I remain to be convinced there is a killing to be made in the manufacturing of cricket equipment.
I dunno, I reckon you could makes darn good living out of it. I think it depends more on you financial ability at start up. If brand a for example turns up with a top range of bats, pads, gloves, bags, wk kit etc etc. prices really well and offers lots of 'deals' I think after a few seasons you could make a bit. Again the start up money would need to be there, as you could go along to loads of clubs, leagues and 'sponsor' the top batsmen. That would get you plenty of exposure. Offer pretty much cost price on club kit (which means your brand is what kids learn to use and trust) and clubs use you for price ( so potentially coming back for other stuff too). Thorny works for learner drivers cars, loads buy the car they learnt in.
I don't think its easy and I think you need good start up and money in the bank to back it up . I do think if you started a new brand turning up with the full ranges is the best idea if you are looking to really go for it. Offer kids stuff as a future lead to their adult custom, get them hooked early ( by appealing to the bank of dads pockets) and potentially they'll keep returning