The Life Of Cricket Bats

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

By Tom Doerr


To make cricket bats that have excellent power and durability is the aim of every craftsmen. Having a perfect fusion of power and sturdiness is not an easy task. After purchasing a bat, maximize the life of it by performing proper maintenance.

Willow wood is what is used in the making of a bat. Soft pressed wood gives excellent hitting power; however, it is more apt to crack. Durability comes from hard pressed wood, but the hitting power is decreased.

New cricket players who are just beginning should start with a light weight bat. As experience and knowledge of the game increases, the player can begin to switch to a heavier bat. Athlete body size and stance will dictate the bat size needed.

Purchase of a bat is only the beginning. It then has some preparation to undergo before its first game. The owner needs to sand it and apply linseed oil to the face and toe. The oil keeps water from seeping into the bat and causing swelling; however, too much oil can also damage it.

The process of knocking is used to prevent damage from cracking to the new bat. Knocking takes patience and time. It is done by using a bat mallet to strike the face of the bat. An old, soft ball can also be used to bounce against it. Rounding the face edges is an important part of knocking. Before playing each match, hit a soft ball into the net several times before switching to a newer, harder ball. This process compresses and knits together the willow fibers in order to prevent cracking and other damage from hitting the ball.

Cricket bats begin with the craftsman, but then the rest of the work belongs to the athlete. Before using it in a game, the bat needs to be sanded, oiled, and gone through the knocking process. It will need constant maintenance to last a long time.




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