For a lot of us adult cricketers, and even professional cricketers, some of the earliest memories of playing date back to days in the garden hitting a ball around, perfecting our bowling technique, or just having a laugh pretending to be our favourite professionals.
Back in the day, a “cricket set” may have been more along the lines of an old discarded crate for the wickets and a tennis ball with some tape around it. Fortunately, these days, you can get some equipment that is much better for the task.
There’s no need to panic about the cost either, as some of the best garden cricket sets are available for a very affordable price tag.
Considerations For Buying a Garden Cricket Set
Before diving into some options for a great garden cricket set, we’re going to discuss some of the considerations, and how you will find your cricket set.
The first thing to consider is the type of cricket you will be playing (or your kids will be playing) in the garden. There are many variations, with a lot of people preferring to opt for a “kwik cricket set” or even play French cricket, which is a very different game. Kwik cricket (also sometimes called quick cricket) refers to an inclusive and flexible form of the game we love.
“Kwik Cricket is a fully inclusive game where the emphasis is on participation and enjoyment. Each Kwik Cricket team has 8 players (Four pairs who bat for two overs each) and bats for 8 overs. Everyone in the team gets the opportunity to bat, bowl, wicket-keep and field making it a vibrant and exciting game.” – Cricket Scotland
Any number of people can play, from 2 to 32. You can adapt the rules and teams accordingly.
If you want to play the standard type of cricket we know and love, not a modified game for kids, you will need to ensure that you have the equipment to do so, including a way to mark out the non-striker’s end.
Other considerations for a garden cricket set include:
- Damage to the lawn. This is a big one. You might spend a lot of time and effort getting your lawn perfected, and you don’t want to hammer some stumps into it. A base is a way to avoid this.
- Cost. We understand you probably don’t want to spend a lot, especially if you are buying for the children and aren’t sure if they are going to stick with the hobby.
- Durability. You will want something that can withstand the elements and provide you with a rugged set for years to come. Plastic may well be a better option than cheap types of wood.
- Portability. Your set can be portable so you can take it to the beach, to the park, or anywhere else where you can set up for a game of cricket.
Best Garden Cricket Sets
Time to explore a couple of top options for garden cricket sets.
The Plastic Cricket Set – Garden Cricket Set
The plastic set by Village Cricket Co. can be played just about anywhere. It’s perfect for the garden (it even has a plastic base for the stumps so you won’t mess up your grass) but it is also a great option to take out and about with you as it has a convenient bag.
We’ve opted for a hard-wearing plastic design as it is likely to last far longer than some of the cheaper types of wood that some of the more affordable cricket sets opt for, and if you get it wet in the rain it shouldn’t get damaged (wood often will).
The sizing has been designed to be good for both kids and for adults, so it is perfect for a family game of kwik cricket in the garden. There are two balls and a specific wind ball for more challenging bowling.
It’s affordable, and provides all you need to set up for a game of cricket, and see if you spark some interest in the sport from your children (or just have some fun with your mates).
When you buy the set, you receive:
- Plastic bat, 3 stumps, 1 stump base, 2 bails and a plastic ball
- Lightweight size 5 plastic bat
- Carry bag
There’s even a 12-month warranty as we’re so confident in the quality and durability of the product.
Ben Stokes GM Diamond Cricket Set
Ben Stokes GM Diamond cricket set is another decent option, especially for junior players. Keep in mind that it is not recommended to use this if you are taller than 144cm which rules the majority of adults out.
However, if you want a kids cricket set for the garden then this could be the option for you. Especially if you don’t mind that you will need to push the stumps into your precious grass.
The bat itself is size 3 and though it is made out of a composite wood rather than any sort of willow, it is quite durable, though we don’t recommend getting it wet.
There’s a handy carry bag and it comes with a softer tennis ball to use, though there is no spare so you might want to stock up on tennis balls.
This model also comes with a 12-month warranty from the manufacturers. GM make some very good cricket gear and while this is very much an amateur product for kids, it can be a decent starting point to get your little ones into the sport.
Summary – The Best Garden Cricket Sets
You actually have a fair bit of choice when it comes to getting the ideal garden cricket set, do you go for wood or plastic? What size bat should you buy? Ultimately, the choices should be based on whether you want it to be portable, and who will be using it (is this for kids or for friends at a BBQ?) Both of the sets on this list are very different but they provide some good options.