Players Sports Unveils Its Biggest Ever Cricket Bat Range for the 2026/27 NZ Cricket Season
Mike Wood · 19 June, 2026
The 2026/27 cricket season marks a significant milestone for Players Sports.
For the first time, our cricket bat range brings together Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra, DSC, Gunn & Moore, New Balance, SS and TON under one roof, creating what we believe is the largest and deepest specialist cricket bat selection available in New Zealand.
Available now at our Greenlane flagship store in Auckland and online NZ-wide, the range spans everything from junior development bats through to premium Grade 1 English willow models used by serious club and representative cricketers.
Whether you're preparing for another season of Premier cricket, upgrading your club bat, or helping a young cricketer choose their first English willow bat, the 2026/27 Players Sports range offers more choice than ever before.
Why the 2026/27 Players Sports Cricket Bat Range Is Different
Over the past several years, we've invested heavily in building one of New Zealand's leading cricket destinations.
For the 2026/27 season, that commitment reaches a new level.
Our Greenlane flagship store now houses our biggest cricket bat range ever, with substantial stock holdings across multiple brands, grades, weights and profiles.
Rather than simply stocking what arrives in New Zealand, we actively source bats from multiple channels to create a wider selection for Kiwi cricketers.
This includes:
-
Personally handpicking the best bats from supplier warehouses before they reach other retailers
-
Working directly with brand partners in Australia, England and India
-
Accessing limited-production and hard-to-find profiles
-
Carrying larger quantities across popular weight and shape categories
-
Expanding our junior cricket bat offering across multiple brands
The result is a range designed to provide genuine choice rather than a handful of models in limited quantities.
New Brands Arrive at Players Sports for 2026/27
SS and TON Cricket Bats Arrive in New Zealand
One of the biggest additions for the new season is the arrival of SS and TON cricket bats at Players Sports.
For several summers we've received regular requests from customers looking for SS and TON bats. These brands have built a strong reputation internationally for producing bats with large profiles, excellent pickup and impressive performance straight out of the wrapper.
For 2026/27, Players Sports will stock a wide range of:
-
SS English willow cricket bats
-
TON English willow cricket bats
-
Batting pads
-
Batting gloves
-
Wicket keeping equipment
-
Cricket bags
The arrival of SS and TON adds another important option for New Zealand cricketers looking beyond the brands already established in the Kiwi market.
Returning Favourites Launch New 2026/27 Ranges
The new season also sees fresh releases from:
-
Gray-Nicolls
-
Kookaburra
-
Gunn & Moore (GM)
-
DSC
-
New Balance
Each brand brings its own approach to bat design, profile shaping and pickup characteristics.
Having multiple brands side by side allows players to compare shapes, balance points and performance characteristics in one location.
What Cricket Bat Brands Are Available at Players Sports?
Players Sports stocks cricket bats from many of the world's leading manufacturers.
Gray-Nicolls Cricket Bats
Gray-Nicolls remains one of the most respected names in cricket equipment. Their range typically appeals to players looking for balanced pickup, proven performance and a broad range of profile options.
Kookaburra Cricket Bats
Kookaburra continues to be one of the most popular cricket bat brands in New Zealand cricket. Their bats are well known for strong value across multiple price points and player-friendly pickups.
Gunn & Moore Cricket Bats
GM bats are recognised globally for their manufacturing quality and carefully developed profile families. Different profile options allow players to find a shape that suits their preferred style of play.
DSC Cricket Bats
DSC has grown significantly in popularity thanks to its modern profiles, strong performance and excellent value across a range of grades.
New Balance Cricket Bats
New Balance continues to develop a loyal following among players looking for contemporary shapes and clean aesthetics combined with strong on-field performance.
SS and TON Cricket Bats
SS and TON bring a distinctly Indian approach to bat making, often featuring larger profiles and impressive value across multiple grades of English willow.
Senior Cricket Bats Available in NZ
Our senior cricket bat range includes adult English willow cricket bats suitable for:
-
Club cricketers
-
Premier players
-
Representative cricketers
-
School First XI players
-
Serious social cricketers
Most senior bats are supplied in Short Handle (SH) configuration unless otherwise stated.
Players can choose from:
-
Lightweight bats
-
Midweight bats
-
Large-profile bats
-
Traditional profile bats
-
Premium Grade 1 English willow bats
-
Value-focused English willow bats
Because we carry significant stock quantities, customers are often able to compare multiple bats within the same model to find the pickup and feel that best suits them.
Junior Cricket Bats Available in New Zealand
Choosing the correct junior cricket bat is one of the most important equipment decisions young players and parents make.
Our junior range includes:
-
Size 3 cricket bats
-
Size 4 cricket bats
-
Size 5 cricket bats
-
Size 6 cricket bats
-
Harrow cricket bats
-
Small Adult cricket bats
Available across Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra, SS, TON, DSC, Gunn & Moore and New Balance, the range caters for everyone from first-time English willow buyers through to representative junior cricketers.
How Do You Choose the Right Cricket Bat Size?
The correct cricket bat size should allow a player to maintain proper technique while remaining comfortable to control.
As a general guide:
-
Younger players should prioritise control over bat size.
-
The bat should feel comfortable during both defensive and attacking shots.
-
Excessive bat weight can negatively impact technique.
-
Players approaching adult sizes may benefit from Harrow or Small Adult models before moving to a full Short Handle bat.
At our Greenlane flagship store, our team can help you choose the right cricket bat based on your child's age, height, strength and playing level. If you're unsure where to start, read our guide on how to choose the correct cricket bat size for your child here.
Cricket Bats for Beginners and Young Players
Not every young cricketer requires an English willow bat.
We also stock:
These options are ideal for:
-
Backyard cricket
-
School cricket
-
Midget grade players
-
Beginners learning the game
It's important to note that plastic bats and Kashmir willow bats are not designed for use against hard leather cricket balls.
Why Visit the Players Sports Greenlane Cricket Department?
Our Greenlane flagship store at 1-7 Marewa Road, Greenlane, Auckland has become one of New Zealand's leading destinations for cricket equipment.
Key features include:
-
One of New Zealand's largest cricket bat displays
-
Specialist cricket bat workshop
-
Extensive junior and senior bat range
-
Multiple brands available side by side
-
Experienced cricket staff
-
Large stock holdings across multiple grades
Importantly, our team continues to invest time outside normal store hours completing technical product training sessions with supplier representatives.
This ongoing education helps ensure our staff have the knowledge to assist both experienced cricketers and parents purchasing equipment for developing players.
Who Is the 2026/27 Players Sports Cricket Bat Range Best Suited For?
This range is particularly suited to:
-
Club cricketers wanting genuine bat choice
-
Players comparing multiple brands
-
Junior cricketers progressing through representative pathways
-
School cricketers upgrading to English willow
-
Parents seeking expert advice
-
Cricketers looking for hard-to-find models
-
Players wanting to compare bats in person before purchasing
Best Price Promise on Cricket Bats
Buying a cricket bat is often one of the biggest equipment investments a cricketer makes.
Whether you're purchasing a premium Grade 1 English willow bat, upgrading for club cricket, or investing in a junior player's development, our Best Price Promise means you can shop with confidence.
If you find the exact same cricket bat advertised for less by a qualifying New Zealand retailer, we'll match the price.
The bat must be:
-
The exact same model
-
The same size and specification
-
Brand new
-
In stock and available immediately from a qualifying New Zealand retailer
This means you can take advantage of our specialist cricket knowledge, extensive bat range, Greenlane cricket bat workshop and in-store service, while still knowing you're getting a competitive price.
If you've found a lower advertised price, simply speak to our team in store or email info@playerssports.co.nz and we'll review it.
Frequently Asked Questions - Cricket Bats at Players Sports NZ
Where can I buy SS cricket bats in New Zealand?
Players Sports stocks a wide range of SS cricket bats online and at our Greenlane Auckland flagship store. The range includes senior and junior English willow bats alongside batting equipment and accessories.
What cricket bat brands does Players Sports stock?
Players Sports stocks Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra, Gunn & Moore, DSC, New Balance, SS and TON cricket bats, covering junior and senior players across a wide range of budgets and playing levels.
Does Players Sports have junior cricket bats?
Yes. We stock junior cricket bats in Size 3, Size 4, Size 5, Size 6, Harrow and Small Adult sizes. Options are available across multiple leading cricket brands.
Can I compare cricket bats in store before buying?
Yes. Our Greenlane flagship store carries a large selection of cricket bats, allowing players to compare different brands, weights and profiles before making a decision.
What is the difference between English willow and Kashmir willow cricket bats?
English willow is generally used for higher-performance cricket bats and is preferred by serious players. Kashmir willow bats are more affordable and are often suitable for beginners and recreational cricket.
Does Players Sports ship cricket bats throughout New Zealand?
Yes. We offer fast NZ-wide shipping on cricket bats and cricket equipment purchased through our online store.
Does Players Sports price match cricket bats?
Yes. Our Best Price Promise applies to cricket bats, including many English willow and junior cricket bat models. If you find the exact same bat cheaper from a qualifying New Zealand retailer, and it is brand new and in stock, we'll match the advertised price. This allows you to access our specialist cricket expertise and extensive bat range while still receiving a competitive price.
The Biggest Cricket Bat Range We've Ever Offered
The 2026/27 season represents the most comprehensive cricket bat offering in Players Sports history.
With new ranges from Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra, DSC, Gunn & Moore and New Balance, alongside the arrival of SS and TON, New Zealand cricketers now have more choice than ever before.
Whether you're chasing a premium Grade 1 English willow bat, a reliable club cricket bat, a junior development bat or simply expert advice, our team is here to help.
Visit our Greenlane flagship store at 1-7 Marewa Road, Auckland to explore the range in person, or shop online with fast NZ-wide delivery. We look forward to helping you find the right cricket bat for the season ahead.
______
Written by Mike Wood
Founder & Managing Director, Players Sports
21+ years across retail and wholesale sporting goods in New Zealand