Premium Willow, Mid Sweet Spot: the Ghost Pro 1.1 Players Select in Small Adult
Overview
The Kookaburra Ghost junior cricket bat in Pro 1.1 Players Select grade is a premium Grade 1 English willow bat. This Small Adult size suits players about 170cm to 174cm tall. It has a mid sweet spot and a traditional Ghost shape.
Ghost is the Kookaburra range used by Marnus Labuschagne. Kookaburra describe this junior bat as premium performance for aspiring young players. The mid sweet spot suits powerful stroke play all round the wicket, especially driving off the front foot.
Small Adult is the largest junior size. It suits older juniors who are close to adult height but not yet ready for a Short Handle. Buy it this autumn and there is plenty of time to prepare it before the April start.
Features
- Premium Grade 1 English willow: visually very close to the Pro Players Edition, at a lower price.
- Unbleached willow: the natural colour of the wood is left on show.
- Ghost shape: the range used by Marnus Labuschagne, with a traditional profile.
- Mid sweet spot: rewards front foot drives and all round stroke play.
- Lightweight pick up: even weight distribution for quick, controlled hands.
- Senior style profile: matches the profile of the senior Ghost models.
- Small Adult size: for players roughly 170cm to 174cm tall.
Design and Materials
Kookaburra make every bat by hand. The bat makers grade each cleft on five points. These are performance, appearance, imperfections, colour and density. Pro 1.1 Players Select is the second grade in the junior Ghost range.
Kookaburra say this grade is visually very similar to the Pro Players Edition. There will usually be more red wood on show. You may also see the odd blemish or butterfly mark in the grain on the face. Kookaburra state these marks do not affect performance.
The classic Ghost design has a traditional shape. Kookaburra match the junior profile to the senior Ghost models. Weight is spread evenly through the blade for a light pick up.
Kookaburra also share an honest note on grains. Narrow grains come from older willow, which can play well quickly but tends to be more brittle. A bat with a few wider grains often lasts longer.
Key Technologies
Premium Grade 1 English Willow: Visually very similar to the Pro Players Edition grade. Expect more red wood and the odd cosmetic mark.
Unbleached Willow: The blade is not bleached, so the natural colour of the willow shows through.
Ghost Mid Sweet Spot: A traditional shape with the middle placed for powerful all round strokes. It suits players who drive the ball.
Even Weight Distribution: Kookaburra balance the blade for a lightweight pick up. Young players keep control through a long innings.
Senior Ghost Profile: The junior bat matches the profile of the senior Ghost models. The step up to a full size bat feels familiar.
Handmade Construction: Every Kookaburra bat is made by hand. Each cleft is graded on performance, appearance, imperfections, colour and density.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Range |
Ghost, used by Marnus Labuschagne |
| Grade |
Pro 1.1 Players Select |
| Willow |
Premium Grade 1 unbleached English willow |
| Grain guide |
Similar to Pro Players Edition, more red wood, odd blemish |
| Profile |
Traditional Ghost shape, mid sweet spot |
| Balance |
Lightweight pick up, even weight distribution |
| Size |
Small Adult |
| Height guide |
170cm to 174cm (around 5ft 7in) |
VKS Review
This Kookaburra Ghost junior cricket bat gives an older junior premium Grade 1 willow. It costs less than the Pro Players Edition. The mid sweet spot rewards good front foot technique, and the even balance keeps the bat easy to swing.
It suits strong teenage batters in county age group squads and juniors already playing senior club cricket. If your game is built on the back foot, the junior Kahuna has a higher middle. You can also visit our London store in Ealing to check the size before you buy.
Q&A Section
Is Small Adult the right size?
Kookaburra's size guide suggests Small Adult for players 170cm to 174cm tall. Harrow suits 165cm to 169cm. From 175cm, most players move to a Short Handle.
Is the Kookaburra Ghost junior cricket bat the same shape as the senior Ghost?
Kookaburra say it matches the profile of the senior Ghost models. It keeps the traditional shape and mid sweet spot, scaled to Small Adult length.
Should my child choose Ghost or Kahuna?
Choose the Ghost if they drive a lot off the front foot, as its sweet spot sits in the middle. The junior Kahuna has a mid to high sweet spot for more back foot play.
What is the difference between the 1.1 Players Select and the Pro Players Edition?
Both are Grade 1 English willow. The Pro Players Edition is specially selected and comes with a free padded cover. The 1.1 usually shows more red wood, which keeps the price lower.
Does the Ghost Pro 1.1 junior bat need knocking in?
Yes, we recommend it. Knocking in firms up the edges and toe so they cope with a hard ball. VKS offers a knocking-in service, priced at 25 pounds for bats bought from us.
Do the marks on the face affect performance?
No. Kookaburra state that the odd blemish or butterfly mark in the grain does not affect performance. These marks are cosmetic.
