Cricket Batting Pads Guide NZ: Size, Fit and Protection
The right cricket batting pads cover the knee and shin without colliding as you run, slipping during a shot or interfering with your shoes. Start by measuring from the centre of the kneecap to the instep, then choose the correct batting hand and test the pads in a batting stance. Construction and price matter only after fit. This guide explains the checks for New Zealand junior and adult hardball players before comparing the current cricket pad range.
Batting-pad choice in one table
| Decision | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Kneecap-to-instep measurement, followed by a physical stance and movement check | Age or height alone can put two players with different leg proportions into the same nominal size |
| Batting hand | Right-handed, left-handed or explicitly ambidextrous labelling | Handed pads may place side protection and shaping differently |
| Construction | Traditional cane/cotton, foam or moulded design, plus the actual weight and profile | Bulk, wrap, flexibility and feel vary; there is no useful answer based on price alone |
| Fastening | Strap length, grip and comfort behind the calf and knee | The pad needs to remain correctly positioned without excessive tightening |
| Use | Batting pad rather than wicketkeeping pad; junior or adult hardball format | The two pad types are shaped for different roles and movement patterns |
How to measure for cricket batting pads
Use a flexible tape in a straight line from the centre of the kneecap to the top of the foot where the tongue of the shoe sits. This is the method shown in New Zealand Cricket’s published cricket equipment size guide. Measure both legs if there is an obvious difference and use the larger result as the starting point.
- Wear the trousers and cricket shoes normally used for play.
- Stand naturally with the knee visible through the fabric or mark its centre.
- Measure from that point to the instep in centimetres, without following the curve of the leg.
- Use the gloves and batting-pads size calculator to identify a starting category.
- Check the exact manufacturer or product guidance, because Junior, Youth and Adult labels are not perfectly interchangeable between models.
A measurement narrows the choice; it does not confirm fit by itself. Players near the edge of a size band should compare the adjacent size and keep the one that positions the knee correctly without creating excess length at the foot.
How properly fitting pads should feel
Centre the knee in the knee roll
Put both pads on, fasten them evenly and move into a normal batting stance. The centre of the knee should sit around the centre of the knee roll when the leg is bent. If the knee sits above the roll, the pad is likely too short; if it drops well below, the pad may be too long.
Check walking, running and shot movement
Walk, jog, take a forward stride and move laterally. The pad should not rotate, fall towards the ankle or repeatedly strike the other pad at the top. It should not push into the shoe or stop the ankle moving normally. Two pads touching occasionally is not automatically a fault, but repeated collision that changes the stride usually points to size, shape or strap adjustment.
Adjust straps without using them to fix the wrong size
Straps should hold the pad in place without digging into the back of the knee or calf. Over-tightening can make a poor size appear stable while creating discomfort. Check that hook-and-loop fasteners close securely and do not hang loose where they can catch.
Right-handed and left-handed batting pads
Do not assume every pair is reversible. Some pads are shaped or reinforced for a particular batting hand, while others are sold as ambidextrous. Follow the variant label on the exact product. The store maintains separate collections for right-handed batting pads and left-handed batting pads, but the selected variant remains the final check.
The live SG Club batting legguards illustrate why variant checking matters: Small Junior Right Handed, Junior Right Handed and Adult Left Handed variants were available when verified. The unavailable Adult Right Handed variant should not be inferred from the product title.
Traditional or lightweight pads?
Traditional cane and filled construction
Traditional-style pads use vertical protection, a shaped knee area and padded sections around the leg. Players may prefer their familiar structure and coverage, but should check overall bulk, strap comfort and how the pad wraps their leg. The currently available Adult Right Handed SG Super Club legguards, for example, list PVC facing, cotton-filled knee rolls, foam reinforcement, a wear-resistant instep and additional top-hat and side-wing protection.
Foam and moulded designs
Foam or moulded pads often aim for a closer profile and easier movement. That does not make every lightweight pad automatically better or more protective. Compare the construction described for the exact model, check its condition and fit, and decide whether its wrap and flexibility suit the player. The Adult SS Ton Player Edition pads list a moulded wrap-around design, PVC facing, foam bolsters and reinforced knee protection.
MCC’s Laws classify external leg guards as permitted protective equipment for a batter. They do not turn a marketing term such as “player edition”, “lightweight” or “professional” into a safety rating. Use verified construction and fit information rather than treating the product name as evidence.
Junior cricket pads: buy for the player now
Junior size should be based on the player’s measurement and movement, not age alone. A taller child may need Youth pads while a shorter older player may still fit Junior. Avoid buying a noticeably oversized pair for future growth: a knee that sits outside the knee roll and pads that collide during running are immediate fit problems.
When a child changes shoes, grows quickly or moves into a longer format, repeat the measurement. Also check their batting hand. A bat size recommendation does not determine pad size, because arm length, leg length and height do not change in identical proportions.
Common buying mistakes
- Choosing by age only: use kneecap-to-instep measurement and a movement check.
- Ignoring handedness: confirm the exact variant rather than relying on the product photo.
- Confusing wicketkeeping and batting pads: wicketkeeping pads are designed for a different role and should not be treated as a lighter substitute.
- Buying the most expensive pair automatically: construction, fit and mobility are more useful decision points than price or endorsement.
- Checking fit while standing still: include batting stance, running and forward-stride movements.
- Keeping damaged fastenings: inspect straps, padding, instep and outer shell before hardball sessions.
Care after training and matches
Wipe dirt and surface moisture off after use, open the straps and let the pads dry naturally in a ventilated place. Do not leave damp pads sealed in a kit bag. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and avoid soaking, machine washing or direct high heat unless the product guidance specifically permits it.
Before the next session, check for cracked outer material, badly compressed padding, torn straps, loose stitching or an instep that no longer sits correctly. Damage, poor fit or movement of the protective sections is a reason to stop and assess the pair rather than relying on its original price or age.
Frequently asked questions
Where should the knee sit in batting pads?
The kneecap should sit around the centre of the knee roll in a batting stance, not only when the leg is straight. Confirm this after the straps are fastened normally.
Can a right-handed batter wear left-handed pads?
Use the batting hand stated for the exact variant. Some models are ambidextrous, but handed models can be shaped differently. Do not assume a product photo proves interchangeability.
Are wicketkeeping pads suitable for batting?
They are designed for wicketkeeping movement and are not a substitute for batting leg guards. Choose pads intended for the player’s role.
How tight should batting-pad straps be?
They should prevent rotation and slipping without digging into the knee or calf. If very tight straps are needed to hold the pad in place, reassess its size and shape.
