Bat Knocking In Machine? The 154 Detailed Answer

When someone buys a new cricket bat, there is a desire to get on the field and use it as soon as possible. However, it is important to understand that hitting a racquet ensures that the racquet is fully primed before touching the ball to avoid damage.

Your racquet may need to be smashed in and if this is the case, please read on.

Why do you need cricket bats smashed in?

When a new cricket mallet is delivered, the wood is practically in its soft, natural state. Tucking in a bat simply helps compress and knit together the fibers of the willow. The result is a much tougher piece of wood that is much more durable and resistant to damage during use.

Some racquets come “prepared” but still need to be batted in before being used on the nets or in a game situation. Others have no preparation at all and therefore require the full “knock-in” process. Your retailer page should make it clear if there has been any preparation, so if in doubt please contact customer service.

Cricket bats are traditionally made from willow wood, which is soft and fibrous. It offers the perfect weight and balance for in-game use, but its soft nature means it can be susceptible to damage if not handled properly. In this article, I’ll show you how you can make sure your new racquet is ready to play.

oils and care

Oiling is the first step in preparing cricket bats. This keeps moisture in the fibers and helps prevent splitting and tearing. Traditionally, raw linseed oil is used for oiling.

It’s important not to apply too much oil, so a first light coat should be applied with a cloth to the face, edges and toes (Note: If you’re new to the specific parts of the cricket bat, be sure to read first through our guide). Avoid the splice and all stickers. Leave to dry in a horizontal position for 24 hours and then wipe off any oil that has not been absorbed. Gently rub the racquet at this point with very light sandpaper before applying another fine coat of oil.

Note: If you wish to apply new decals to your racquet, do so after the tapping process!

Storage is also important in these early stages and avoiding humid conditions is imperative.

How do I break in my cricket bat?

With oil applied, it’s time to pat your racquet in. A bat hammer is a useful tool in this regard, but using an old cricket ball is also perfectly fine. The club should then be hit with the mallet or an old ball, lightly at first before gradually increasing the power.

It’s important to cover all areas where the racquet is likely to make contact with the ball, so start with the face of the racquet. Start with a light tap, then gradually increase the force. Hit the racquet hard but not too aggressively.

Proceed to the edges of the club but do not use excessive force here as the wood can be most brittle here. Finally, continue with the toe of the bat and repeat the process. Don’t hit the back of the racket.

How do I know when my club hit?

After this opening phase, the user can easily hit short balls in the face either in the nets or in the outside area. If there are seam marks, they should repeat the above steps.

If the racquet has no markings, the racquet should be sufficiently impacted.

How long should you batter a cricket bat?

The tapping process should take about six hours. This doesn’t have to be done in one sitting, but the quicker the better to prepare for game situations.

Can you bang a cricket bat too much?

It’s difficult to hit a racquet too hard, but it’s not theoretically impossible. Excessive hitting with a hammer or leather ball could cause the fibers to compress too much and they could lose their natural spring.

However, it would take many hours to reach this point.

Play in your racket

Beating is the first step in this process, but a new racquet is not quite finished. The next phase is called play-in and this is where the racquet reflects a game scenario. It’s perfectly fine to hit the nets and face regular bowlers, but a softer cricket ball should be used. One of the many training balls used by cricketers is perfect for this scenario.

The hitter should avoid serious tempo at this point, but seam bowlers and spin bowlers are perfect for the task. Play defensively first and note if the seam left marks on the racquet surface.

In the case of seam marks, it is necessary to go back to the beginning and start the tucking process from the beginning. If there are no markers, the hitter can start playing more expansive and offensive play. If no seam marks are visible on the racquet after several minutes of deliveries, the racquet should now be ready for use. It is now acceptable to put it in your pocket and take it to the game.

in summary

Bats are vital pieces of gear and can be the most expensive item in a player’s bag. Because of this, they must be treated with great care and the tapping process is simply vital.

Inadequate preparation can cause irreparable damage to the racquet, so it is imperative that the procedure is followed to ensure this vital piece of equipment is in optimal condition when it enters the field of play.

Use a hardwood mallet with a rounded face. Hold the racquet in one hand and hit one edge of the racquet with your dominant hand with enough force to make an impression.

Keep hitting the edge of the club with the same force. Make sure the edge is level so there are no areas higher or lower.

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Repeat the process on the other long side of your racquet. Make sure the angle of each edge of the club is the same. Hold the club so that the short end of the clubface or the toe is at eye level. Check both edges of the club to make sure they are even and rounded.

Cricket bats need a little TLC from time to time. To keep your racquet in top condition, there are a few basic skills you need to learn.

When people think of bat care, they usually think of “knock-in”. This is part of the process, but oiling comes first. In this guide, we look at how to properly oil a cricket bat to ensure you can use it for a season.

Why do we oil cricket bats?

This isn’t vanity like waxing your car. Oiling a cricket bat serves a functional purpose. If you stay in the center long enough, your bat will see plenty of sunlight. This can dry out the racquet. Over time it becomes far more likely to crack and splinter, and that can mean hundreds of pounds down the drain.

Oiling a racquet helps prevent the dryness that can turn your expensive racquet to kindling.

Which Oil Should I Use?

Getting your hands on some oil is the first step. You will use raw linseed oil to treat the bat. Linseed oil keeps the bat’s fibers bound and performing, and keeps the bat strong.

You can buy flaxseed oil at a sporting goods store labeled as “bat oil” or something similar. However, if it’s cheaper to buy from a hardware store, then that’s perfectly fine too.

Linseed oil is commonly used for other wood products like furniture, so it’s not hard to find.

When should I oil my racquet?

It is possible to over-oil a bat. This makes the bat too wet and does not ensure the proper “cracking” of the willow.

Most people agree that once a season (between seasons) is the right time to oil your racquet. You shouldn’t have to do it again until next off-season. Once a calendar year is fine as long as the racquet is kept in good condition in the meantime. If it seems to be getting particularly dry, you may need to prioritize oiling.

Most people oil and beat their racquet in the same days. Doing it yourself is a great way to save some money, but you can also pay someone to do it. Sporting goods stores usually have someone who can oil and pat your racquet in if you are unsure.

How to oil your racket

Apply 2-3 teaspoons of oil to the bat’s face. You can use an old piece of fabric, but it doesn’t matter if you use your fingers. Make sure you do not oil the splice or are within a CM of the splice. The oil should cover the face of the racquet, the edges, the heel and about 4 cm from the edges on the back of the racquet. Covering the entire back can make the bat feel flat and dead. Place the racquet face up on a surface in a dry area. If possible, put something under the club to keep it from tipping over, as this allows the oil to drain off an edge. When all the oil has been absorbed 24 hours later, you can add a little more. Repeat this process until it stops sucking up oil. Wipe off the remaining oil and you’re ready to pat in.

Tapping in is the process of gradually “knocking in” the racquet with a hammer, compressing the fibers and keeping them in a strong state.

Once you’ve smashed a racquet (you can also follow our smashing guide), it’s a good idea to take out the racquet and hit a few balls. Try using older, softer balls first to check your freshly oiled racquet is okay.

At the end of the season

As the end of the season approaches, you can grind your racquet. This should happen very easily. This will prepare the racquet for the oiling and beating you will be doing before the start of the next season.

Use 180-220 grit sandpaper to very gently sand the face, edges and heel of the club. All you are trying to do is remove any dirt, stains or splinters.

Store it in a racquet case when not in use, until your racquet can be taken out and prepared for the next season.

A little maintenance can go a long way. Most Village Cricket players need to learn some level of bat care, but luckily with the Village Cricket Bat you don’t have to spend hours oiling and banging before you even start playing.

Between seasons, follow our guide to oiling a racquet that’s ready for all those hours in the middle breaking barrels (or in the shed wondering where it all went wrong).

We recommend using either a ball or a wooden cricket bat as this will give you better control during the impact process.

The tapping process can take about 6 hours, depending on how soft the willow is. When applying extratec, however, the tapping process should not take longer than 4 hours. Start the impaction process first by hitting the blade firmly but not hard with the hammer, increasing the pressure after an hour. After 2 hours the mallet can be hit reasonably hard against the blade.

OIL PROCESS

(This should be done before beginning the tapping process)

Lightly sand the surface of the club with 180-200 grit sandpaper. THIS SHOULD BE DONE PRIOR TO OILING YOUR RACKET AT ANY OPPORTUNITY.

Pour enough oil onto the blade of the club to hold about a dime.

Using either your finger or a piece of cloth, rub the oil into the front, back, sides and tip of the racquet being careful not to get any oil on any of the decals. DO NOT PUT OIL ON THE CONNECTION.

Let the racquet lie horizontally (blade up) overnight.

Repeat the above process a second time: and then repeat the process a third time and a fourth time, but on these last 2 occasions only apply the oil to the front (blade).

KNOCK IN SERVICE

We recommend using either a ball or a wooden cricket bat as this will give you better control during the impact process.

The tapping process can take about 6 hours, depending on how soft the willow is. When applying extratec, however, the tapping process should not take longer than 4 hours.

Start the impaction process first by hitting the blade firmly but not hard with the hammer, increasing the pressure after an hour. After 2 hours the mallet can be hit reasonably hard against the blade.

Make sure all areas of the blade that are not covered with decals are impacted evenly and similarly.

During the tapping process, the club should be oiled at least twice more. We suggest this should be done after 2 hours and 5 hours, make sure you sharpen the blade first before applying the oil. With extratec, the racket only has to be re-oiled after 2 hours.

Don’t use the “hitting” end of the hammer to hammer in the edges. Instead, use the hammer’s handle to curl, prep, and harden the edges. A stump or similar with rounded edges can also be used for this purpose.

When rolling, the edges start at an angle closest to the blade and gradually work their way up to a 90 degree angle. Repeat this process during the tapping time, increasing the pressure each time. Do not roll the edges after applying extratec.

When the impaction process is complete and no extratec has been applied, the blade should be tested to see if it needs more oil. To do this, with reasonable pressure, run your thumbnail along the face of the racquet, from the toe to just below where the front sticker is located. If there is a tiny spot of oil where your thumbnail is, there is enough oil. However, if there is no oil, the blade must be oiled again. YOUR BATS SHOULD GET APPROX. EVERY 3 TO 4 WEEKS.

After you’ve hit your racquet, we recommend using it with an old ball in the nets first before using it with a new ball in a game.

Cricket Bat Advice

At the Greg Chappell Cricket Center we know that buying a new cricket bat can be an exciting but sometimes daunting task. That’s why we’re happy to help you choose and prepare your new cricket bat!

We designed the Greg Chappell Cricket Center SELECT-A-BAT to take the guesswork out of choosing your new cricket bat. By answering a few simple questions, our SELECT-A-BAT model will help you compile a list of potential new bats. If you require further expert advice and assistance in choosing your new racquet, please call us on 1800 469 928 or email us at [email protected]. Our cricket experts are here to help!

For information and assistance with the preparation process, please read below.

PREPARATION

DO IT YOURSELF PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS – NATURAL bats

Thank you for purchasing your new bat from Cricket Center! We know you’d love to use it, but there are a few crucial prep stages you need to complete before you start scoring runs!

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Each club must be either oiled and/or fitted with Extratec (if not already done). Toe protection is also a must! We generally recommend completing these tasks before using the game.

Oiling – Use only raw linseed oil. Oil maintains bat moisture levels and helps improve protection. Use a cloth and a dime of oil to apply. Apply oil lightly to face, edges, toes and blade avoiding the splice and all labels. Generally 3-4 initial coats are sufficient, and then 1 coat every 8-12 weeks (assuming your racquet is natural). Each layer needs to dry in a horizontal position for about 24 hours before the next layer.

Extratec – A highly recommended protective film covering the batting area of ​​the bat used by over 90% of all cricketers. It is by far the best racquet protection and does not detract from performance. Extratec also helps maintain moisture levels in bats, but we still recommend lightly oiling the exposed wood about every 12 weeks.

Toe Protection – For racquets that do not already have a toe protection, warranty requirements require you to do so to help your racquet’s longevity and greatly reduce the chance of toe damage. Toe goo or hard toe is the recommended form of protection.

The ideal prep – Apply 2 light coats of oil to the face and edges of the bat and one coat to the back. Once dry, perform any knock ins with a hammer while the bat still has a natural face. Apply Extratec & Toe Protection after drying. Continue to lightly oil the exposed wood about every 12 weeks.

PHASE 1 – THE TAPPING IN THE STEP – MALLET

Knocking-in is the process of compressing and strengthening the willow to prepare it for use as a match. If tapping is not done correctly, there is a high chance that your racquet will be damaged and warranties may be voided. Knock-in is vital in all English Willow Bats and must be done with patience and care. No racket is ready-to-use off the shelf. Pressing the racket will start the process and reduce the overall time of the process. The best tool to complete knock-in is the bat/ball hammer. To do this takes up to 16 hours of tapping throughout the procedure, depending on club choice and thoroughness. Some bats may require more/less work depending on pasture and care taken at knock-in. There are 4 areas that need to be prepared when knocking in: face, toes and every edge. The focus should always be on the edges & the toe! Start gently with Knock In and build up as you progress! Remember that it is very important to hit the racquet hard towards the end of this process in preparation for use in the match.

Face – This area extends from below the splice to about 10cm from the bottom of the racquet. Strike straight at the face, starting with the leftmost grain. Work this grain up and down several times, gradually increasing the power. Once you’ve reached reasonable power, move on to the next grain, working your way down the beater until you’ve covered the entire face.

Edges – These must be done approximately 15cm from the shoulders to the bottom of the racquet.

Face the hammer at a slight angle from the edges (never hit the edge). Here you want to recreate the grazing motion of an “edge” in a game. This will gradually round the edge.

Toes – Follow the same procedure as for the face but cover the bottom 10cm. Really focus on the bottom 1-2cm and on the edges as these are the areas most vulnerable. Again, start gently and increase strength as you progress.

Remember to start gently and increase the strength as you progress. If you put more time/effort into the knock-in, the racquet will last longer and perform better! For a demonstration of the above, please search ‘cricket bat preparation’ on our GCCricketcentre YouTube channel. You are now ready to hit balls and play with your racquet.

GCCC does not recommend that clubs be broken in or broken in by machine. Machines can often damage the bats and put pressure on the shoulders, causing cracking and damage.

PHASE 2 – THE PLAYING IN STAGE – NET SESSIONS

The ingest begins after the mallet process is complete. When you think you’ve completed Stage 1, bring your racquet to the nets with an old leather ball. Start with soft throwdowns and defensive hits. Inspect your racquet after each swing to ensure there are no visible dents/seams. Hit the ball softly at first and harder as you progress. If markings appear, you must stop using them immediately as Phase 1 has not been completed correctly. Repeat phase 1 of knocking in with the power-building racquet and later attempt another net session. If no marks/dents are visible, gradually increase the power of ball speed and impact power. Keep checking for bumps/marks. This process can be lengthy, involving multiple network sessions and trial/error. At the end of this process, you should be hitting the ball firmly and facing a fast bowler with no indentations on the club. If so, your racquet should be match ready!

CRICKET BAT GUARANTEE AND THINGS TO CONSIDER:

A cricket bat will not look new forever and cracks will appear.

Bats are made from a natural material and have the incredibly difficult task of repeatedly hitting a solid cricket ball.

Cracks can occur during the knocking-in process and do not necessarily resemble an error/defect

Cracking can be an indication of insufficient beating, improper preparation/use, soft pasture, etc

A small amount of cracking is normal and does not affect the performance of the racquet. These can usually be ground down and have appeared on bats for centuries

The lifespan of a bat depends on the amount of use and care it receives.

Additional protection such as Extratec & Toe Protection is highly recommended for longer life

Some bats may require more/less preparation than originally recommended. Knock-in time is a general guide and does not mean your racquet will be ready past the hours. For example, if your knock-in isn’t up to standards, you could be spending over 30 hours on your racquet and it still might not be ready.

The price of a bat does not reflect the potential longevity of the willow. In fact, the more expensive bats are made of softer willow wood and while they outperform cheaper bats, they may not last as long.

BAT GUARANTEE PROCESS

GCCC needs to see your racquet to agree on the proper course of action following a warranty claim. There is currently no standard remedy for a claim. Each claim will depend on the circumstances and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. A course of action may include repair, replacement, refund, or re-performing the service. GCCC handles every return of a racquet purchased either in our stores or online. We will always consider your claim in accordance with Australian Consumer Law. All cricket bats sold by GCCC are guaranteed for 12 months against damage deemed to be a manufacturing defect and through no fault of the consumer. Most claims cannot be resolved immediately.

THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:

York damage to the bat’s toe

Damage caused by missing wrapping/playing in, mechanical wrapping or inaccurate importing.

GCCC does not recommend that bats be machine tapped/played in. Machines often don’t complete the process properly or damage the bats and put pressure on the shoulders, causing damage.

Damage caused by machine-prepared clubs (not played in naturally)

Damage caused by poor preparation/maintenance (e.g. missing toe protection, over/under oiling, etc.)

Damage caused by moisture (wetness) or heat (do not leave in the trunk/direct sunlight etc.)

Damage caused by non-leather or composite balls (including bowling machine balls)

Improper use (including hitting anything other than cricket balls – e.g. stumps)

The cricket bat guarantee may be void if the above guidelines are not followed. Racquets with broken grips, cracks and other minor occurrences within the warranty policy will be returned to the manufacturer for repair. It takes an average of 10-14 working days to assess/fix the incident in cooperation with the manufacturer. When asserting a warranty claim, the customer must provide GCCC with proof of purchase (receipt/account statement). Visit www.cricketcentre.com.au for more information on warranties and repairs

SIZE CHART

WEIGHTS

SWEET SPOT POSITION

PROFILES

PREPARED & NATURAL

England did not win the 2019 Cricket World Cup by outscoring but by outnumbering New Zealand on the border count. Although the rules for winning the Super Over were later changed, one thing is clear: the concept of boundaries remains the key cricketainment factor in the game’s shorter formats.

How to ensure that the ball will travel the expected distance after impact? One of the most important drivers is the speed generated when the racquet is hit. In other words, the speed at which you swing your racquet plays an important role in generating the necessary thrust to loft the ball for a four or six. Once you’ve perfected the art of grasping and middleplaying the ball, club speed becomes a key differentiator of how far you can hit the ball.

From a physics perspective, here are some ways to increase bat speed.

1. Having a high standing backlift:

A high backlift during the hitting stance allows for the generation of increased angular acceleration during impact with the ball. Stance backlift allows for a downswing arc, giving your hitting arm ample time to generate the required racquet speed. You can also use your wrist along with your arm positions to do more back lifts. Players like Yuvraj Singh and AB de Villiers use high backlight levels to achieve their full power-hitting impact.

2. Playing with a backswing:

Backswing (commonly used under the generic term “backlift”) is the backward movement of the racquet when the ball is released from the bowler. Backswing can be used as a supplement or complement to a Stand Backlift. Allowing for a few twists of your wrist, the backswing and subsequent downswing can be performed as one continuous action (loops). When used effectively, the backswing can provide greater downswing acceleration than the standing backlift because the club is already in motion. Players like Ben Stokes and Steve Smith use the backswing to give their shots a good advantage.

Batsman using a backswing while playing a shot | Image Courtesy: PDPics/Pixabay

3. Align body:

The swing arc can also be increased by moving your body toward the ball. Strengthening your forearms can allow for a faster swing of the racquet. To increase the arc of the racquet, you can also move your front foot and bring your leading shoulder forward to get more top hand control to play the shot. Opening the foot and rotating the body along the direction of the shot also allows for increased circular rotation of the racquet. Players like Hardik Pandya and Glen Maxwell use the body arc to increase racquet speed while using the power shots.

Batsman comes forward to play a power shot | Image Courtesy: PDPics/Pixabay

4. Racquet Weight Optimization:

While heavier racquets allow for more power on the shot, this can slightly reduce the potential speed that can be generated during the downswing. On the contrary, very light racquets may not carry enough energy and momentum like a heavier racquet and therefore may not help you hit the ball past the limit line. Since swing length is directly correlated to arm movement, using the correct racquet weight that makes no difference in swing speed would greatly improve shot effectiveness. Players like David Warner (~1.24 kg), MS Dhoni (~1.27 kg), Virender Sehwag (~1.35 kg) and Chris Gayle (~1.36 kg) have all played with heavier racquets.

Measure bat speed:

Unlike bowling speeds, the speed of the bat played by the batsman is still unclear, even in international cricket matches. As distance hitting becomes an essential feature of the game, measuring club speed becomes critical to the analysis-improvement cycle. Spektacom’s PowerBat sticker (PowerSticker) has intelligent sensors that allow you to measure the speed of the racket in real time at the moment of impact with the ball. This data can help you adjust shot technique for different bowling conditions and against different types of bowlers.

GM cricket bat preparation

GM English Willow Cricket Bats are “battered” in the GM factory to complement blade pressing

GM English Willow Cricket Bats are lightly oiled and finished with a GM NOW! Anti-chafing cover

GM English Willow cricket bats feature TOETEK

Genetically modified English willow cricket bats are treated with DRI-GUARD

Additional “hitting” with a suitable club hammer on the vulnerable leading edges is required before using a new ball.

After prolonged use, exposed willow needs to be lightly oiled when the willow becomes dry.

WHY GM OFFERS ONLY FACTORY PREPARED BATS?

There is an undeniable correlation between the preparation of our GM factory and cricket bat return rates due to blade damage. Durability increases and gaming performance is unaffected by the anti-scuff case. It adds about 1 ounce of weight so don’t be fooled into comparing a Natural Finish racquet to a GM NOW! Bat.

GM NOW!

Our anti-chafing cover creates a barrier against moisture combined with raw linseed oil to prevent moisture penetration. It also helps hold the blade together should minor cracks occur naturally from use.

The GM NOW! The cover should not be removed until it shows significant wear and should only be removed by a bat specialist.

GM NOW! Racquets are very lightly oiled and pre-tapped by hand by GM’s racquet makers in our manufactory.

TOETEK™

A specially shaped, elastic shield attached to the toe of the racquet that reduces toe damage and feathering commonly caused by tapping the crease. It also acts as another barrier against moisture.

DRIGUARDTM

Genetically engineered bats are treated with GM Driguard™ applied to the bat’s toe to reduce water absorption.

This helps prevent toe swelling, making the toe less susceptible to moisture-related damage. DriGuard™ repels oil and moisture and any oil applied to this area should simply be wiped off.

CALL WAITING VS INPUT

CALL WAITING

The process of continuously hitting the clubface and leading edge surfaces of the bat with an old cricket ball or a specially designed GM bat that increases durability, particularly on the leading edges of the blade, which are more prone to damage. This part of the process is started at our factory by our GM Clubmakers, who hammer in the face and front of the edges with a Lignum Vitae club hammer.

PLAY IN

The break-in is for clubs with GM Now! By hitting short catches first and/or facing throwdowns with a good quality old cricket ball. It is advisable to avoid a new ball in the nets or play at first as it can cause serious scoring and damage to the blade.

“HOW LONG WILL MY RACKET LAST?”

A GM bat is light enough for the average cricketer to play with and make proper cricket batting.

GM racquets are designed with plenty of wood in the hitting area to add resilience to the shot and strong enough to withstand the shock caused by the impact of the ball. When an awkward ball is caught on the edge or wedged between the tip of the racquet and the ground, damage is almost inevitable. It doesn’t matter whether the racket is new or older.

We could ensure that those vulnerable areas didn’t take as much damage by just making them a lot thicker, but then of course the bat would be so heavy it would be unplayable and the cricketer probably wouldn’t buy it. Cricket bats are always a compromise between performance and durability, and GM’s long history of bat-making gives them the best chance of achieving both.

REPAIRS AND SERVICE

Superficial surface and edge markings and slight surface cracking will occur with normal use. This is to be expected and does not detract from the playing performance of the racquet.

Other damage such as B. splitting the toe as a result of a Yorker hit, or from water ingress, or hitting the crease severely, or damage from a miss, which happens to even the best player, if you look at it in a timely fashion, most of the time it can be repaired and the racket repaired will continue to provide excellent service.

Cricket specialists offer a bat refurbishment service for your GM bat to help extend the life of your bat.

behaviour rules

Prepare the racquet carefully and watch out for ball marks.

During the off-season, store the racquet in a cool, dry atmosphere away from excessive heat or humidity.

Check the racquet regularly for playing damage and repair it promptly, the longer it is not repaired, the shorter the life of the racquet.

Lightly re-oil the racquet if it shows signs of drying out.

DO NOT expose to extreme temperatures

AVOID prolonged stays in trunk/trunk/interior

DO NOT over oil. Over-oiling is more dangerous than under-oiling. Excessive oiling increases weight, affects drivetrain performance, and can cause rot.

Never, never put the bat in oil.

DO NOT let the racket get wet. Moisture absorbed by tapping a damp wicket makes the racquet susceptible to toe damage.

DO NOT abuse or treat negligently off the field of play, e.g. B. on nets or in changing rooms.

DO NOT use cheap hard cricket balls. These will damage the bat, only high quality cricket balls.

DO NOT continue playing with a damaged racquet. This worsens the damage to a point where the bat is beyond repair.

DO NOT remove the GM NOW! Anti-abrasion covering as this can damage the blade if not done by a racquet specialist.

DO NOT hit your racquet with a machine, this is harmful to your GM racquet and will not help it perform at its best.

You may also be interested in: How to choose a cricket bat? | GM English Willow Bat Grading

Choosing a cricket bat is not as easy as it might seem. Finally, this racquet will be your trusted partner when you hit the crease. If you want to get back to the pavilion with runs to your name, you need a racquet you can trust. Start researching great brands like Kookaburra, New Balance, Gray Nicolls, and Gunn and Moore. After that, it’s a good idea to try out a few racquets and see which one feels right for you. Once you’ve found the perfect racquet, it’s important to keep it in great condition. The first thing you have to do is smash your racquet. It might be a lengthy process, but smashing your racquet is the first step to being feared by bowlers everywhere. Here’s what you need to do.

Why hit the bat?

Tapping your racquet is the process of preparing the grains and fibers in the wood. It helps strengthen and compress these fibers to prepare your racquet for you. If you don’t hit it thoroughly and patiently, your club is more likely to break and dent when faced with a fastball.

How to tap your racquet: oiling, extratecting and tapping:

Oil

Oiling is an essential part of the tapping process. It reduces the likelihood of splits and dents by maintaining moisture levels in the racquet. Use a rag to apply linseed oil to all exposed wood parts of the blade. After coating the racquet, let it dry horizontally for 24 hours. This process should be done at least 3 times.

Beat

Here comes the dangerous part. In the past, a ball in a sock was used to hit the bat. But as you can imagine, it shoots out in all directions, causing your thumbs and shins to be smashed in like the bat. Fortunately, specially designed bat and ball bats are now available from cricket specialists. The four areas that require attention during the tapping process are the face, each edge, and the toe. Most of the time should be spent on the edges and toe. Start by “pushing” with the hammer, not tapping. Squeeze the hammer lightly at first and gradually build up the pressure. Pay the most attention to the edges of the bat’s face. After a few hours you can start throwing the hammer off the edges. This should start to “round” the edges. The rounder they are, the stronger they are. Repeat the same process on the toe. Once you’ve pushed the club in for some time, you can start tapping, focusing on the same areas. Remember that at the end of the process you should be hitting the club fairly hard with your club, as hard as a forward drive from a Brett Lee steamer. Patting is a laborious process that can take up to 16 hours. You don’t want to put in all that time and effort and then realize you did something wrong. Some of the best cricket shops even offer full bat preparation. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and effort, not to mention the confidence you’ll have when you go to the fold.

Extract

About 90% of new bat owners extratecate their bats. Extratec is a transparent, self-adhesive protective cover for your racquet. It keeps moisture in and gives your pasture an extra layer of protection.

Testing

Once your racquet has been smashed, take it to the nets for a few knockdowns with an old ball. If the racquet seems to withstand the pressure, build up the ball’s pace and hardness until you are confident you can use it to face an opening bowler. The entire process can take up to two weeks, but a bat is a significant investment and will last for at least several seasons.

Slamming your racquet is a vital process. Visit a cricket specialty store for advice or full bat preparation.

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Confused about which bat to choose? Here is the precise guide to buying the best cricket bats in India.

Cricket is a beautiful game and is rapidly gaining popularity around the world.

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5-6% of the Indian population play cricket at the school, college, district, state, zone, national and international levels. That’s an incredible 5 million people in one country!

If you’re one of those 5 million people striving to change the game, you must have your own weapon, a cricket bat. And this weapon must be great.

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We are going to go through some of the best cricket bats available in the Indian market today.

But before we talk about the best cricket bats, let’s address some common questions:

How to choose a good cricket bat?

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The three most important things to look for when buying the best cricket bats are:

Type of wood Bat weight Bat size

Of course there are brands that have a reputation for making good racquets. But the brand name shouldn’t be the only criterion for choosing a racquet.

There are many other technical aspects to consider such as racquet grit, grip length, edge thickness, large sweet spot, shock absorption, etc. However, if you are not playing at national or international level, you should focus on the above 3 points to make a decision.

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READ | The 10 best cricket bats for leather balls

Types of wood to make the best cricket bats in the world

Cashmere willow bat

The willow is famous for its sweet sound and shape. These bats are cheaper than the English willow bats. But don’t judge Kashmir Willow by its price. English willow wood is very weak and needs a lot of beating.

Kashmir Willow, on the other hand, easily withstands rough use. That’s why beginners to the game generally prefer these bats to the English willow. But that doesn’t mean cashmere willow can’t be used at higher cricket levels.

Many national and international players use Kashmir Willow. Ever heard of Sachin Tendulkar? Yes, I know you do (unless you’re Maria Sharapova!). The racquet he used to score his 35th ton was made of Kashmiri willow.

English willow bat

It is one of the finest woods available for making cricket bats. And most of the professional cricket players prefer it for its light weight and shock absorption. The only problem is that it’s expensive.

Also, you have to be extra careful with these bats. If you’re really rough with your playing style and the tapping wasn’t done right, the wood may not last long. Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli uses English willow bats of grade A. His bats have a curved blade with a thickness of 38 to 42 mm.

Selected willow

Last but not least are the Selected Willows. These bats are designed to play regular street level cricket. Mainly they are designed for kids who are just learning to play or adults who are playing for fun.

Ideal weight of the best cricket bats

Laws of Cricket recommend that a bat should ideally weigh between 1.2 and 1.4 kg. But there is no standard as such. Virat Kohli uses bats that weigh between 1.1 and 1.23kg and so do many Australian cricketers such as Ricky Ponting. However, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar used to play with a 1.51kg cricket bat.

As seen above, weight is really a matter of taste and suitability.

There is a simple test to find out. If you’re a right-handed hitter, try holding the bat with only your left hand and try to taunt a shot. If you make it comfortable then it is ideal for you. If your hands aren’t stable, then it’s probably a little harder for you.

If you’re playing with a heavy racquet, hits like hook, pull or square cut would be difficult to hit, but the drives would be easier.

Ideal size of a cricket bat

Laws of Cricket advises that the bat should be no more than 965 mm (38 in) long, 108 mm (4.25 in) wide and 67 mm (2.64 in) overall depth should The edge thickness should not be more than 40 mm (1.56 inch).

The size should be defined by the size of the player who will be using it. If you are going to use it in your manhole it is ok to buy a standard size racquet.

However, as a rule of thumb, you should check that the top of the racket grip is only 2 to 3 inches below your waist. If yes, then the length is good enough for you.

Now that you know what to look out for, let’s learn about the best cricket bats in India.

READ | Top 9 Best Cricket Kits For Kids In India For Bright Cricket Career

Complete list of the best cricket bats in India

S.N Best Cricket Bats Wood Weight 1 New Balance BURN Kashmir Willow 1200 – 1250 grams 2 SG Cobra Xtreme English Willow 1180 – 1190 grams 3 New Balance CW DC 480 Kashmir Willow 1200 – 1275 grams 4 SG Scorer Classic Kashmir Willow 1100 grams 5 Spartan MSD Edition English Willow 1100-1250 grams 6 Gray-Nicolls POWER BOW Smash Exclusive 2021 Kashmir Willow 1180-1250 grams 7 Spartan MSD Run English Willow Less than 1000 grams 8 Spartan MS Dhoni King Kashmir Willow 1000-1200 grams 9 Protos Blaster Kashmir Willow 1200-1250 grams 10 GM 1601258 Paragon Apex Kashmir Willow 920-975 grams 11 Kookaburra Verve 250 English Willow 1200 grams 12 GM Zelos 222 Kashmir Willow 1250-1300 grams 13 SG RSD Spark Kashmir Willow 1200 grams for short handle

1. BURN new balance

Wood: cashmere willow

Cashmere Willow Weight: 1200 – 1250 grams

Size: Short Handle (Full Size)

Good for hard tennis ball cricket, it is the best hard tennis ball cricket bat, but New Balance Burn can also be used for leather ball cricket if your budget is smaller. Although made from original cashmere willow, it closely resembles English willow.

The build quality of this racket is excellent. Absolute value for money. It has the Singapore Cane Handle which helps keep the grip firm. Once the tap is done right, it really does have a good sweet spot. He is one of the best cricket bats in the world.

Benefits Easy to grab

Good willow quality

Great Reviews Cons Bat is heavier compared to other bats on the market

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2. SG Cobra Xtreme

English pasture

Weight: 1180-1190 grams

Size: Short Handle (Full Size)

SG Cobra Xtreme has a very light weight, good shots, nice balance and thick edges. Although you have to be careful with it in the beginning. Make sure the tapping is done correctly to avoid damaging the club prematurely. Another plus is that the oiling process for the racquet is already done.

Pros toe protection for better durability

Constructed from high quality imported Saravak tubing for superior control

Good English willow bat at this price

Already oiled Disadvantages The wood is softer

Needs a little tapping initially to get the most out of it, otherwise it may break with rough use

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3.New Balance CWDC480

cashmere willow

Weight: 1200 – 1275 grams

Size: Short Handle (Full Size)

The New Balance CW DC 480 comes with an excellent overall finish. This is not surprising considering that NB is known for producing high quality products. And this one is certainly no exception.

It also has the right weight balance. For someone starting out in professional cricket, this bat could be a real bargain.

Advantages Visually appealing

Thick edges and curved blade

Ergonomically designed

Good Balance Cons –

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4. SG Goalscorer Classic

cashmere willow

Weight: 1100 grams

Size: Short Handle (Full Size)

The Scorer Classic from SG is exceptionally light for a cashmere willow. It is covered with batwing tape which gives it a smooth finish and a stylish look. The shots are good and the racquet is oiled. However, it must be tapped before use.

Advantages Weight comparable to a high-quality English willow racket

Classic design

Already oiled Cons Covered with a white coating making the grain difficult to see and the quality of the wood difficult to measure

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5. Spartan MSD Edition

English pasture

Weight: 1100 – 1250 grams

Size: Short Handle (Full Size)

The Spartan MSD Edition comes with a classic Caribbean design. It has a 1 year warranty and is strongly backed by MSD. However, please don’t think that the explosive power of MSD will be yours once you buy it! Jokes aside, this racquet has an impressive rubber grip and comes with a toe guard. However, don’t just trust the name. Truly one of the best cricket bats in the world.

Benefits Lightweight

Inexpensive English pasture

Large edges with minimal concavity give that extra punch Cons 20% of verified buyers complained about receiving a counterfeit copy so make sure you only get the original and use the warranty if not

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6. Gray-Nicoll’s POWER BOW Smash Exclusive 2021

cashmere willow

Weight: 1180-1250 grams

Size: Size 5, Size 6, Short Handle, Harrow

The racquet’s low face is good for forefoot shots. A bit heavy but good grip and the elliptical handle makes it easy to hold.

The racquet is pre-pressed but it is recommended to tap with it before playing.

Professionals Trusted Brand of Bats

good balance

Larger sweet spot for explosive shots Cons No blade curvature

Strange bat cover

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7th Spartan MSD Run

English pasture

Weight: Less than 1000 grams

Size: Short Handle (Full Size)

Swing it like MS Dhoni! The Spartan MSD Run racket is very light and easy to swing. It has 10-12 grains on the bat and is good for fast bowlers. As it is not pre-tapped, it is advisable to tap it for a longer period of time before using it in a game for the best results

Benefits Lightweight

Good balance Cons Comes without a knock

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8. Spartan MS Dhoni King

cashmere willow

Weight: 1000-1200 grams

Size: size 1, size 2, size 4, size 5

The Spartan MS Dhoni King comes with a 6 month warranty and comes in a range of sizes to suit the needs of all ages. Because it is a cashmere willow, it is suitable for beginners in professional cricket or tough tennis cricket.

It’s also inexpensive and suits a player with a very aggressive game. Has thick edges that also contribute to a good shot.

Advantages Not expensive

Decent hits

Perfect for amateur cricket, both hard tennis and leather balls. Cons Not great for high level professional cricket, there are other better bats out there

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9. Protos Blaster

cashmere willow

Weight: 1200-1250 grams

Size: Short Handle (Full Size)

Constructed from economical Grade III cashmere willow, the Protos Blaster is the quintessential tennis ball cricket racquet. It also comes with a fiberglass band on the top.

However, it is not pre-tapped and must be tapped with a leather ball before playing. A good option for casual play, practice or small tournaments. Protos Blaste is among the best cricket bats in India.

Benefits Inexpensive

Large sweet spot and thick edges that prevent hand shake and improve the shot. Cons Not the best racquet for its price, there are better racquets out there.

Good quality willow

A little heavy

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10. GM 1601258 Paragon Apex

cashmere willow

Weight: 920-975 grams

Size: size 5

GM Paragon Apex is made from Grade I cashmere willow and has a traditional shape that provides extra stability. It has decent travel and comes pre-knocked. The racquet gets thick edges to improve the shot and is good for explosive players.

Ideal for beginners and advanced. It also comes with protection at the toe end. Apex has a decent adjustable grip as well as a free racquet cover.

Advantages Top quality but not expensive

pre-knocked

The elevator spring comes with a cover Cons Fiberglass tape on the front, so wood quality cannot be tested.

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11. Kookaburra Verve 250

English pasture

Weight: 1200 grams

Size: Short Handle (Full Size)

The Kookaburra Verve 250 is made from premium English willow and has a squared tip for better hand positioning. The edges and the sweet spot are significantly larger. This makes it suitable for players who like to hit powerful shots.

Verve 250 is naturally dried and has a heavy-duty oil protection face cover. It is best suited for real leather ball cricket and high level tournaments. It also has a high back that provides strength on hits, and thicker edges ensure plenty of hits. However, the racket must be properly oiled and knocked out before use.

Advantages Top class II English willow and naturally dried

Angled tip for better hand positioning

Oil Shield Face Cover Cons The bat hasn’t made any significant sales due to its somewhat high price

A bit heavy for an English pasture

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12. GM Zelos 222

cashmere willow

Weight: 1250-1300 grams.

Size: Short Handle (Full Size)

GM Zelos 222 is handmade from premium cashmere willow. Its thick edges and pronounced arc provide a great balance of shot, power and feel. It is suitable for batsmen who like the feeling of hitting the ball.

222 is supplied in a pre-pounded, ready-to-use form. It is well balanced between stability and power and has a low sweet spot. The racquet is suitable for playing with a leather ball on sub-continental fields as it offers better hitting abilities off center.

Benefits Ideal blend of power and punch

Comes with superior padded grip and triple spring loaded stick handle

Great for punching around the ball. Cons Comes with clear tape so it’s difficult to judge the quality of the wood

Nothing for very aggressive players

Not suitable for playing on bouncy fields

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13.SG RSD Spark

cashmere willow

Weight: 1200 grams for short handle

Size: size 3,4,5,6, short handle (full size)

Like every other SG product, RSD Spark is handcrafted. Made from high quality cashmere wicker, it is suitable for both leisure and tennis ball cricket. The thick edges of the racket ensure a decent shot. It comes with a durable Saravak tubing handle to withstand heavy hitting.

Full racquet coverage is provided and the racquet is extremely durable, making it suitable for rough use. The traditionally shaped and curved blade improves power and impact play.

Advantages Inexpensive, but made from high-quality cashmere willow

Comes with durable Saravak Cane grip Cons There are better racquets at this price point and not suitable for a leather ball

The balance of control and power could be better and it lacks some feel

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Choosing a cricket bat is not as easy as it might seem. Finally, this racquet will be your trusted partner when you hit the crease. If you want to get back to the pavilion with runs to your name, you need a racquet you can trust. Start researching great brands like Kookaburra, New Balance, Gray Nicolls, and Gunn and Moore. After that, it’s a good idea to try out a few racquets and see which one feels right for you. Once you’ve found the perfect racquet, it’s important to keep it in great condition. The first thing you have to do is smash your racquet. It might be a lengthy process, but smashing your racquet is the first step to being feared by bowlers everywhere. Here’s what you need to do.

Why hit the bat?

Tapping your racquet is the process of preparing the grains and fibers in the wood. It helps strengthen and compress these fibers to prepare your racquet for you. If you don’t hit it thoroughly and patiently, your club is more likely to break and dent when faced with a fastball.

How to tap your racquet: oiling, extratecting and tapping:

Oil

Oiling is an essential part of the tapping process. It reduces the likelihood of splits and dents by maintaining moisture levels in the racquet. Use a rag to apply linseed oil to all exposed wood parts of the blade. After coating the racquet, let it dry horizontally for 24 hours. This process should be done at least 3 times.

Beat

Here comes the dangerous part. In the past, a ball in a sock was used to hit the bat. But as you can imagine, it shoots out in all directions, causing your thumbs and shins to be smashed in like the bat. Fortunately, specially designed bat and ball bats are now available from cricket specialists. The four areas that require attention during the tapping process are the face, each edge, and the toe. Most of the time should be spent on the edges and toe. Start by “pushing” with the hammer, not tapping. Squeeze the hammer lightly at first and gradually build up the pressure. Pay the most attention to the edges of the bat’s face. After a few hours you can start throwing the hammer off the edges. This should start to “round” the edges. The rounder they are, the stronger they are. Repeat the same process on the toe. Once you’ve pushed the club in for some time, you can start tapping, focusing on the same areas. Remember that at the end of the process you should be hitting the club fairly hard with your club, as hard as a forward drive from a Brett Lee steamer. Patting is a laborious process that can take up to 16 hours. You don’t want to put in all that time and effort and then realize you did something wrong. Some of the best cricket shops even offer full bat preparation. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and effort, not to mention the confidence you’ll have when you go to the fold.

Extract

About 90% of new bat owners extratecate their bats. Extratec is a transparent, self-adhesive protective cover for your racquet. It keeps moisture in and gives your pasture an extra layer of protection.

Testing

Once your racquet has been smashed, take it to the nets for a few knockdowns with an old ball. If the racquet seems to withstand the pressure, build up the ball’s pace and hardness until you are confident you can use it to face an opening bowler. The entire process can take up to two weeks, but a bat is a significant investment and will last for at least several seasons.

Slamming your racquet is a vital process. Visit a cricket specialty store for advice or full bat preparation.

When you buy a new cricket bat you need to make sure it is fully prepared before using it in a game. For a cricketer, learning How To Knock In A Cricket Bat is a valuable skill to learn. Cricket bats cost between £80 and £600+ so it’s worth investing time to ensure they’re in top condition. The purpose of batting a cricket bat is to compress the fibers within the sheet to create a firm but compliant surface.

To bash a cricket bat, you must use a bat hammer. These are specifically designed to hit a cricket bat as they are made of wood and have a round head that is similar in size to a cricket ball. If you don’t have a bat, you can use an old cricket ball in a sports sock. With the sock and ball method, it is important to use an old ball. Because a new ball could leave serious marks on the racket. Whatever you use, allow up to 8 hours of tapping to get the most out of your cricket bat and prepare your racquet game. Manufacturers suggest 8 hours, but if pre-pressed, at least 3 to 4 hours should suffice.

Does a pre-pressed cricket bat need to be hammered in?

A pre-pressed cricket bat has gone through a process that compresses the surface of the sheet. At the factory, a racquet is fed through a hydraulic roller that exerts up to 2 tons of pressure. This compresses the bat’s face and speeds up the process of getting the bat game ready. The bat thickness can be reduced by up to 5 mm at the factory. However, this should only be the beginning of the preparation. Once the bat is in your hands, you should start tapping the cricket bat manually. This process will give you a bigger sweet spot and middle if done right.

To begin batting your cricket bat, you should tap the bat with the bat hammer. Alternatively, use an old cricket ball in a sock. Tap along the face of the cricket bat about 25mm from the tip of the bat. Do not hit the toe as this can accelerate the tear in the bottom of the racquet. Also avoid tapping around the handle/splice as this can weaken that area as well. Also, focus on the edges as this is a key area and is often used during a cricket match.

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