Buying spiked stumps for the beach
Spikes struggle in loose dry sand and on hard ground. A set with a base stands up wherever you set it down.
Cricket stumps: how to choose
Good cricket stumps stand up straight, survive the odd direct hit and suit the ground you play on. Our stumps come as part of complete cricket sets, so you get the bat, bails and often a ball in one go.
Which stumps suit your game?
Our stumps come in complete sets, from junior plastic to adult wood.
JUNIOR SETS
Junior options with light stumps for younger kids.
What to prioritise
Junior options
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WOODEN STUMPS
Wooden sets for that classic backyard feel.
What to prioritise
Classic wood
Cricket Sets
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PLASTIC WITH BASE
Plastic stumps on a base for sand or concrete.
What to prioritise
Beach ready
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FAMILY SETS
Two-bat sets for bigger groups at the park.
What to prioritise
Group play
Cricket Sets
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NEXT STEP UP
Willow bats for when backyard games get serious.
What to prioritise
Willow bats
Cricket Bats
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COMPLETE THE KIT
Bats, balls and pads to go with your stumps.
What to prioritise
Full range
Cricket Gear
Shop the RangeWhat matters in cricket stumps
Wood or plastic
Wooden stumps feel and sound like the real thing, and they suit grass. Plastic stumps are lighter, shrug off water and sand, and are easier for small kids to carry. Pick the one that matches where you play most.
Height and size
A full-size wicket in the Laws of Cricket is 71.1 cm tall and 22.86 cm wide. Backyard and junior sets often run a little shorter, which suits younger batters. Match the stumps to the bat size in the set so the game feels fair.
The ground you play on
Spiked stumps push into grass and soft sand. On concrete, a deck or hard sand, you need a set with a base so the stumps stand on their own. Check the listing for a base before you head to the beach.
What comes in the set
Most of our sets include stumps, bails and a bat, and many add a ball and a carry bag. A bag keeps the bails from going missing between games. Family sets add a second bat so more people can join in.
Mistakes to avoid
Using a hard ball with toy stumps
Light plastic stumps are made for soft or tennis balls. A leather ball can crack them and is not safe for casual games with kids.
Losing the bails in week one
Bails are small and easy to drop in long grass. Pack them back in the carry bag at the end of every game.
Stumps at a glance
| Type | Best for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic set with base | Beach, driveway, younger kids | Light and weatherproof, stands on hard ground |
| Wooden backyard set | Lawns and parks | Classic feel, keep dry between games |
| Family two-bat set | Groups and park days | More players can bat and bowl in turn |
| Match stumps | Club and school games | Full size, usually supplied by the ground |
Keep your stumps in good shape
- Brush off sand and grass before packing the set away.
- Let wooden stumps dry fully before storing them in the bag.
- Store the set out of direct sun so plastic stays strong and wood does not split.
- Check the base and bails for cracks before each game and replace damaged parts.
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Frequently asked questions
What size cricket stumps should I buy for kids?
For younger kids, a junior or size 3 set is the easy choice, because the bat and stumps are scaled down together. Shorter stumps give small batters a fair target and keep bowling achievable. Older kids and teens can move to an adult set with a size 5 bat, like our Land and Sea park sets. If you are unsure, go by the bat size listed in the set and the age guide on the product page.
Are wooden or plastic stumps better?
It depends on where you play. Wooden stumps suit grass and give that satisfying sound when the ball hits, but they need to be kept dry. Plastic stumps are lighter, cope with water and sand, and usually come with a base so they stand on hard ground. Many families keep a plastic set in the car for the beach and a wooden one for the backyard.
How tall are official cricket stumps?
Under the Laws of Cricket, a full-size wicket is three stumps standing 71.1 cm (28 inches) tall, with the wicket 22.86 cm (9 inches) wide and two bails on top. The two wickets on a full pitch are 20.12 m (22 yards) apart. Backyard and junior sets are often smaller, which is fine for casual games. Club and school matches use full-size stumps, usually supplied by the ground.
How do I set up stumps on sand or concrete?
Choose a set with a base, which holds the stumps upright without pushing them into the ground. On firm wet sand, spiked stumps can work if you push them in deep and straight. Place the wicket where the bowler has a clear, flat run up, away from people walking past. Keep the bails in the bag until the game starts so they do not get lost.
Do your cricket sets come with a ball and bails?
Most of our cricket sets include stumps, bails and a bat, and many also come with a soft or tennis ball and a carry bag. The exact contents vary from set to set, so check the package list on each product page. Family sets include two bats so more players can take part. If a set has no ball, a soft cricket ball or tennis ball is the safest pick for casual games.
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Set up your next game
Pick a set that suits your ground and your players, and you are ready to bowl. Then build the kit as the game grows.
Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.
