Cricket bats come in different sizes for obvious reasons. The most important factor while choosing a particular size is the age and height of the person using them. Choosing the right bat is very important for a young player’s growth. Similarly, a professional player should also choose an optimum bat according to his style and height.
The sizes available in a cricket bat are size 0 to 6 for junior players. While for seniors and professional players bats categorized as Harrow, Small Men, Short Handle, and Long Handle are available. A brief description of these is given below.
For Juniors
- Size 0 - These are the smallest size of bats and are suitable for the kids of age four and below. The suitable height of the player for these bats is under four feet.
- Size 1 - These bats are for kids aged 4-5 years. The corresponding height is 4’ to 4’3”.
- Size 2 - Ideal for beginners aged 6-7 years having the height of 4’4” o 4’6”.
- Size 3 - Suited for kids of around 8 years and the height of 4’6” to 4’9”.
- Size 4 - For the kids having the height of 4’9” to 4’11” aged 9-10 years old.
- Size 5 - Fit for 10-11-year-old players having corresponding height of 4’11” to 5’2”.
- Size 6 - These are maximum size in the junior range and is suitable for kids having a height of 5’2” to 5’4”. This usually corresponds to 12-13 years of age.
For Seniors
- Harrow - In the senior range the Harrow is designed for players having a height of 5’4” to 5’8”. In certain regions of the world, this corresponds with the age of 13-15 years. After this size several other sizes optimized for adults are available.
- Small Men - These bats are perfect for adult players of short stature. They are usually perfect for players having a height of 5’7” and 5’9”.
- Short Handle - Any teen or adult player can use them provided his height ranges between 5’5” and 6’. This is the usual size used by senior-level cricketers.
- Large Handle - This size is not very popular as only players over the height of 6’ should use them. The only difference between short handle and long handle type is that the size of the handle is an inch larger in large handle type. The length of the blade says the same.
It should be remembered that the age indication stated against a bat size is indicative and it is very common for the kids to have a height different than mentioned in front of the bat size. The important indicator here is the height so that should be taken care of while buying a cricket bat.
There is another way also to check if a particular size of bat fits you. Have the player stand upright while having their hands straight in the side. Now place the bat along the leg of the person and check whether this bat reaches till the wrist of the person. If it doesn’t you should get a larger size.
Now, this should give you an idea of how to choose the right cricket bat for yourself.