Kashmir willow junior cricket bats are the ideal first bat for children who are new to cricket or who play mostly with a soft ball, tennis ball or windball. They are tough, easy to look after and great value. VKS stocks Kashmir willow junior bats in sizes for children from around age 5 to 11. Get free sizing advice in our Ealing store, and free UK delivery on orders over £100.
A Kashmir willow bat is the best choice when your child is just starting out, plays mostly for fun, or uses a soft ball. It is also a sensible spare bat for the garden, the beach or school playtime.
First bat: A low-cost way to find out if your child loves cricket before spending more.
Tough and durable: Kashmir willow is harder and denser than English willow, so it copes well with knocks, bumps and outdoor play.
Great value: Kashmir willow junior bats cost much less than English willow, which matters when children grow out of a bat every season or two.
Moving up? If your child has joined a club and plays with a hard ball every week, it is time to look at English willow junior cricket bats.
Kashmir willow bats are made for soft balls, tennis balls and windballs. They can face a hard leather ball for occasional practice, but only after the bat has been knocked in.
| Ball type | Kashmir willow bat? |
|---|---|
| Soft ball or windball | Yes, ideal |
| Tennis ball or taped tennis ball | Yes, ideal |
| Hard leather ball (occasional practice) | Yes, after knocking in |
| Hard leather ball (regular club matches) | English willow is the better choice |
The main differences are weight, performance and price. Kashmir willow is grown in the Kashmir region of India. English willow is grown in England and is the willow used by professional players.
Choose the bat size by your child's height and strength, not age alone. Stand the bat upright next to your child. The top of the handle should reach their hip bone or the top of their thigh.
| Bat size | Typical age |
|---|---|
| Size 0 to 2 | 5 to 7 years |
| Size 3 to 4 | 8 to 9 years |
| Size 5 to 6 | 10 to 11 years |
Because Kashmir willow is a little heavier, check the weight too. Ask your child to hold the bat out in their top hand, arm straight at shoulder height. If they struggle to hold it steady for a few seconds, try a smaller or lighter bat. For more help, see our junior cricket bat size guide.
Knocking in: No knocking in is needed for soft balls. Before facing a hard ball, knock the bat in with a mallet for a couple of hours.
Protect the toe: Fit a toe guard so the bottom of the bat does not split when it is tapped on hard ground.
Store it well: Keep the bat dry and away from heat, such as radiators or a hot car boot.
Easy upkeep: Many Kashmir willow bats come with a protective coating, so they need little care day to day.
SS TON Reserve Junior: A Kashmir willow junior bat from SS at £49.99, a great first bat for young players.
Shop the range: Browse every Kashmir willow junior bat on this page, filtered by size and brand to find the right fit.
Complete the kit: Add junior batting pads and junior batting gloves, or save with a junior cricket bundle.
Visit our Ealing store: Come to 31 Bond Street, Ealing, London W5 5AS, to try different sizes in person with help from our staff.
Free UK delivery: Order online with free UK delivery on orders over £100.
Expert advice: Not sure which bat or size? Ask our team in store and we will help you choose.
Still deciding on willow? Compare the full range of junior cricket bats, or see our English willow junior cricket bats for hard-ball club cricket.
Is a Kashmir willow bat good for beginners?
Yes. Kashmir willow is tough, good value and hard to damage, which makes it a great first cricket bat for children who are just starting out or playing for fun.
What is the difference between Kashmir willow and English willow junior bats?
Kashmir willow is harder, denser and a little heavier for its size, and it costs less. English willow is lighter and more springy, so the ball travels further, and it is made for regular hard-ball cricket.
Can you use a Kashmir willow bat with a hard cricket ball?
Yes, for occasional practice, as long as the bat has been knocked in first. For regular club cricket with a hard ball, an English willow bat is the better choice.
Does a Kashmir willow bat need knocking in?
Not for soft balls, tennis balls or windballs. If your child will use it against a hard leather ball, knock it in with a mallet for a couple of hours first and fit a toe guard.
What size Kashmir willow bat does my child need?
Choose by height, not age alone. Stand the bat upright next to your child and the top of the handle should reach their hip bone. As a guide, Size 0 to 2 suits ages 5 to 7, Size 3 to 4 suits ages 8 to 9, and Size 5 to 6 suits ages 10 to 11.
When should my child move from Kashmir willow to English willow?
When they join a club or start playing regularly with a hard cricket ball. Many children make the move around age 8 to 10.
