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know the game
Backyard Cricket, in one breath
Backyard cricket is the loose, anything-goes cousin of the real game, and it is built almost entirely out of house rules that get passed down and argued over every summer. You do not need a pitch, a full team, or even proper gear.
The shortlist
Our top backyard cricket picks at a glance
These are ordered by what you are shopping for, not by score. The
number rates each set on build and play quality on its own, so a specialist pick like
the tournament set or the premium wood can out-score the all-round winner and still not
be the one most people should buy. The highest score on the page takes the MVP ribbon.
MVP Pick 91 Best Overall
Pros - Sturdy garden-grade gear built to survive seasons outside
- Stable stumps that stand up well in grass between deliveries
- Comes from a brand that focuses on real backyard and training gear
Watch for - Priced above the throwaway plastic kid sets
- Full-size versions are too big for very young children
Who it's for This is the set for families who play often and want gear that lasts, and households with toddlers should size down to a junior plastic set.
88 Best for Kids
Pros - Trusted cricket brand name in an affordable plastic kids version
- Lighter, shorter bat sized right for small hands
- Soft, safe components for backyard and beach play
Watch for - Light plastic build is not meant for hard adult swinging
- Smaller stumps can be easier to knock over by accident
Who it's for This suits younger kids learning the game in the garden or at the beach, and teens or adults will want a full-size set instead.
84 Best Budget
Pros - Cheapest way to try garden cricket with the whole family
- Usually includes a bat, stumps, bails, and a ball to start
- Light and safe enough to swing near the house
Watch for - Thinner plastic can crack at the bat handle after heavy use
- Flimsier stumps may topple on their own in a breeze
Who it's for Grab this to find out if your crew likes garden cricket without spending much, and regular players will want to step up to a sturdier set.
85 Best Add-On
Pros - Soft balls keep windows intact and players safe in a tight yard
- Spares mean the game does not stop when one rolls off
- Works with any plastic bat you already own
Watch for - Soft balls do not swing or bounce like a proper cricket ball
- Balls are a consumable you will eventually replace
Who it's for Add these to any set so a lost or split ball never ends the afternoon, and serious players on a bigger lawn can step up to a firmer training ball.
From the commissioner
How to choose a backyard cricket set
- Go plastic and soft for the backyard, full stop. A real leather cricket ball and a proper willow bat have no place in a garden game, since the ball is hard enough to break windows and hurt players. Plastic or rubber bats paired with a soft ball or a tennis ball are the safe, sensible choice and they survive being left out in the rain. Save the proper gear for an actual pitch.
- Match the set to the age and size of the players. Junior sets come with shorter, lighter bats and smaller stumps that suit kids, while a full-size garden set works better for teens and adults who want a real swing. A bat that is too long and heavy frustrates a small child, and a tiny junior bat feels like a toy to a grown-up. Check the bat length against who will actually be batting.
- Look at the stumps and how they stand up. A good garden set includes stumps with a sturdy base or spikes that push into grass and stay put between deliveries, instead of toppling every time the wind blows. Some cheaper sets ship with flimsy stumps that fall over on their own. Stable stumps make run-outs and bowled dismissals clean instead of constant arguments.
- Think about whether the set includes a ball you want. Some sets include a hard-ish plastic ball that flies too far for a small yard, while others include a softer ball or none at all. For tight gardens, a soft ball or a tennis ball keeps the game playable and the neighbors happy. If a set includes a ball you do not love, it is easy and cheap to swap in a tennis ball.
- Buy for durability if it lives outside. Backyard cricket gear gets left on the lawn, rained on, and trodden over, so the sturdier sets from FORZA, Net World Sports, and Kookaburra earn their slightly higher tier by surviving a few seasons. The cheapest plastic sets are great for a one-summer try but can crack at the bat handle or lose a stump base. Decide if you want a season or several.
next up Build the whole roster
Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? Grab the bundle and save a trip, or see how backyard cricket stacks up against the rest.
Buyer's desk
Backyard Cricket buying FAQ
What kind of cricket set is best for the backyard?
A plastic set with a soft ball is best for the backyard, because a real leather ball and willow bat are dangerous around windows and people. Plastic bats and soft or tennis balls are safe, cheap, and survive being left outside. Save the proper match gear for an actual pitch.
Are Kookaburra plastic cricket sets any good?
Yes, Kookaburra's plastic junior sets pair a trusted cricket brand name with an affordable, kid-sized package that is light and safe for the garden or beach. The tradeoff is that the light plastic build is not meant for hard adult swinging. For young kids learning the game, it is a solid and recognizable choice.
What ball should you use for backyard cricket?
Use a soft ball or a tennis ball for backyard and garden cricket. A hard leather cricket ball can break windows and injure players, so it has no place in a casual yard game. A tennis ball still swings and bounces enough to make bowling and batting fun, and it keeps the game safe near the house.
Do backyard cricket sets come with stumps?
Most do, and the quality of those stumps matters more than people expect. Good garden sets include stumps with a sturdy base or spikes that stay planted in grass, while cheap sets often ship with flimsy ones that topple on their own. Stable stumps make bowled and run-out dismissals clean instead of constant arguments.
