Cricket Bat Maintenance: How To Care & Prepare

If you’re passionate about making runs (we’re with you), you need to start creating good maintenance habits for looking after your cricket bat. From casual players to seasoned professionals, looking after your bat will help extend its lifespan and on-field performance. So, let’s look at the steps you can take to maintain your cricket bat properly.

Knocking-in

What is knocking in? It is where you gently and repeatedly hit the face of the bat with a wooden mallet. This process helps compress the fibres in the wood, making it less likely to crack or break when you are using it. We recommend spending 4-5 hours knocking on your bat. Break this down into 20- or 30-min sessions spread over a week to make it less overwhelming.

Oiling

Oil helps protect the wood from external moisture and maintains the natural internal moisture level of the bat. Lightly sand your new, natural-faced bat with 150 grit sandpaper to remove polish, and then lightly oil with cricket bat oil or linseed oil all over the face and the toe using a soft rag or finger. After applying a thin layer of linseed oil to the surface of your bat, let it dry for 24 hours before using it. Find linseed oil at any good cricket shop in Perth.

Regular cleaning

Use a soft cloth to wipe down the surface of your bat after use, to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions as they can damage the wood.

Storage

When not in use, keep your cricket bat dry, away from direct sunlight and moisture. You can use a bat cover to protect your bat from dust and scratches. Find one from your local cricket bat store in Australia.

Regular inspection

Inspect your cricket bat regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks or dents. If you notice any damage, get it repaired straight away to prevent it from getting worse. You can sand small cracks with fine sandpaper, sanding with the grain, not against it. Then apply a protective facing or fibreglass tape over the crack.

Consistent cricket bat maintenance is essential for longevity and on-field performance. Following our tips, you can keep your cricket bat in top condition and enjoy using it for a long time.

Meulemans – crazy about cricket

Meulemans Cricket Centre has all the cricket bats, equipment, and gear you need for sale in our cricket shops in Perth. We deliver the best service, prices, and advice possible. Our staff members are keen cricketers who have played the game at professional levels and have a genuine understanding of the equipment we sell.

Pop into one of our stores to try things out; you don’t need to commit to purchasing. Shop online or see us in-store and let us help you find all the gear you need. Browse our full range online, or head to the South Perth Store or Joondalup Megastore to view products in-store.

How To Take Care Of Your New Cricket Bat

Preparation

Oiling is essential for cricket bats. It stops the willow from drying out and greatly reduces the risk of cracking. When first purchased, natural-faced bats should be lightly sanded with 150 grit sandpaper to remove polish and then lightly oiled with cricket bat oil or linseed oil all over the face and the toe using a soft rag or your finger (do not apply oil to the splice as it can weaken the glue). Alternatively, you have the option of applying an Extratec cover which will help to protect the bat in the initial knocking in stage and beyond. The Extratec cover provides extra protection to help guard against general wear and tear. After one season the Extratec should be removed (slowly across the grain) and lightly sanded and oiled. A new Extratec cover can be re-applied once the bat has dried out sufficiently (usually 2-3 weeks).

If you have bought a covered bat, or one fitted with an anti-scuff sheet, less oiling is required, as these bats are able to retain their moisture.

If you are not sure about how much oil to apply, simply ask one of our experienced staff members or bring your bat into one of our stores for some professional assistance.

Knocking-In

Every cricket bat needs to be “Knocked-In”. Some cricket bats claim to be “pre-prepared” in the factory, but this does not mean that the bat is ready for use. A pre-prepared bat will have been oiled, pressed, and lightly knocked-in by hand, but it will still need a minimum of 2-hours knocking-in before it can be used. Bats that are not pre-prepared will need even longer (around 5 to 6 hours).

The more thorough the knocking-in process, the less chance there is of your bat breaking.

Bats purchased at Meulemans will be pre knocked in by hand with a Kangaroo bone with an emphasis on the toe and edges. This will reduce the amount of time needed knocking your bat in.

What is knocking-in a cricket bat?

When you knock in a cricket bat, you compress the fibres of the willow and knit them together. This gives the bat the strength it needs to withstand the impact of a cricket ball. Knocking-in is best done with a cricket bat mallet.

How your bat is knocked-in will have a direct impact on its performance. That’s why bouncing an old ball up and down on the face of the bat is not the best option.

How do I knock-in my cricket bat?

The first thing you’ll need to knock-in your cricket bat, is patience. The second item you’ll need is a cricket bat mallet. You should begin by tapping the blade of the bat (avoiding the handle, back, and splice). You need to keep tapping, gradually increasing the force in all areas of the face where you would normally expect to hit the ball.

You should not hammer the edges at right angles. If done correctly, you should notice that the edges become rounded and compacted the more you knock them in. The ‘ping’ will also improve. At Meulemans, we recommend that you spend 3 or 4 weeks knocking-in your bat.

When you are satisfied that you have completed the knocking-in process, head to the nets and start practising with your bat using high-grade old balls. Face a few balls at a time and then check your bat. If any seam marks or deep indentations appear on the blade, then your bat is not ready for match play and you will need to spend more time knocking-in.

When you have finally completed the knocking-in process, and no seams marks or indentations appear on the blade, your bat is ready for action.

On Going Cricket Bat Maintenance

Cricket bats have varying life spans. To get the most out of your cricket bat it should be correctly knocked-in and regularly oiled.

If you have a covered bat, the cover should be removed during the off-season once a year and oiled. Removing the cover should be done slowly and across the grain then sanded with light sandpaper. If your bat has a natural face, it should be oiled every month to maintain high-performance levels.

Small cracks on the face of a cricket bat are considered natural wear and tear. With a little care, they should not turn into major problems. Small cracks can be sanded with fine sandpaper. You should sand with the grain, not against it, and then apply a protective facing or fibreglass tape over the crack.

Don'ts:

Don’t – expose to extremes of temperature

Avoid – prolonged spells in Car Boots/Trunks/Interiors

Don’t – over-oil. It is more dangerous to over-oil than to under-oil. Over-oiling adds weight, spoils driving power and may cause rot.

Don’t – ever, ever stand the bat in oil.

Don’t – allow the bat to become damp.

Don’t – misuse or treat carelessly off the pitch, for example at nets, or in changing rooms.

Don’t – use cheap hard balls. These will damage the bat.

Don’t – continue to play with a damaged bat; this will aggravate the damage to a point where the bat may be beyond repair.

Do's:

Do – prepare the bat carefully

Do – store the bat in the off-season in a cool dry atmosphere away from excessive heat or damp.

Do – re-oil the bat after any prolonged period of non-use: it’s particularly important to remember to do this prior to using it in pre-season indoor nets.

Do – inspect regularly for damage in play and perform bat repair promptly.

Best Cricket Bats for Casual Players

One of the biggest obstacles that stop more men and women from taking up cricket on a social or casual basis is the cost of cricket gear. Thankfully, however, your love for the game doesn’t have to cost you a fortune!

At Meulemans Cricket Centre, we are proud to offer an extensive range of cricket bats for sale that are suitable for everyone from the serious players right down to those who just want to participate casually.

Check out the best cricket bats for casual players – including Kookaburra cricket bats and Gray Nicolls cricket bats – available in our store.

Kookaburra Ghost 4.0

One of the all-time favourites in the Kookaburra range, the Kookaburra Ghost 4.0 is an outstanding choice for casual players.

With different weights available, the Ghost will serve you just as well in the nets as it will out on the wicket, whether you’re just training to keep up some sharpness or filling in for one of your mate’s teams.

Gray Nicolls Giant

The Gray Nicolls brand is synonymous with the great game of cricket and the Gray Nicolls Giant is a great reminder as to why.

Handcrafted from Select English willow and made in Australia, the Giant lives up to its name and has been made to the limits of the new MCC laws, meaning this one is good to go for competition, as well as your casual hit in the backyard.

Grove S2 Supreme

The Grove S2 Supreme stands out for its full shape and high middle. This beauty feels nice and light in the hands but packs plenty of punch, meaning no matter your level of play, you’ll send bowlers for six.

This bat is available in a wide range of weights and is pre-knocked, meaning it’s good to go out of the packaging.

SS Makers 9000

The SS Makers 9000 comes with a free pre-knock in and oil and in three different weights as well as different sizes, meaning this cricket bat can but customised to your needs.

This all-rounder is a great choice for casual cricket player.

New Balance Heritage

There’s a reason some of the best batsman in the world, such as Steve Smith, Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade, opt for the New Balance bat.

Known for their fierce attacking prowess, the New Balance Heritage packs a great punch at an entry-level price, making it the perfect choice for the casual cricketer looking to make an impact on the scoreboard.

Kookaburra Rapid 4.0

You won’t need to announce your arrival with the Kookaburra Rapid 4.0

Famed for the amazing it sound it produces when it connects with the ball, the Rapid is perfect for the casual cricketer who needs to make an impact.

Made from Grade 5 Unbleached English willow, you’ll be smashing boundaries in no time with this beauty of a cricket bat.

Cricket Bats for Sale at Meulemans Cricket Centre

All of these bats, and many more, are available from our online cricket store!

Our Gray Nicolls Cricket Gear

Even the top players in the world are left stumped when their cricket gear is lacking in quality and reliability, that’s why many cricketers trust Gray-Nicolls’ to help them perform at their absolute best!

Gray-Nicolls maintains an impressive balance between innovative craftsmanship and appreciation for the game’s heritage when designing their extensive range of high-quality products. This attention to detail is something that many competitors can only hope to attain, and is what sets Gray-Nicholls apart from the rest. 

With this, it’s easy to understand why a Gray-Nicholls bat is the first choice for many international players. Greats such as Matt Renshaw, Jess Jonassen, Peter Nevill, James Faulkner, Kane Williamson, Shaun Marsh, and Alastair Cook are all known to wield a Gray-Nicholls bat frequently. 

Gray-Nicolls’ Australian models are handcrafted in Melbourne from the finest Grade 1 English willow and are considered by many to be the best bats in the world. They are praised for having a much softer feel when the ball connects with the bat while simultaneously maintaining optimum rebound. Their handles are also slightly thinner than average and are somewhat oval in shape, making them superior in design.

Meulemans’ offers a wide range of Gray-Nicholls bats that cater to many different styles and preferences. Choose a Gray-Nicholls bat for unrivalled confidence at the crease!

Every cricketer knows that they need protective gear, but what Gray-Nicholls understands more than most is what a cricketer truly needs when it comes to protection. They know you not only want gear that keeps you safe, but they know you also want gear that is extremely lightweight and durable. That’s why their protective gear is perfect for players who want a long-lasting solution to premium protection, while still being light enough to run at their top speed and sneak an extra run (or two). 

Here at Meulemans, we stock every type of protective gear a cricketer could need from Gray-Nicholls including batting gloves, batting pads, bodyguards, helmets and inners. 

For wicket-keeping, Gray-Nicholls also know that you want something comfortable and firm. Browse through their extensive range of wicket-keeping gloves and wicket-keeping pads to find the ones that are right for you. 

Past Australian players that have sported Gray-Nicolls gear have included the likes of Keith Miller, Greg Chappell, Matthew Hayden, Shane Warne, and David Warner. Take their advice,  choose the top gear to be at the top of your game. 

Once you’ve kitted yourself out with Grey-Nicholls’ top-notch gear, you’ll need a safe place to store it all. Meulemans stocks several Gray-Nicholls cricket bags, each unique in their storage capacity, look and practicality. 

Gray-Nicholls can also boast an impressive fact. They remain the only cricket brand to produce bats in Australia and control the entire production process – from planting willow to delivering bats to players. This not only means that they are providing jobs to hard-working Australians but it also means that they are able to honestly assure that every step in their production process is up to the highest standards.

Whether you’re a local player or smashing sixes at the SCG, you can trust Gray-Nicolls to have your back. Choose Gray-Nicholls when building your next cricket set!

Why Buy Gray Nicolls Cricket Bats?

About Gray Nicolls

Gray-Nicolls is based in East Sussex England and Melbourne Australia. Specialising in cricket equipment and cricket apparel. Owned by Grays International, this legendary company was formed when the two companies Grays and Nicolls merged in the 1940’s. 

Soon after World War II, the famous cricket stars Wally Hammond, England’s Captain at the time, and Australian all-rounder Keith Miller began using Gray-Nicolls’ bats. To this day, both Ashes contenders have been smacking sixes with them ever since.

Gray-Nicolls remains one of the only companies that produces bats in the UK and Australia. Another impressive feat is that Gray-Nicolls uniquely remains the only company producing bats that has control over the entire process from planting the willow to delivering the bats. 

Gray Nicolls Cricket Bats

Gray-Nicolls’ Australian models are handcrafted in Melbourne and are considered by many to be the best bats in the world. 

Their Australian made bats are widely known to have a much softer feel when the ball connects with the bat, all the while maintaining optimum rebound. Their handles are also slightly thinner than normal and are somewhat oval in shape making them unique in design to many other brands of bat. 

Gray-Nicolls’ bats come in several models that cater for many different styles and preferences. The following models are made in Australia and are handcrafted from the finest  English willow:

Who Uses Gray Nicolls?

Gray Nicolls’ bats are incredibly popular with many Australian players. Their superior quality is a big factor in why the Australian cricket team remains one of the best teams in the world.

This world renowned brand have provided bats for many players on the Australian team including the likes of Keith Miller, Greg Chappell, Matthew Hayden, Shane Warne and David Warner – all legends of the game!

Buy Gray Nicolls Bats Online?

Few things are more exciting for a cricket lover than selecting a brand new bat that perfectly suits their playing style. 

Meulemans offers an extensive selection of Gray Nicolls bats online with prompt deliveries to anywhere in Australia and overseas. Gray Nicolls cricket bats right to your door!

Shop for Gray Nicolls here:

Shop for Gray Nicolls’ Junior range here

How do I select the best bat for me?

Choosing the right bat can be confusing. There are so many different options available to the consumer these days that it's almost impossible to know what is the best. It's hard to get a realistic review on a cricket bat as many manufacturers descriptions make each bat sound like a magic wand. Reality is, bats are unique bits of wood, even the same make and model can vary greatly so it's impossible to put an accurate description on every bat. These descriptions are broad and to be honest often irrelevant.

Getting numerous bats in your hands and picking the one that feels best to you is a great way to choose a bat. For some people due to time and location this just isn't possible. Online purchase of cricket bats has become more and more common over the last few years. When done the correct way, getting something that best suits you can be achieved. That's where it becomes important to have someone who know's everything about bats choosing for you.

In this article I'll try pass on as much information as possible that i've learnt over the last 20 years of selling cricket bats.

Getting the right size.

For juniors this can be tricky. I'm often asked what size bat someone of a certain age should be using. While age can give a guide it's the height that is the most important factor. The size guides we have on the website give a good indication of what size to get but how long will the bat last? Truth be told it's impossible to know as you can only guess how much a child will grow over a certain period of time. At Meulemans our aim is for a junior to get two years out of his/her cricket bat. This usually means going one size up from what is on the guide, the bat may be slightly big for the initial few months and just getting on the small side by the end of the second season. Obviously this is an educated guess and taking into consideration 'normal' growth of the child.

For senior cricketers the most common size used is Short Handle (SH). I'd recommend this size for the majority of adults and taller juniors. As a guide from about 172cm right up to 186cm would be best suited to this size. The other options are Short Blade and Long Blade. More recently some brands have been selling bats with a shorter blade and longer handle where the overall size is the same as a short handle. Players like Joe Root, Travis Head and Matthew Wade use these. It's a personal preference. For me personally i'm not tall around 178cm but I feel more comfortable with the normal SH size. Around the 186 - 187cm mark is where players tend to gravitate towards the Long Blade bats. One thing to consider is long blade bats understandably are slightly heavier. Playing cross bat shots (Cuts and Pulls) can also take a bit of getting used to with the extra length in the blade.

What Weight is right?

Bats are most commonly weighed in pounds and ounces. Getting the right weight of bat is a personal thing. Different weights can suit different. A big and strong person might prefer a light bat and a lightly framed player might prefer a heavy bat. It's a personal choice. One thing is a fact though bats have become heavier over the last 10 to 15 years. The most common weight for a senior bat we sell in store is between 2lb 8oz and 2lb 9oz. These days most of the international players are using around the 2lb 9oz to 2lb 10oz. For taller juniors who are tall enough for a senior bat but don't yet have the strength of an adult I usually suggest around 2lb 7oz or 2lb 8oz.

So what are the advantages of going heavy or light. Generally speaking the heavier the bat means the more wood in the bat and the better the ball is likely to rebound. This means you don't have to swing as hard to get value for your shots. Players can play with a shorter more compact back lift and still get value for shots. It can be an advantage on the drive but a disadvantage on the cut and pull shots where bat speed is important. The lighter the bat the more bat speed you can generate, so the ball might not come off the bat might as well as a heavy one but the extra bat speed can make up for that. A lighter bat also makes it easier to adjust shots, an advantage on wickets where the ball might be seaming or have variable bounce. This is why in my opinion a bat around 2lb 8oz or 2lb 9oz is best suited to the majority.

Grades of willow and grains

I often get asked what grade of willow a certain bat is and what is the difference. Generally speaking the better the grain is on a bat the higher the grade of willow it is. Higher grades have less blemishes like butterfly marks and Red Wood on the edges and a straighter more even distribution of grains. Grade one will usually have 7 plus grains across. Bats are graded at an individuals discretion s what might be a desirable grain to me might be a shocker to someone else. For this reason bats can often be graded above or below where they should be. One thing to consider is just because a bat has a better grain than the one next to it it doesn't always mean it's going to play better. Having said this a one average a better grade of bat will usually play better than the next grade down and will almost always look better.

Shape of the bat and sweet spot

Common questions I get is where is the sweet spot on this bat? Does it have a high, mid or low profile? What profile would best suit me?

Generally speaking a mid profile is the best option. A bat with a lower profile usually has a slightly lower middle. This is commonly thought to suit someone who likes to drive the ball. A bat with a higher middle better suited to someone who likes to play cross bat shots. Is this true? Yes and no. The majority of international players use a bat with a mid to high profile. Where you hit the ball on the bat is a combination of technique and conditions. For example a common mistake in amateurs is to drive with a stiff front leg, meaning they don't transfer their weight far enough forward so they will tend to hit the ball low on the bat. Does this mean they should buy a bat with a low middle or learn to bend their front knee. If it was me I would learnt bend the front knee.

Another thing to bear in mind is a bat with a low profile will pick up heavier than one with a high profile due to where the distribution on weight is.

Rebound

Testing bats for rebound can be done in a few different ways. Some people like to test with a bat mallet. I was taught from a very young age how to test a bats 'middle' by bouncing a ball on the bat. In fact the very same ball has been used for over 30 years. Justin Langer once accidentally took it home in his pocket, when he got home to City Beach he had to turn around and drive back to South Perth to drop it back.

I often get asked when testing a bat what i'm looking for. It's often a combination of feel, sound as well as how far the ball is actually rebounding off the bat. It's not just testing the very middle though it's testing higher and lower on the blade and even more toward the edges to see how the bat performs all over. Some bats have a lot larger sweet spot than others and are therefor more forgiving to shots off centre.

Hopefully this helps you in the process in selecting the right bat for you. If you any further questions don't hesitate to email me at scott@meulemans.com.au

Scott Meuleman

4 Steps to Pick the Perfect Cricket Bat

It’s hard to find a more significant Australian pastime than cricket. The sport is one of the nation’s most coveted summer time activities. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious cricketer, it always helps to have a solid cricket bat. Luckily, there are tons of different cricket bats to choose from – you just have to know what to look for. Being spoiled for choice can sometimes make the process even more difficult.

Choosing the right cricket bat is essential; you don’t want to end up with a subpar bat and poor game. Whether you’re purchasing a bat for yourself or your child, it’s critical that you buy an excellent product. There are plenty of cheaply made cricket bats on the market, but they won’t provide you with the capabilities that other bats provide.

In this article, we take a look at what you need to know to choose the perfect cricket bat. Our guide can help you gain the expertise you need to make the right choice when you head to the shops for your next bat. Cricket can be an expensive sport, so it’s important to find a good deal on your next bat.Check out our advice below.

Set a Budget - Factory or Handmade?

As with any purchasing decision, it’s important to set a budget before you start your research. This is the best way to exclude any bats out of your price range automatically. Don’t waste your time looking at cricket bats that are too expensive. Always look or ask for the price upfront to ensure that you don’t get excited about something you can’t afford.

Bats have considerable variations in price. Some can cost upwards of $400, while other cheap bats can sometimes be purchased for $30. There are considerable disparities in these bats, and it’s often easy to tell. One of the biggest deciders of bat prices is the difference between factory and hand-made bats. If you want to purchase a cheaper bat, you should opt to look at factory bats. If you’re okay with a bigger price tag, and you want something that is quality, you should try and look at a range of handmade bats.

Fortunately, there are a lot of bat manufacturers that also provide multiple bat variations of the same bat model. If you find a bat you like, there’s probably a chance you can get a cheaper version of it by the same manufacturer. The quality won’t be as good, but it will typically have a similar shape and texture. Some bat manufacturers have up to four price variations of the same bat shape, so make sure to look out for this if you’re looking for a bargain.

Which Cricket Style Fits Best To You?

After you sort out your current budget, it’s time to start looking at specific bat types. The first thing you should consider is the type of bat style you want. This will also depend on your personal style of cricket. You should consider the kind of cricket you’ll be playing such as tests, ODIs, or T20. Many bats are made to play in any type of cricket, but some of the custom-made bats are specifically built for specific kind of batting.

If you’re someone who only plays T20 cricket, you may want to consider purchasing a cricket bat specific to T20. If you’re someone who typically bats for long periods of time in test cricket, it’s important you consider a bat explicitly built for this type of play. If you’re like most cricket players, and you play all kinds of cricket, so purchasing a general bat that is built for all-rounders is probably your best option.

After you decide on the type of cricket you will be playing; it’s time to assess the kind of cricket player you are. It’s essential to purchase a bat that suits your personal playing style. Even if you don’t think you have a typical playing style, you most likely do. Everyone has a unique swing and motion. Purchasing a bat designed for your type of motion can help you improve your hits and overall results.

The first thing you should ask yourself is if you use your front or back foot when you bat. If you’re someone who relies on your front foot more, it’s essential to have a bat with a sweet spot that sits low or around the middle of the bat. If you’re someone who sits on your back foot more, you’ll want a sweet spot that is higher up the bat. This might sound redundant, but it’s imperative to purchase a bat that has a sweet spot in the right area.

What Is The Right Bat Weight For You?

After you decide on the style of bat you’re looking to purchase, it’s important to consider the other crucial component: weight. Many cricketers make the mistake of buying a bat without assessing the weight. If a bat looks right and has the type of style you’re looking for, you may get ahead of yourself and purchase a bat that isn’t suited to your weight requirements.

Purchasing a bat without considering the weight can completely change the way you play. If you’re not strong enough to swing your bat, you won’t receive any benefits from the weight of the bat. At the same time, if you’re a strong player and your purchase a light bat, you’re probably preventing yourself from hitting as hard as you can.

This is especially important if you’re purchasing a bat for a junior player. You don’t want to buy an extremely heavy bat for your child if they’re unable to use it correctly. Junior cricket is about building the confidence of young players, so it’s vital to ensure you purchase your child a bat with a weight that suits them.

Whether you’re purchasing a bat for yourself or a child, the best way to decide if the bat is the right weight is to pick it up and test it out. There’s no set methodology for this; everyone has different strength and size, so give the bat a swing and see if it has enough weight to hit well without being a burden on your arms.

Choose The Right Cricket Supplier

After you’ve assessed all the crucial components of the right bat, it’s time to start deciding where to purchase your next cricket bat. Choosing the right bat provider is one of the most crucial components of buying the best bat. You need to find a cricket supplier that genuinely understands cricket, andmany people make the mistake of purchasing bats from general sporting goods stores. These large sporting stores don’t have the same options as a cricket specialist store. Also, their staff don’t have cricket specific knowledge that can help you choose the best bat.

Cricket specialist stores also have plenty of other cricket gear that you can use to improve your cricket career. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for excellent cricket gear, using a cricket specialist store is an awesome option. Many of the top cricket stores now have online websites that you can use to browse their gear selection. The best cricket stores have a wide variety of bat brands and bat modifications.

It’s also beneficial to choose a store that has a local presence. If you want to ensure you get the best bat, it’s important to go and try it out before you make a purchasing decision. While online shopping is convenient, you may want to consider picking up a bat before your purchase it. Also, if you go to a cricket specialist store and purchase a bat, you’ll be able to speak to a staff member that can help you assess the style of bat that is best suited to you.

Meulemans Has The Right Bat At The Right Price

Your relationship with your bat is important; it’s crucial that you do your research before you decide the brand and style you want to purchase. Buying a new bat is an exciting time that can help you improve your current cricket career. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cricket player, it’s essential to purchase a bat that is suited to your style of play and strength. Don’t underestimate how different your production will be if you are buying the wrong bat.

Don’t waste time at general sporting goods stores; there are plenty of cricket bat brands that aren’t carried by these larger Australian outlets. Choosing the right supplier can help you benefit from a wide selection and specialist knowledge. If you don’t know the type of bat that suits you, talking with an in-store specialist can help you assess your style of play and find bats that will help you bring your game to the next level.

While cricket bats do get pricey, there are tons of variations, and you’ll be able to purchase a solid bat for an affordable price. Make sure to set a budget and stick to it. There are plenty of reasonable price points available in the modern cricket bat market!

How to care For your Cricket Bat

When choosing the perfect cricket bat, there is a host of things to consider. Aside from the obvious need to feel comfortable with the bat you’ve selected, you will also need to think about the maintenance and care of your prized possession, so it keeps you performing at your best for years to come. When it comes to caring for your bat, understanding its design features and construction is key to preserving the quality of the materials.  No matter how much you’ve spent on a cricket bat, there is no guarantee it will last forever. The care and maintenance of it will help prolong its life so take a look at our handy tips on how caring for your bat will help your get the best performance time and time again.

Prepare your bat for its first use

You might be eager to try out your new bat and test its abilities, but before you take it out onto the cricket pitch, you need to do some pre-preparation before use. This process is called knocking in and involves using a bat mallet or ball and a sock to apply force to the bat, to wear it in. This can usually take approximately six hours before its first use to prevent the bat from breaking.

Some cricket bats do come pre-prepared, although you should always carry out the knocking-in process before the bat is match ready.

Adding protection

To help your cricket bat last longer, applying a small amount of linseed oil approximately three times a season can help strengthen the blade. It can be applied to the whole surface of the bat except the splice area but be careful not to over-oil, as this can actually do more harm than good.

Extra protection for your bat

Fibre tape

You may experience minor knocks that cause small cracks to appear on your bat. Having fibre tape to hand can help to fix these small setbacks by using wood glue and wrapping the tape to carefully bind these small imperfections back together. This tape is a must for any cricketer’s kit bag.

Anti-scuff covers

A top tip for providing protection for your bat is by fitting a clear anti-scuff cover. This cover will help to reduce the risk of small cracks along your bat and potentially help it last longer. This type of cover does not affect performance and also offers some protection against moisture being absorbed into the blade.

Use a toe guard

As the toe section of the bat is its weakest point, any major strike by a cricket ball in this region may cause the wood to split. To prevent this from happening, using a toe guard is an ideal option. This effective guard also help to prevent impact when you tap the bat on the floor during a match.

How to store your bat

Storage of your cricket bat is another essential element in preserving its condition and increasing its batting life. Ideal areas to keep your bat include cool and dry places such as a shed or garage which is watertight. Excess moisture can affect the condition of the blade and contribute to premature splitting of the wood.

Another thing to remember is to keep your bat away from dry heat. Be sure not to place it against radiators, fireplaces or in direct sunlight for long periods of time as this can dry the wood out and cause cracking and increase its vulnerability to extensive damage.

Damage to watch out for

Caring for your bat includes watching out for tell-tale signs that it needs some repair work or extra protection. Spotting these minor scuffs or cracks before they develop into major breakages is important for prolonging its performance and longevity. There are a few things to watch out when maintaining your cricket bat including:

Toe swells

Toe swelling on a bat is when dampness and moisture have soaked into the wood fibres around the toe section of the bat. If you’ve spotted this in good time, placing a guard at the bottom will help reduce any splits in the wood when the ball hits it.

For bats that have excessive toe swell, you may be able to salvage it before any permanent damage is done. A good way to do this involves clamping the toe of the bat into a vice and cushioning the sides together. Whilst in this position, leave the bat to dry out and then knock out this area.

Surface cracks

Bats are prone to surface cracks due to the nature of the ball striking its blade. Before these cracks become a permanently damaging aspect, preventing them with fibre tape and protective coverings can bind them together to prolong its use. If the knocking-in process has also been completed effectively, this should also reduce the risk of initial surface cracks forming.

Where the ball hits the bat

Even with the best will in the world, where the ball strikes your bat can determine its fate. In an ideal world, bowlers will deliver the ball perfectly to your blade but in reality this does not always happen. If a cricket ball hits the edge or toe section of the bat, it could do considerable and sometimes irreparable damage. This type of hit could break the willow completely, which will result in you needing to say goodbye to your trusty friend. If you’ve become quite attached to your bat, this could change your game completely whilst you adapt to a new one.

Brand care kits

Some well-known brands offer a helping hand too when choosing your new cricket bat. As well handy advice and general information about using the particular bat, some have developed care kits to help you prolong the life of your new purchase.

Unfortunately bats do not last forever but following these handy tips will help you extend the life of your cricket bat for years to come. Contact Meulemans Cricket Centre on +61 893676216 to learn more.

Choosing the Best Cricket Bat For You

With the range of cricket bats available, it can be confusing to choose the right one for you. Obviously critical to the game, you need to select a cricket bat that you are comfortable with and feel happy batting with. It’s deeply personal with professional players, where the sensation of the bat in their hands is a powerful thing. Bigger is not necessarily better but increasingly, professional players' have a preference for a larger bow and thicker edges as this better suits the rigors of the modern game. This is also being reflected in cricket bats for sale to the general public.

Points to Consider Before Purchase

Legal Requirements

Legal specifications must now be taken into account and reputable cricket bat retailers, such as Meulemans, meet the rules required. You will find that all brands stocked in reputable specialist retailers will meet these rules. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) recently announced new rules (in October 2017), which affect a number of professional players, including David Warner, vice captain of Australia.

The Law 6 states that the new maximum permitted dimensions of a cricket bat should be no more than 108mm at its’ widest, 67mm in depth and 40mm edges. The blade can be covered for protection, repair or strengthening but this material shouldn’t exceed 1.56mm in thickness or be likely to cause any damage to the ball.

Moratorium on New Rules for Amateurs

Amateurs can wield blades in breach of these rules for a brief period but bat gauges will come into effect at professional matches to ensure cricket bats are within the permitted measurements.

What Shape is Best for You?

Some experts claim that bats are specifically designed for back or front foot play. However, we all have to play off both the front and back foot in cricket so in choosing a cricket bat right for you, it’s best to see how it feels when working off both feet.

The shape of the cricket bat can be more suited to the type of wicket, so this is worth considering. Each person varies slightly in their way of play and is likely to hit the ball from slightly different areas of their bat. To give yourself a better chance of finding a cricket bat to suit you, try choosing a bat where the wood is focused on your normal impact position, as it’s virtually impossible to cater to every impact area.

Materials

Since 1979, cricket bats are only allowed to be carved from wood. Two types of willow used for bat making are English Willow and Kashmir Willow, English willow is the preferred choice for the majority of bat manufacturers due to its high-performance effect when striking the ball. It is unlikely that a regular adult player, playing to any reasonable standard, would choose to use a Kashmir willow cricket bat. It is used for lower priced and lower ranges of cricket bats.

Willow is prone to breakage over time and will inevitably suffer some damage through wear. Due to the nature of the game, cricket bats become dented, scarred and battered from the frequent highly intense impacts of the ball hitting them.

Worth waiting for

It takes a relatively long time to make a cricket bat, compared with other sporting goods. From growing as trees, chopped into clefts, dried for 6 months before they are ever cut into a basic shape of a cricket bat, it is a careful process from beginning to end. The willow is strengthened, a handle fitted and craftsmen shape the blade before it is sanded and polished.

You will also have to do some of your own preparation for your cricket bat – oiling and knocking it in.

If you want some expert advice on cricket bats for sale, including Kookaburra cricket bats and Gray Nicolls cricket bats, made here in Australia, drop into Meulemans Cricket Centre. We have two branches – one at Unit 6/7 Delage Street, Joondalup and one at 134 Canning Highway, South Perth. You can also find out more from info@meulemans.comau or by calling +61 893 676 216.