Readers
AcquiredOverview
Readers is a leather cricket ball manufacturer based in Kent, United Kingdom, with over 200 years of manufacturing history. The company is recognized as a leading supplier of cricket balls in the UK and holds approval as a supplier to the England and Wales Cricket Board. Beyond leather balls, Readers manufactures rotationally moulded plastic cricket balls, including the Windball line, and also produces hockey balls.
History
Readers was established in 1808, making it one of the oldest cricket equipment manufacturers in the world. The company operated independently for nearly two centuries from its base in Kent, building a reputation for quality cricket and hockey ball production. In 2002, Kookaburra Sport Group acquired Alfred Reader & Co, integrating Readers into its portfolio while maintaining production at the Kent facility. The acquisition allowed Readers to expand distribution while preserving its heritage manufacturing operations.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Leather Cricket Balls | Premium leather balls for league and competitive play | $15 - $25 |
| Windball (Plastic Cricket Balls) | Rotationally moulded plastic balls for training and recreational use | $8 - $15 |
| Hockey Balls | Performance hockey balls for competitive and recreational play | $12 - $20 |
Manufacturing
Readers manufactures products at its facility in Kent, United Kingdom, where it has been based since 1808. The company produces both leather cricket balls and rotationally moulded plastic balls in-house, maintaining direct control over quality and consistency. As the only manufacturer of rotationally moulded plastic balls in the UK, Readers handles specialized production processes internally.
Notable Products
- Readers County Supreme Ball - Grade A leather cricket ball positioned as a value option for league play
- Windball - Rotationally moulded plastic cricket ball known for consistency and performance
- Leather Cricket Balls (General Line) - Traditional leather balls trusted by UK cricket leagues and the ECB
Reputation
Readers is regarded as one of the most respectable cricket ball manufacturers globally, with a heritage spanning over 200 years. The brand is trusted by more UK cricket leagues than any other manufacturer and maintains official approval from the England and Wales Cricket Board. The company's long operational history and consistent quality have established it as a credible choice among serious cricketers, though specific criticisms or comparative weaknesses are not documented in available sources.