We’ve teamed up with Pro:Direct Cricket to bring you the best that 2019 can offer. In part two of our three-part showcase, we look at the best of the new ranges from two iconic brands, consider the best selection of keeping gloves out there, and recognise the outstanding strides made by a relatively new brand leaving a sizeable footprint on the cricket shoe market.

Pro:Direct Cricket is the world’s largest online cricket store, with unrivalled access to the latest and best playing equipment, shoes, clothing and accessories. Specialists are available to provide any information about any and every product stocked, and next day delivery to UK addresses is available for almost everything… particularly useful if you end up making an unexpected comeback in 2019.

Kookaburra

Kookaburra Kahuna Pro Bat

RRP: £600

Adult range starts from £100

Originally developed with Ricky Ponting in 2001, the Kahuna has been at the forefront of the Kookaburra range for nearly two decades.

Pro:Direct says: The Kahuna is one of the most iconic bats of all time and has been used by some of the finest players to grace the game. This year’s edition is no different. Its large mid-based sweet spot means there is no lack of power, while the minimal bow, sharp spine and slight concaving give it a smooth pick-up. With all the hallmarks of editions from years gone by, you can’t really go wrong.

Kookaburra Kahuna Pro Gloves

RRP: £100

Adult range starts from £15

Pro:Direct says: These ultra-light gloves are designed to mix premium comfort with top-level protection. Featuring a pittards Quartz leather palm, including anti wear patches and a moisture-wicking cuff.

Kookaburra Kahuna Pro Pads

RRP: £150

Adult range starts from: £27

Pro:Direct says: Lightweight protection allows you to move freely while batting, also including a new and unique ‘Hybrid Pro’ liner that is ergonomically shaped to help minimise bulkiness and offer extra protection.

Payntr

Payntr MK3

RRP: £90

The Payntr spike is famed for its lightweight and breathable design and the MK3 is no different. Added ankle and neckline padding for extra comfort, new insoles to add extra support and a tighter fit around the foot.

Payntr V

RRP: £60

The Payntr V offers a high-performance shoe at an affordable price. It provides responsive padding around the ankle and neckline to ensure comfort, protection and support.

Pro:Direct says: Payntr burst onto the scene two years ago and have showed no signs of slowing down. The shoes are stylish, lightweight and comfortable and they offer a range of prices and styles to suit every cricketer.

Kookaburra 2000L Keeping Gloves

RRP: £140

Adult range starts from £35

As used by Jos Buttler, the 2000L gloves offer a premium aniline sheep-leather construction that’s comfortable and durable. Tri-Grip material gives you the best chance for every catch to stick.

Gray-Nicolls Shockwave 2000 Keeping Gloves

RRP: £100

Adult range starts from: £50

With their octopus-grip palms and ultra-lightweight construction, the Shockwave 2000 mitts are characteristically classy products from the grand old lady of cricket brands. A traditional square cuff ensures a comfortable fit, while finger thimbles with Vapour foam protect the hand from damage.

GM Original LE Keeping Gloves

RRP: £125

Adult range starts from: £30

With their new TEKNIK palm facing, Gunn & Moore Original LE gauntlets produce up to 50 per cent greater friction than the materials widely used on other gloves. Featuring an aniline leather backing and full leather lining, they are comfortable and durable.

Pro:Direct says: The standout glove for 2019. The palm has exceptional grip and is nothing like we have seen before, certainly a pair to try this year.

Puma evo SE Keeping Gloves

RRP: £120

Boasting a full-leather back and lining, PUMA’s evo SE gloves provide comfortable performance throughout the innings. Targeted ventilation keeps your hands fresh, while additional finger protection minimises the risk of injury.

Masuri VS Elite Titanium

RRP: £230

The Vision Series Elite offers enhanced head protection and comfort, thanks to a strong, lightweight design. Featuring Masuri’s revolutionary Eye-Line Grille, strategically-placed air flow vents and a new reinforced rim, the Vision Series Elite provides superior vision, cooling and protection.

The Eye-line Grille is an additional top bar, placed on the eye line, presenting a greater surface area of protection against the ball on impact. The rear bar forces the ball upwards towards the solid part of the peak and deflects it away from the player’s face.

Masuri OS2 Test

RRP: £175

Masuri combines modern manufacturing techniques with the latest technology in plastics, along with Masuri’s traditional DNA in order to bring back the Original Series range. This was a favourite for many years with international players all over the world. OS2 utilises the soft-cell foam front and back liners to contour to your head shape, ensuring a snug fit every time without the need for a cumbersome adjustor.

Pro:Direct says: Still the best of the best when it comes to protection, especially when Jofra Archer hits you in the head. Yes, it even passed that test…

Gunn & Moore

GM Diamond Original LE Bat

RRP: £550

Adult range starts from: £55

As used by Ben Stokes, the Diamond is GM’s most dominant bat shape. Its traditional, full-blade profile allows leeway for off-centre hits, while an extended swell lends itself to both front- and back-foot play.

GM Diamond Original Gloves

RRP: £90

Adult range starts from: £30

GM Diamond Batting Pads

RRP: £120

Adult range starts from: £40

These pro-level gloves and pads offer top-level impact protection, featuring XRD technology for a comfortable, breathable, flexible and lightweight sets of softs. The contouring material instantly displaces force upon impact, absorbing up to 90 per cent of the energy.

GM Noir Original LE Bat

RRP: £550

Adult range starts from: £100

With its huge edges focused at a lower-mid swell, the Noir is even more powerful than you think. Its stealthy all-black branding hides huge power potential, mainly due to those big edges, but also thanks to the bat’s high spine, which extends high up the blade. Add those qualities to an exceptionally light pick-up and you have a bat that’s equipped for every aspect of the modern game.

Pro:Direct says: The Noir is the standout GM bat for 2019. The triple-black stealth-like stickers and characteristically imposing profile is an unbeatable combination.