Detailed Guide on Cricket Bats

A cricket bat is simply equipment made from wooden pieces used by a sportsperson in the cricket sport to hit the ball. Generally, a cricket bat consists of a cane handle that is attached to a flat-fronted wooden blade willow. The cricket bat is usually preserved and protected with the linseed oil. However, the durability, toughness, and shock-resistance are dependent upon its willow and grain structure.

But when a sportsperson is looking for a perfect bat, then he should keep his eyes focused on specific parameters. So, let us start with the size of the cricket bat.

The cricket bat size and weight

Whenever a sportsperson or any new individual in cricket sports is choosing their bat, make sure first to ask yourself which bat size is the best for you? And how much weight is right? Selecting the right size and weight of the bat is crucial for every sportsperson.

According to the laws of cricket, the size of a cricket bat should not be more than 38 inches or 965 mm. The width of the bat is not more than 4.25 inches or 108 mm. The edge of the bat must be 1.56 inches or 40 mm.

The exact depth of the bat should not exceed 2.65 inches or 67 mm. This rule updated in 2017. The umpire is provided with bat gauge so they can check the legality of the bat anytime in between the game also.

Although there are no specific parameters for the weight of the bat, still the average weight of the bat is from 2 lb to 3lb or 1.2 to 1.4 kg

A cricket bat is available in a different range of sizes. For the children, the size of the bat will range from 0 to 6. However, the size of the bat for an adult is mentioned above. The adult bat size comes with a short handle while the long handle is still in option to be customized. The sizes of the bat of children vary. As when they increase, the size also increases. But for the adults, these parameters are fixed.

The shape of the cricket bat

In today's scenario, the speed of the game is changed. So nowadays, players go for a thick blade bat with a massive profile which can offer them great knocking power. Usually, the players follow these parameters like-

The bow of the cricket bat: It should be distinct, large and subtle

The edge thickness: In between the range of 34 to 38 mm

The back-profile concavity: The concavity refers to the woodcut out from the sides of the batting spine. It is done to reduce the weight of the bat and improve picking.

The swell depth: In between the range of 63 mm to 65 mm

Types of willows used in a cricket bat

The cricket bats are made up of flat-front willow. Most commonly, two types of willows are there: English and Kashmiri willow. The English willow is the UK based whereas Kashmiri willow is Indian based. The English willow bats give high and finest performance. The Kashmiri willow bat will be a substitute for the English willow and is quite harder as compared to the English willow bat. The English willow bat consists of four to fourteen grains based upon the type of willow and its grades. Typically, English willow cleft is processed with the natural drying technique to give the best willow performance.

The Kashmiri willow

The Kashmiri willow bats are quite heavy, and it might be perfect for the beginners. The Kashmiri willow bat is even harder and fit in the budget of the sportsperson who is just beginning their game. The grains of the Kashmiri willow bat are not so clear and straight as compared to the English willow bat. But if you are beginning your game, then this will be perfect for you.

The willow grade differences

The willow grade differences determine the quality of the willow. The English willow bats are classified into grades based on their quality:

Grade 1 (A) + English willow:

The best willow which the player can buy is Grade 1 (A) + willow. The blade of the bat is normally unbleached with 8-12 grains. It is also blemished free to some extent. The price of the English willow bat for a full-size bat is $350, and for the junior blade, it will be $150. The English willow cricket bat Grade 1 is designed for professional cricket players.

Grade 1 (A) English willow:

The grade 1 (A) English willow is high quality unbleached and naturally dried. It is with slightly broader grain and with no blemishes. The price of the English willow bat is in the range of $250 t- $300 for an adult blade and in between the range of $120 to $150 for the junior blade.

Grade 2 English willow:

In grade 2 English willow clefts, the grains are irregular and are minor blemished. The English willow bat with grade 2 is unbleached and has red-wood on the edges. The price range of this bat is between $200 to $250 for a full-size blade, and between $100-$120 for the junior blade.

Grade 3 English willow:

The grade three English willow is an unbleached willow that comes with a natural drying process. The willow is provided with 4-5 grains with irregular grain profiling. Blemishes observe on the front of the bat. The bat with grade 3 English willow is for intermediate players of the cricket. English Willow bat price in grade 3 is nearly $150 for a full-size blade and nearby $75 to $100 for the junior blade.

Grade 4 English willow:

The grade 4 English willow is covered with protective facing and also sold as non-oil. The grains are limited to only 3-4 and are also irregular. The price of the grade 4 English willow bat is $100 for a full-sized blade and $50 for the junior blade.

The Kashmiri willow:

The Kashmiri willow bat is quite heavy and has irregular grains. The Kashmiri willow is harder. The price of the Kashmiri willow is slightly lower than that of the English grain willow, and it is quite affordable for those who have a small budget.

The grains of the cricket bat

The grains that we have mentioned in the grades of English willow define the quality and performance of the bat. The larger the grains, the better will be the performance of the bat and better is the quality of willow. Generally, the sports persons prefer to have a bat with more grains and also with a straight grain profile. The willow with ten above grains represents the best quality willow.

These grains are nothing but the straight vertical lines on the wooden blade which develop with time. The bat with the tight grains will be quick in peak performance. The tight grain bat has a natural hard surface that is best suited for knocking performance.

But the bat with few grains or wider grains shows that these bats are slightly lighter in weight and a little softer core which is suited for an average performance.

The types of the handle of the cricket bat

The cane handle is often available with covered rubber for easy gripping and maximum shock absorption. The cane handle is available in different types and lengths like an oval, round, thick, thin, long, short, and regular oval.

The short handle oval shape is generally preferred for the sportsperson having height 5ft 9 inches. The length of the handle is approximately 85 cm or nearly 33 inches. Almost, all the bats are available at this size handle.

However, the long handle oval shape adds an extra inch to the bat for the sportsperson with a height of above 6ft. The long handle also supports straight body posture for the sportsman having a height above 6ft.

The flexibility and gripping with ease depends upon the type of handle in the bat. The right handle will result in the biggest knock performance with firm gripping. One may observe the oval shape with a triangular shape fitted in the blade, which is also good for performing the best. But the length of the handle will vary from short handle to long handle. It will depend upon the height of the person.

The bat based upon batting style and sweet spots

In every bat, there is a sweet spot- the area that generates maximum ball timing. But the location of this sweet spot depends upon the construction and shape of the bat. Depending upon the batting style, the shape of the bat is unique to you. For instance- the front foot player feels more comfortable in knocking with the bat having lower-middle sweet spots. But the back-foot player will go for the higher middle bats which is ideal for the pulls and cuts.

So, along with these parameters of selecting a good bat for the highest performance, one must correctly maintain their bat to prevent it from damage. Thus, before and after the performance, the bat must be stored at a moderate temperature. One must try to avoid wet conditions. Do not over oil the bat, and try to avoid excessive mis-trim shots.