From exam pad, to textbooks, notebooks and even our hands – we tend to play cricket with almost everything! With a country so obsessed with cricket, it’s only fair that SportsBunker comes up with the right guide to buying a proper cricket bat. Choosing the right cricket bat is the most basic yet the most important thing for enhancing your game and enjoying your time on the field.
If you are one of those who is ready to enter the world of cricket, but feeling overwhelmed by the vast array of cricket bats available, then you are at the right place. In this piece, we will tell you everything you need to know – how to choose cricket bats, types of cricket bats and how to maintain them so that they are your trusted friends for a long time!
Let’s begin by understanding what it means to pick a “good cricket bat”.
What’s a good bat, and how to check cricket bat quality?
A good cricket bat should feel comfortable in your hands and suit your playing style. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
Material: Cricket bats are generally made of willow wood. Look for top-quality English willow bats for higher performance and sturdiness.
Weight: The weight of the bat ranges between approximately 1.2 kg to 1.4 kg. It should be appropriate for your strength and playing style. But being light shouldn’t mean they are not sturdy.
Size: A cricket bat's ideal length should extend to just below the waist of the player, regardless of age. Anything different that this might affect training and the playing techniques.
Handle: The handle is really important, and should have a comfortable grip that allows you to have control during your shots. There are various cricket bat handle types - round, oval, and semi-oval - choose one that feels best for you.
Tips to choose the right cricket bat
Whether you are a seasoned cricketer or a budding one, choosing the perfect cricket bat is probably the most important thing you’ll need to give a 5-star performance on the pitch. With so many options available, picking the best among the others could be scary.
But don’t worry, this detailed post will help you to make the right decision, making sure you find the perfect bat to fulfil your cricket dreams -
What’s your skill level?
This is a very important thing to keep in mind. Here’s what to look for -
Beginners: Choose a lightweight bat with a large sweet spot, i.e., the area on the blade that produces the highest power.
Intermediate players: Choose a bat with a slightly heavier weight and a smaller sweet spot for increased control.
Seasoned players: Select a bat with a balanced weight and a well-defined sweet spot to maximize power and precision.
Is the bat's quality fine?
The bat’s quality has to be checked before buying the bat. Find out how to check cricket bat quality -
- Tap the bat with your knuckles to look for a clear, resonant sound.
- Check the blade as well as handle for any knots or flaws.
- Make sure that the handle is properly attached to the body, without any cracks or splits.
Which kind of ball do you play cricket with?
The kind of ball that you use for playing cricket matters too. Consider the following points -
Leather ball cricket bat: For this, pick a bat made from Grade 1 English Willow or Kashmir Willow.
Tennis ball cricket bat: In this case, go for a bat with a thicker edge and a large sweet spot.
Cork ball cricket bat: Here, you’ll have to choose a bat with a lightweight make and a sturdy blade.
What kind of handle are you comfortable with?
There are many cricket bat handle types; you will have to choose the one that feels right for you. Here are the different types available -
Round handle: This kind of handle gives a comfortable grip and is ideal for players with smaller hands.
Oval handle: This one offers a more secure hold and is suitable for players with larger hands.
Combination handle: This one combines features of both round and oval handles, providing a balanced grip.
Ideally, it will be the best idea to physically visit a store and try swinging different bats to find one that feels comfortable and suits your playing style. But if you are sure of the kind of bat you want, then you can visit e-stores like SportsBunker and pick the one you feel will be the best for you. We also offer premium quality cricket balls, guards and accessories.
How to maintain a good cricket bat
There are actually only three things that you need to keep in mind, if you want your bat to last long and help you score boundaries for years to come -
1. Oil periodically:
- Apply linseed oil to the blade and handle to prevent moisture loss and cracking.
- Use a clean cloth to gently rub the oil into the wood.
- Avoid over-oiling, as it can weaken the bat.
2. Store properly:
- Keep the bat in a dry place.
- Use a bat cover or storage bag to protect it from dust and moisture.
- Do not store the bat in a humid area or near a heat source.
3. Repair promptly:
- Get the cracks or chips repaired by a qualified bat maker.
- Early repairs will extend the life of your bat and maintain its performance.
Choose SportsBunker for all your sports needs!
Choosing the right cricket bat is very important for refining your game and more importantly, enjoying your time on the pitch. We believe that with our tips for choosing the right bat and maintaining your bat properly, you’ll be all set to unleash your full potential on the cricket pitch. Also, if you are looking for fine quality branded cricket shoes, feel free to explore our collection.
Happy batting!
