New Balance DC 500 Junior Cricket Bat 2025 – English Willow Junior Cricket Bat

• Selected fibre-protected English willow provides a practical combination of performance and blade protection
• Low sweet spot is particularly suited to attacking front-foot stroke play
• Popular New Balance DC profile is designed for developing stroke-makers
• Semi-oval cane handle helps provide stability, comfort and control through the shot
• Well-weighted construction provides a comfortable and manageable pickup for junior players
• Grainface protection helps protect the front surface of the English willow blade
• New Balance logo grip provides a secure and comfortable feel in the hands where supplied
• Pre-prepared construction reduces initial preparation, although further knocking-in is recommended
• Strong value English willow option for young players progressing beyond entry-level cricket bats
• Suitable for regular junior hard-ball cricket including school, club, training and match play

• Junior cricketers
• School cricket players
• Junior club cricketers
• Developing hard-ball players
• Attacking batters
• Front-foot stroke-makers
• Players who prefer a low sweet spot
• Players wanting a well-balanced junior bat
• Junior players progressing into English willow cricket bats
• Training, net sessions and competitive match play

• The bat is listed as pre-prepared, but further knocking-in is recommended before competitive match use.
• A fibre or grainface-covered English willow bat may still require preparation around the edges and toe before facing a new leather cricket ball.
• Carefully prepare exposed areas and gradually increase impact during the knocking-in process.
• Begin with throwdowns or controlled net sessions using an older cricket ball before progressing to competitive match use.
• Check the fibre covering regularly for lifting, seam marks, surface damage or edge cracking so minor issues can be addressed early.
• Protect the toe from excessive moisture and avoid leaving the bat on wet ground.
• Store the bat in a cool, dry place and avoid excessive moisture, extreme heat and prolonged direct sunlight.

Choosing a cricket bat comes down to four things: size, weight, willow and how it feels in your hands.

• Size: most adults use a Short Handle bat. For juniors, choose by height, and if they're between sizes, go smaller.
• Weight: pick the heaviest bat you can swing comfortably for a whole innings, not the heaviest you can lift.
• Willow: English willow is lighter and livelier for hard-ball cricket. Kashmir willow is tougher and more affordable, great for a first bat.
• Knocking in: a new English willow bat needs knocking in before you face a leather ball, unless it's sold as Play Now or Match Ready.

Read the full cricket bat buying guide

Prefer to talk it through? Visit us at Western Sports Centre in Derrimut or call 0450 227 972.