Guide to Cricket Bat Care: All You Need To Know
Introduction
You’ll probably want to start using your new cricket bat as soon as you get it. However, there are a few things you need to follow in order to optimize the performance of your bat and lengthen its lifespan before you go out and start hitting those sixes and fours.Here at the Cricket Closet, we handpicked cricket bats from the finest English willow. The attributes of English willow can vary hugely, and every cricket bat is unique. For this very reason, here at our store we pay individual attention to the ‘pressing’ and ‘ping’ of all the bats we stock.Whatever bat brand or shape of cricket bat you use, one thing is for sure, it will eventually wear out due to usage. After all, it is a natural product that is being repeatedly smashed by a hard leather ball.With the above in mind, here’s our advice and guidelines on prolonging your cricket bat’s life.
1) Knocking Your Cricket Bat
Knocking-in your cricket bat is one of the important parts of its preparation. Here at the Cricket Closet, we provide free knocking service. Because all of the bats tend to perform way much better in case of being knocked in. The edges, toe, and blade all ought to be well knocked in order to tackle the cricket ball and that’s how it is defended from breakage and damage. This knocking process is supposed to be carried out gradually and carefully in order to ensure the compactness of the wood of the bat and so that fibers can be compressed and knitted together.
2) Using Bat Mallet
Always prefer a hardwood bat mallet, gently strike the face and edges of the bat to harden and round these areas. Be careful with not hitting edges, toes, or back of the back so that it can be protected from unnecessary damage. Repeat this process and you will see a gradual increase in the power of your blows. After doing this knocking session for a minimum of 2-3 hours you can test your bat by hitting some short catches from any old cricket ball. And if you get to see marks or smudges on the face of your bat, it is an indicator of needing another knocking process of 4 hours. And after some more practice, your bat is supposed to be ready for performing in a competitive scenario of the game.
3) Oiling Your Cricket Bat
Oiling your cricket bat is an integral part of its care. Because numerous manufacturers’ opinion on this aspect sums up the point that on getting bats for repair, their keen observation regarding the condition of those bats concluded that around 50 % of them were not oiled properly and the other ones were excessively oiled up. You ought to look into these steps by following which you can attain the perfect balance in oiling your bat. Use a tiny piece of cloth comprising very soft fabric, apply a thin coat of oil on it and start rubbing it to the face, edges, toe, and back of the bat.After getting done with the oil application you ought to leave your bat in a horizontal direction and let it dry up for 12 hours’ maximum. And after that second coat can be applied. Where you can leave bat for another 12 hours after application. And later your bat is all set to be knocked in. You are supposed to oil your bat properly and on regular intervals because that’s how the wooden fibers can be guarded and your bat tends to get cracks less likely. Also, the bat with an anti-scuff cover doesn’t need oiling on its face but its back does need it.
4) Anti-Scuff Facing
A clear self adhesive cover that provides the best possible protection from surface cracking and indentations. We recommend the use of a facing on your bat as it can vastly improve its lifespan. It helps protect the edges of the blade as well as the face by making them a sealed unit, removing the need for sanding down and oiling during the season apart from a light oil on the toe and back.
5) Match Ready
Before using your brand new bat for match play we recommend using the bat for light net sessions with an old cricket ball to assess if it is ready to play, start with a slow pace and slowly build up. Should small seam indentations or fine cracks appear, return to knocking in with an old ball, as the blade is not ready yet. Repeat this process until the issue stops occurring.
6) Surface Cracks
It is natural for your cricket bat to develop surface cracks during normal usage. Surface cracks may appear more frequently with the age of the bat and is a sign of maturity. This does not affect the performance of your cricket bat and some cracking is expected. We do recommend the use of a facing and or fibre glass tape or liquid super glue which helps reduce surface cracking and increase the longevity of your Fantail bat. Should you be concerned about surface cracking please feel free to contact us or drop it off toπ be repaired by us.
7) YOU SHOULD NEVER
❌ Never over-oil your cricket bat
❌ Do not stand the bat in oil
❌ Do not stand the bat in a vertical position after oiling
❌ Do not hit the edges at right angles
❌ Do not hit the back of the bat
