Serious Cricket - Basingstoke

Arun A.

Calling all cricket fanatics!Forget the hour-long drive from Portsmouth (it's a scenic warm-up, trust me). Serious Cricket is basically Mecca for bat, ball, and boundary lovers.

Sure, their kit selection rivals a desktop Google search, boasting all the big brands and categories. But here's the thing: it's not just virtual browsing. You get to physically hold a cricket bat (remember those?), feel the grip of a new pair of boots, and maybe even channel your inner Tendulkar in their indoor nets before your next league match.

Speaking of pre-game prep, Serious Cricket takes the guesswork out of gear with their hilariously honest YouTube reviews. They basically do half the selection battle for you, leaving you free to prioritise your budget on that celebratory post-match curry.

Ample parking? Check. Nearby eatery with a view? Double-check. But let's be honest, the real joy is just walking into this cricket haven. It's the kind of place that makes you want to wax poetic about willow and leather (or at least crack a smile wider than a six over the boundary).

Serious Cricket: A Cricketer's Paradise (Worth the Drive, I Promise!)

Visited and Framed : 16/04/2024
(and on 18th as well 🙂

Nick L.

I had a fantastic recent experience buying a new bat. Special thanks to Richard and the young lad in the shop last Thursday (sorry didn’t catch his name). We travelled 2 hours to visit the shop and weren’t disappointed, there was a good selection and the team were very friendly and welcoming. I would 100% recommend to anyone looking to invest in a quality bat. I had been following the ‘bat market’ for a couple of years and these guys were very competitive on price. It’s essential to feel the bat before purchasing I my opinion so this was a one stop shop. Thanks again guys, Nick

Edward B.

I'm returning to my fist sporting love, cricket, after a two decade hiatus and Serious cricket has helped kit me out. Looking around I was pleased to see a few "boutique" sport and cricket shops within a reasonable area but this was the best experience by far.

I will admit to some sticker shock in seeing how much bats are "these days", but the people down at Dummer in Serious Cricket could not have been more helpful. Coupled with the informative, funny, and honest video reviews it helped make my choice, I would not say easier, but certainly much better informed.

After picking up umpteen bats on a busy Saturday morning, when I must say Zach was very patient and helpful, I returned the following Friday where I whittled it down to four.

Chris was a superstar, chatting away, listening to my budgetary and weight constraints. Although I was trying to de-bias myself against my previous brand favourite, after wafting a number of bats around in store and trying not to hit stuff (yes you get to pick them up and play shadow strokes if it's not too busy - but don't go all Bazball) I ended up with a final 3 GNs in different profiles and weights, and one from an unmentionable Aussie brand 😉

Chris even humored me when I asked him to reorder the bats and hand them to me 1-by-1 to try out with my eyes closed. It was the only way I could truly feel the final differences and made my choice based on pick-up and handling, instead of profile and livery.

I paid extra for the knocking in service and had it delivered. Fantastic customer service in house at point of sale.

Whilst there I also got a bag, the first one I've tried out of three different ones that has been comfortable whilst cycling but also holds all the gear I need - for those who cycle with their cricket stuff and might like to know it's the Kookaburra (yes, I know) d5500. The GM select was too small and the GN Team 200 too big and uncomfortable.

Highly recommend the journey from anywhere in Hampshire/Surrey/Sussex to fulfil your cricket needs here.

Trevor H.

Tried contacting them with an issue with a purchase via emails. Only got a reaction when posted a poor review. There was a possibility of email error on their website. So used email address on the review reply and deleted the poor review immediately. No response to last email yet, fingers crossed!!!
Just had a nice email.

Mark F.

Ordered a Harrow size bat, a size 4 was delivered. I called the shop immediately and was told that I would have to call back in the week as know one could deal with the issue on a Saturday. Staff member told me "it is what it is"

Emailed the shop with the issue, order reference etc and waited. Chased up by phone after the bank holiday weekend. Told someone would come back to me.

Eventually got an email back from Chris, really helpful and I was told in the email that a replacement bat would be sent straight away and was told to email postage receipt for refund once the wrong bat was returned.

I asked for tracking details of delivery so I could make sure someone was in - no response. Bat did arrive next day which was brilliant but lucky someone was in to sign for it.

I emailed copy of the receipt for the postage of the incorrect bat. No reply since.......

A bit of a mixed bag really, communication very hit and miss, but dealt with the delivery error promptly. Still waitng for postage refund and had no further comms.

Would I use them again, not sure.

David ?. G. R.

Always great service from all the team.

I can recommend the group sessions, 1-2-1's and nets.
The nets have professional bowling machines available for an extra fee. These use the usual machine balls but you need to use hardball gear (helmets, pads etc).

Richard in particular is a very effective coach for kids of all ages. He does both group and individual training sessions.

Andrew W.

Just want to say thanks for today. We arrived just as the shop was due to close but the guy (sorry, didn't get his name) in the shop let us in and was very helpful, making time for us. Even gave us a tour of the rest of the centre. Made my son's day!

Alex Y.

Seriously great Customer Service. Needed a fidgety awkward custom order urgently and was handsomely dealt with by not one but two amazing supporting staff. Amazing effort - thanks all .