Bat Guide and Bat Care

 Cricket Specialist Shop

Choosing the correct Cricket bat is vital for the proper technical development of young cricketers. Please ensure your bat is not too long or too heavy to hinder correct stroke play and good technique.

CRICKET BAT WEIGHT GUIDE
For a better idea on which bat weight to purchase, please see the chart below for a breakdown of weights.

Extra Light:  Any weight <2lb 6oz

Light:            2lb 7oz - 2lb 8oz

Medium:       2lb 9oz - 2lb 10oz

Heavy:           2lb 11 oz - 2lb 12oz

Extra Heavy: Any weight > 2lb 13oz

BAT SIZE GUIDE
For a better idea on which size bat to purchase, please see the chart below for an approximate breakdown of size to height ratio.

Cricket Bat Care

We recommend that you oil and knock in your cricket bat prior to use.

OILING All natural faced bats MUST be treated using raw linseed or a specialist cricket bat oil. The main purpose of oiling is to maintain moisture levels within the blade, and hence reduce the chances of cracking and splitting.

Light coats should be applied to the face, edge, toe and back of the blade - taking care to avoid the logos and the splice area. Generally two or three coats should be sufficient. Each coat should be allowed to dry into the blade in a horizontal position before the next is applied.

It is possible to fit a clear Anti-scuff or similar cover. This does not negate the requirement to 'knock in' the bat. The cover may assist the durability of the bat, but under no circumstances will it totally prevent surface damage.

KNOCKING IN All bats are pressed, however 'knocking in' is VITAL. This is the process by which the fibres of the willow in the face and edges are compressed together to form a barrier, which protects the bat against the impact of the ball. Effective 'knocking in' will significantly improve the performance and increase the lifespan of the bat. If a bat has been "Pre-knocked-in" by the manufacturer then this time can be reduced, but pre-knocked in means just that - it's been PRE-knocked in. .....Pre-knocked in DOES NOT mean "knocked in")

Stage one
The 'knocking in' process should be undertaken carefully, using a special bat mallet or an old, quality cricket ball. The bat should be repeatedly struck (with gradually increasing force) in all areas where one would normally expect to hit the ball, this conditioning must be performed with patience. Particular attention should be given to the edges, although the edges or toe should NOT be struck directly at right-angles to the blade. This would be likely to cause damage.

This stage should take in the region of six hours, although it may vary as every bat is different.

Stage two
The next step is to graduate to the use of the bat to hit short catches with an old, quality cricket ball. However, if the seam marks the blade, it is necessary to return to 'Stage one' for a further conditioning. This stage should be performed for at least another hour.

Once these steps have been taken, the bat should be ready for use in matches. It is advisable to initially avoid use against the 'new ball'.

Video on how to oil and knock in your bat can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCfOQpwqp8I