential Sun Protection Gear
Perth Summer Cricket — The Reality
Perth cricket runs October through March. During this period, UV Index regularly hits 11+ (Extreme) and temperatures regularly exceed 30°C on game day. Players can spend 4–6 hours exposed during a full day's match — fielding, waiting to bat, and playing.
The Cancer Council of Western Australia recommends five sun protection measures whenever UV is 3 or above: slip, slop, slap, seek, slide. At Perth summer UV levels, all five apply for the entire match day.
Sun protection budget per season:
$50–$80
Hat + sunscreen + zinc + water bottle
Where to Buy Cricket Gear in Perth
Meulemans Cricket Centre
Best for advice & batsAustralia's oldest cricket retailer, established 1963. Staff are experienced cricketers who will size your child's bat properly and give honest advice. Best range of English willow junior bats in Perth. Worth the visit even if you buy cheaper elsewhere — the knowledge is free.
Rebel Sport
Best for value & convenienceGood for entry-level gear, cricket shoes, and clothing. Kookaburra and Gray-Nicolls junior kits from ~$150 including bat, pads and gloves. End-of-season sales (March–April) worth timing for significant discounts. Less specialist knowledge but convenient.
Interslate Gartell
Best for protective gearPerth-based specialist with strong relationships with Perth cricket clubs. Good for protective gear and club uniform orders. Worth checking for bulk family purchases.
AKS Sports
Best for kit bundlesCompetitive pricing on junior kits and bundles. Worth comparing prices for full starter kits before buying.
Facebook Marketplace / Gumtree Perth
Best for savingsJunior cricket gear appears constantly. Full kits (bat, pads, gloves, bag) for $80–$150 are common. Families whose kids have outgrown gear are motivated sellers. This is where savvy Perth cricket parents save hundreds every season.
New vs Secondhand — The Simple Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum gear my child needs to start cricket in Perth?
For Woolworths Blast (U6–U8), the club usually supplies everything — just bring a hat, sunscreen, and water bottle. For competitive junior cricket (U10+), you need: bat, pads, gloves, and a certified helmet. The club will usually have spare gear for new players in the first few weeks. Ask before buying.
What size bat does my child need?
Bat size is based on height, not age. As a guide: U8–U10 typically use Size 4–5, U10–U12 use Size 5–6, U12–U14 use Size 6 or Harrow. The best approach is to visit Meulemans in South Perth or Joondalup and have staff size your child correctly. A bat that's too heavy will ruin technique.
Is it OK to buy a secondhand bat?
Yes, with one check: inspect the bat face and edges for cracks. Press along the face — if the wood feels soft or spongy in patches, the bat has been poorly maintained and may not perform well. Surface scuffs and minor marks are completely normal and don't affect performance.
Do Perth cricket clubs require specific uniform colours or brands?
Most Perth junior clubs require standard white cricket clothing. However, many clubs also require a club-specific polo or playing shirt which must be purchased through the club. Always ask your club what uniform is mandatory before buying generic whites.
What's the best cricket gear shop in Perth?
For specialist advice and the best bat selection, Meulemans Cricket Centre (South Perth and Joondalup) is the clear choice — they've been serving Perth cricket since 1963 and staff genuinely know the game. For convenience and entry-level gear, Rebel Sport across multiple Perth locations works well for basics.
Now Find Your Club
Before you buy anything, find your club — they may have loaner gear and will tell you exactly what uniform they require.