The Cricket Bat - A Tool Of The Trade

By Author: Sunil Jajodia
Total Articles: 23
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Cricket bats are the key tool used in cricket other than the ball. Bats are described as paddle shaped, flat on one side but V shaped on the opposite side. This is said to improve airflow around cricket bats making them swing faster and with more power. The material bats are made from is willow wood, this is the wood of choice for the bats because it is tough, light weight and shock resistant. The bats are also treated with linseed oil, this is used to provide additional protection and also creates more friction on the ball giving batters more control while playing cricket.

Before the 18th century cricket bats were shaped similarly to current day hockey sticks. This suggests that early games of crickets were played using shepherds crooks as the bats. Although there is not a great deal of evidence about the very early cricket there is still a bat in existence from 1729 and this is representative of the early shape of the cricket bat.

When purchasing new cricket bats it is imperative that proper care is taken to ensure the bat is well prepared for the game of cricket to last a great deal of time. Before a brand new ...
... cricket bat is ever used it should be knocked in. The process of knocking a bat in is done by hitting the bat with either a cricket ball repeatedly are using a special cricket mallet. The process of knocking in a cricket bat will compact the fibres in the willow wood making it stronger, so when it first used it will not break. The process of knocking in can take anything from 3 to 6 hours and will often consist of the bat being hit 8000 to 9000 times. Pre-knocked bats are available on the market at a slightly higher price but this saves the time of the player having to knock the bat in, installing confidence when playing that the bat will stand up to the task in hand.

Law 6 of cricket says that cricket bats must be no more than 97 centimetres in length and no more than 10.8 centimetres in width. Importantly it states that the hand holding the bat is considered part of the bat, therefore the hand hits the ball it counts as a hit. Also the rule states that bats may be made of no material other than wood.

When selecting the type of cricket bats you wish to use you must carefully consider the type of player you are, whether it is a big hitter or someone who likes to pick and choose their strokes while batting. Also you must consider the size and weight of the cricket bats before purchase as all too often players performances are hindered by picking a bat the is too small or large or that weighs too much. It is recommended that a lighter bat be used, especially at a young age, to help with the control of the ball when playing.

Established in 1973, Morrant Group Ltd is a family run business with over 35 years experience in mail order team sports equipment. Father, Daughter, Son and staff are working hard every day to ensure that our company achieves its aim. We sell a range of sports gear, including cricket bats and other goods. Please visit our website at http://www.morrant.com.