Many of us can still remember the thrill of receiving our first cricket set. There’s nothing quite like heading out into the garden or a local park to have a go at batting and bowling. As one of the most popular sports in the world, cricket continues to retain its popularity and plenty of people are still looking to buy new cricket sets each year.

There are lots of options available to you, as you’ll know if you’ve looked to buy such a set. It’s vital that you choose something that’s well suited to both your budget and your cricketing abilities. It’s great if you can manage to buy something that contains all that you need and that is available at a reasonable price. Let’s take a look at what you might look for in a set.

Many people buy sets for children, in which case getting equipment that is all the right size will be vital. There’s no point asking kids to play with adult kit. Firstly, they’ll find it very frustrating. Secondly, they may well injure themselves if playing with a heavy bat and ball. Far better to look for lightweight options that will allow them to get a feel for the game without harming themselves.

Most adults will obviously want a full-size set, to include a bat, ball, stumps and also bails. You may not know that cricket bats come in varying sizes. Some people prefer heavier bats, feeling that they allow for big hitting, but you should look for a bat that you’ll be happy to use. Always try holding the bat before making a purchase and ensure that it feels solid. You don’t want it to fall apart in your hands as you play.

Those who are especially serious about cricket will probably want a set that includes almost everything. The essentials will include a bat, ball, stumps and bails. It’s important that you remember pads too, particularly if you’ll be playing competitive matches. Some people forget to buy good quality cricket gloves, but you should remember that these will be critical to keeping your hands protected and to allowing your to play freely.