

Enter the player’s height to find a practical starting size for a cricket bat. This calculator prioritises SG’s official height bands and the common Size 0–6, Harrow and Short Handle labels used by makers such as SS, DSC, MRF, BDM and SF. Height is more reliable than age alone, but the final choice should still feel controllable in the player’s stance and backlift.
Measure height without shoes, then choose centimetres or feet and inches.
| Starting size | Approximate player height | Where to browse |
|---|---|---|
| Size 0 | Under 122 cm | Junior bats |
| Size 1 | 122–129 cm | Junior bats |
| Size 2 | 130–136 cm | Junior bats |
| Size 3 | 137–144 cm | Junior bats |
| Size 4 | 145–151 cm | Junior bats |
| Size 5 | 152–159 cm | Junior bats |
| Size 6 | 160–164 cm | Junior bats |
| Harrow | 165–169 cm | Youth and Harrow bats |
| Short Handle (adult starting point) | 170 cm and taller | Senior bats |
Need protective gear as well? Use the cricket gloves and batting pads size calculator to check hand length, pad length and batting handedness.
Bat size labels usually progress from junior sizes through Size 6, Harrow and then adult Short Handle. Height is the best starting point, but it should not replace a comfort check. The player should be able to lift the bat, get into stance and play normal shots without the bat feeling awkward or pulling them out of position.
For younger players, browse junior and youth cricket bats. Adult players can browse senior cricket bats. Parents buying a full setup can also use the Junior Cricket Gear NZ Guide.
Use the player's actual height rather than age alone. Children of the same age can need different bat sizes, so enter the player's current height in the calculator and then check control and pickup.
Harrow is generally the next youth transition after Size 6 and before adult Short Handle. A player close to the boundary should compare both sizes and choose the one they can control comfortably.
Short Handle is the normal adult starting point, but height alone is not enough. The player should also be strong enough to control the bat through their normal shots without changing technique.
Yes. Correct length is only the first step. Two bats in the same size can have different scale weights and pickup. Use the size result first, then compare pickup, profile and weight. See the English Willow Cricket Bat Guide for more detail.
Shopping by budget? Compare Cricket Bats Under $500 and Adult Cricket Bats Under $1,000.
The junior height bands follow the official SG bat size guide, from Size 0 through Harrow, with Short Handle as the usual adult starting point. SS, DSC, MRF, BDM and SF use many of the same size labels, but exact bat weight and profile can vary by model. You can also check the official DSC size guide. For more help with pickup, willow and preparation, read our Best Cricket Bats NZ Guide and English Willow Cricket Bat Guide.
This calculator is free to use for players, parents, coaches, schools and cricket clubs. If it helps your players choose equipment more confidently, you are welcome to share or link to this page from your club, school or coaching resources.
Buying for several players? See our Cricket Club & Team Orders NZ page for team-order information and all sizing tools in one place.
The SS Gladiator English Willow Cricket Bat – Short Handle is a premium player-level bat made for serious cricketers seeking powerful rebound, a broad hitting area and a modern, well-balanced profile. The current SS Gladiator uses refined Player Grade+ English Willow, selected to deliver high-level performance with the natural feel and response expected from premium English willow.
SS specifies Player Grade+ willow for the current Gladiator. The willow is air-dried to support durability and playing performance, with naturally occurring straight grain structure. As every English willow cleft is unique, grain count, colour, weight and cosmetic appearance will vary between individual bats.
The Gladiator is suited to experienced senior players who want a high-end English willow bat with a powerful modern profile. It is a strong option for attacking batters, all-round stroke makers and players who value a large hitting area without giving up control through the pickup.
This NZ Cricket Store listing is for the adult Short Handle size.
English willow is a natural material and should be correctly prepared before hard-ball use. Unless your individual bat has already been professionally prepared, appropriate oiling and knocking-in are recommended before facing a new leather cricket ball. A protective facing can also help reduce surface wear.
1 × SS Gladiator English Willow Cricket Bat – Short Handle
1 × Premium SS protective bat cover
What grade of willow is used?
SS currently describes the Gladiator as Player Grade+ English Willow.
Is this the adult bat?
Yes. This listing is specifically for Short Handle.
Will my bat look exactly like the photos?
Not exactly. English willow is natural, so grain pattern, colour and minor cosmetic characteristics vary from bat to bat.
Does it need knocking in?
Unless the individual bat has already been professionally prepared, English willow should be properly knocked in before hard-ball use.