Product Care

 

1. Bat Care

Knocking In

Knocking in is the process by which the fibres of the willow blade are compressed and helps to prevent damage from the impact of a cricket ball. This is best done by using an old ball or bat mallet.

Knocking in should be done in a patient and thorough manner and should take no less than 6 hours in total, the effective life of your bat is determined by the thoroughness of your knocking in process. You are trying to make the toe and edges in particular harder to minimise the damage from an edged stroke. There are cricket bats from some companies which are available 'ready to use' but the merit of such an option is not convincing as there is every possibility that these cricket bats may be 'over pressed'. Over pressing a cricket bat extends a bats life span but will also reduce its performance. A cricket bat should be crafted to provide optimal ping, by knocking in the bat properly yourself you are able to extend the lifespan of your cricket bat.

There are cricket bats from some companies which are available 'ready to use' but the merit of such an option is not convincing as there is every possibility that these cricket bats may be 'over pressed'. Over pressing a cricket bat extends a bats life span but will also reduce its performance. A cricket bat should be crafted to provide optimal ping, by knocking in the bat properly yourself you are able to extend the lifespan of your cricket bat.

 

How Do I Knock In My New Bat?

• Using an old ball or a bat mallet (with a sock initially) deflect gently off the edges the way a ball might in a game. The Toe should also receive a large amount of attention in this process.
• Increase the force and work the edges until they show a rounded, compact appearance.
• Use the bat to hit short catches or bounce a cricket ball up and down on the face.
• Use the bat in the nets against old softer balls.

 

Oiling

Many bats are damaged due to being over-oiled. There is a danger that you can damage the wood fibres by over oiling. It is better not to oil than to over-oil. If Oil runs down the bat when vertical then wipe the excess away.
 

To oil your bat properly:

• Use a soft rag, apply a light coat of oil to the front, edges, toe and back of the bat blade. (DO NOT OIL THE SPLICE AREA)
• Keep bat in a horizontal position.
• Allow to dry then apply another light coat of linseed oil to the face, edges and toe (not the back).
• Only use raw linseed oil.

 

 

2. Causes Of Damage

Dry bat

It is important to store your bat wisely to prevent the willow drying out and becoming brittle. Ideally you should store your bat in a garage or shed where the wood can absorb some moisture from the atmosphere.

•DO NOT leave your bat close to a central heating radiator or fire.
•DO NOT leave your bat in your car boot or rear window where the temperature will soar.

 

Dampness

Water getting into the wood fibres causes the toe of the bat to swell. How do I avoid this?

•Applying a light coat of oil to toe before each game.
•Applying a toe guard before bat is used.

However if the toe of the bat is swollen allow damp area to dry normally then use an old ball to knock out the swollen area.

 

Edge and toe damage

The majority of bats will be damaged if the batsman edges a quick ball or digs out a fast yorker. The bat must be put in for repair as no willow will withstand such impact. Knocking in properly however will reduce risk.

 

Surface cracking

Willow is not manufactured. Surface cracks will appear on the face of all bats after a period of use. The knocking in period is vitally important in minimising surface cracks. Surface cracks do not harm the bats performance but proper knocking in delays the appearance of these cracks.