Advice on buying and caring for cricket bats 

We would ask that you might take a couple of minutes to read the information in the box below – it will (we hope) explain the following article:

Advice for those who are thinking about buying a new cricket bat:

• The importance of choosing the correct size of cricket bat is a subject on which all Coaches and manufacturers agree. It is particularly vital for junior cricketers. Choosing the wrong sized bat can seriously affect a player’s ability to develop a proper technique and can lead to the development of bad habits which can later be difficult to erase. In some cases it can make junior cricketers feel that they don’t enjoy the game.

• Junior cricket bats are not just smaller than adult bats – they are designed for smaller hands and lower strength levels, and are scaled down in size and weight. Junior Cricket bats range from size 1 through to size 6, with a Harrow bat "filling the gap" for cricketers who have outgrown size 6 but are not yet large enough to need an adult sized bat. Adult bats are then available in short handle, medium handle and long handle length in a variety of weights from around 2lb. 5oz. to 3lb. 2oz.

• The height of a cricketer is largely irrelevant – despite what some suppliers will tell you! What matters is the length of the bat compared to the leg and arm lengths of the player. There is no substitute for being measured for a cricket bat by a qualified coach who knows what they’re talking about – a salesperson in a shop is not the same thing! It is particularly important for players who are purchasing their first adult bat to be given advice – not just on the weight and handle length, but also on where the best place will be for the sweet spot of their bat to be positioned in relation to their playing technique. Adult bats vary considerably in price, and advice can often be very useful to ensure that a bat which meets your needs and level of cricket is selected. It will then hopefully become a good investment and last you well.

• For the above reasons, we do not publish a size chart for you to "self select" a bat. We do however offer free advice for anyone who wants to visit us. If we can help you with this subject, please contact us.

Preparing a brand new cricket bat:

• Immediately after purchase, you should apply 2 coats of Linseed Cricket Bat oil (1 coat equals 1 teaspoon). The oil should be gently rubbed into the front, back, edges and toe of the blade using a soft cloth - the v shaped splice section should not be oiled.

• After 24 hours you should then apply a second coat of Linseed oil in the same way.

• Oiling the bat properly will make sure that the wood becomes supple and this means that when the knocking in process starts the face & edges of the bat will dent rather than crack.

• Next you need to obtain a bat mallet. We recommend using a wooden bat mallet – not a "ball on a stick.” The reason for this is that a seam from a real cricket ball can mark the bat when you use it, whereas a wooden mallet gives a far smoother finish.

• Using a bat mallet, you should start to knock in the bat – first with the blade. Start the knocking in process with gentle taps and gradually increase the force in the centre of the face of the bat. If you notice dents appearing, you need to either re-oil the bat again or strike the bat with less force.

• Now you should start to knock in the edges of the bat – do NOT strike these at right angles or else this will cause damage. Again, start with gentle tapping, building up to a slightly harder strike.

• The knocking in process – however tedious, should take you at least 4 hours, although every bat is different. It is not unusual to need 6 hours.

• Before starting to use the bat in a match, you must use it against an OLD leather cricket ball (i.e. a soft one!) in the nets. At least a couple of nets are recommended at this stage.

• When you first use your new bat in a match, be careful. Look carefully at your bat after the first few strikes and check it looks ok. If in doubt, change it for your old bat – better to be safe than sorry!

“Pre Knocked in” Cricket Bats:

Many cricketers purchase bats which are sold as “Pre knocked in”. Whilst some conditioning has been done before purchase, we recommend that players still DO knock their bat in themselves – even if you have bought it as one which has been “pre-knocked in” by the manufacturer. Failure to do so can be a very expensive mistake and we have sadly seen many disappointed players over the years who have failed to follow this worthwhile recommendation. Follow the steps outlined above to care for your new “Pre knocked in” bat in the same way as any new cricket bat.

Caring for your Cricket Bat during its life:

It is important to care for your bat during its life. We hope that the following advice will help.

• Do not throw out your old cricket bat when you buy a new one - because as you read the tips below, you might find a use for it on an ongoing basis!

• Never use your cricket bat to hit anything other than for what it was made - Bats were not made to erect stumps!

• During play, avoid excessive tapping of the crease as this can cause the toe of the bat to crack. Watch out for Yorker type deliveries as these can have the same effect – always inspect your bat after receiving a Yorker. If a crack develops after any such occurrence, further impact in the same area will make matters worse. It therefore makes sense to remove your bat if you think you are likely to receive another similar ball.

• Using poor quality cricket balls is a big mistake as they can sometimes cause the bat to crack or split. Beware of hitting a ball that is misshapen or has a particularly proud seam.

• It is advisable at all times to store your cricket bat away from direct sources of heat! The boot of a car during the summer, or near the radiators in the winter are places never to be recommended.

• After every match make a brief inspection of your bat – remove any obvious debris from the surface (mud, grass etc)

• If your bat has got wet or damp during use, dry the surface and the toe with a towel and then place the bat somewhere cool but dry (not hot) to dry out. The wood which had become swollen from the moisture will then revert to its normal drier condition and this slow drying out technique will minimise the likelihood of the wood splitting or cracking. NEVER put a wet cricket bat in front of or near heat sources (such as a radiator), as the rapid change in moisture levels will almost certainly create problems.

• All cricket bats will experience surface cracking during their life. All cricketers should own a roll of bat repair tape and keep it in their kit bag. Bat repair tape can be used to hold any surface cracks in place and prevent further deterioration. However, it is important not to wind too much tape onto the bat or else the bat will become deadened in its feel when used. If you are unsure how much bat tape to use or how to apply it, ask for the help of a qualified cricket coach or an experienced senior player.

• Once every 6 months, bats with anti scuff sheets should have them removed. The bat should then be re-oiled with 2 light coats of Linseed oil – with 24 hours between coats. Leaving the bat for at least a week after oiling will then allow the oil to sink into the willow, and a new anti scuff sheet should then be reapplied if required. (Please be aware that anti-scuff sheets will not stick to a recently oiled bat!)

• At least once a year all cricket bats should be rubbed down with very fine sandpaper, and be re-oiled with Linseed oil. This will ensure that the willow remains supple which will extend its life & minimize the likelihood of it cracking.

• Avoid the temptation to over oil your cricket bat during the year. An over oiled bat will not perform well due to the fibres in the wood becoming clogged. Roughly speaking, 4 coats of oil per year is more than adequate.

• Many players like to “sit” their cricket bat in a saucer of linseed oil. This is a technique that can help to protect the toe of the bat & can be useful if the bat is being used at the start of the season in wet conditions. However, no cricket bat benefits from prolonged immersion in oil. If you decide to adopt this technique, work with care. For what it's worth, we don’t do this with our bats. We think that it is better to use an old bat in the first few matches of the year rather than ruin your new or best equipment!

Bat repairs:

• Despite people hoping for the opposite, cricket bats do not last forever! The force of the ball striking the bat face & edges during practice & matches can inflict severe impact on the willow.

• Some bat damage can be repaired by professional bat makers. Repairing a cricket bat is never a DIY job as you will almost certainly make matters worse. If you ever damage a cricket bat and need the advice of a bat maker, please speak to us. We can provide you with contact details for the bat makes that we use.

• Finally, please bear in mind that all bats are considered by their manufacturers to have a lifespan and the manufacturers will rarely entertain claims for faulty products if a bat is more than 12 months old – irrespective of how much it has been used, or what it cost. Bats continue to dry out even when un-used, and this can affect their appearance and performance. The best way to ensure that your bat lasts you well is to care for it as we have described above.

How we can help:

To help players to care for their bats, we always keep the items needed for ongoing maintenance of cricket bats in stock, and we can supply these to customers at very reasonable prices. Linseed oil, Anti scuff sheets, bat mallets, bat repair tape and the like can all be bought from us at very reasonable prices.

Whilst not a bat expert, Jon has seen most common bat damage which can occur during his many years of playing & coaching. He can normally provide free advice to players on this subject – please phone us if you need any such assistance.

If you are thinking of purchasing any new cricket equipment or clothing,

please have a look at our "Equipment Sales" website page...

...we offer free advice, and will almost certainly be able to save you some money!