Play like a master with SportsBunker’s range of cricket bats

In India, cricket is a religion and every child grows up playing it and almost every child has owned some version of a cricket bat at some point of time. Several children will ask their parents to get them branded bats, so that they can play with their friends, in the streets or in their school. With the popularity of the sport growing by the day, it comes as no surprise that the demand for quality cricket bats has seen a constant spike too.

To cater to a varied audience, brands have introduced bats in all sizes and weights, allowing everyone, including children, to have bats they can play with. If you too are in the market for a new bat, then you need to come to SportsBunker, which is where you will find a huge range of bats from all the biggest brands of the world. No matter what type of bat you are looking for, what your budget is and what brand you are considering, chances are that you will find them here.

Factors to consider while choosing bats for cricket

Because the world of cricket bats is so widespread, it is important that you spend some time doing your research so that you can pick the right bat for your game. You need to consider your age and playing stage, what kind of batter are you intending to be and of course, aspects like your budget and brand preference will also have a role to play.

It is important to remember that there are various materials that are used to manufacture bats, and having at least a basic knowledge of the same would be useful. You need to consider the shape, the size, the weight and the profile, because all these could affect your game.

So, what are the different types of cricket bats

Most cricket bats are made using flat front willow, but there are two types of willow that are used – English and Kashmiri and each has its own features.

The Kashmiri willow - These bats tend to be heavy and are really good for beginners. The hard nature of the bat allows newcomers to knock with any strength. Although the grains are not as clear, but these tend to be a lot more affordable, which is what a lot of newcomers will look for.
The English Willow – If you want a lightweight bat that will give you really good quality in terms of performance, then you will want to choose an English willow bat. There are multiple grades in these bats, ranging from Grade 1 (A), Grade 2, Grade 3 and Grade 4 and there are different characteristics to each. English willow bats tend to be more expensive, but if you are planning to play serious cricket, then these are the bats you should consider.

The size and weight of different types of cricket bats

Selecting the correct size when it comes to bats for cricket is imperative, because that can seriously affect your game and posture. As per the laws of the sport:

The size of the bat should not be more than 38 inches
The width should be not be more than 4.25 inches
The depth of the bat should not exceed 2.65 inches

Now, coming to the weight – although there are no precise rules, there are standard weights:

Kashmir willow bats tend to be around 1180 to 1240 grams
English willow bats are generally 1100 and 1450 grams

Professional cricketers will even get their bats customised; however, children can play with smaller sized bats too.

Does the shape of the cricket bat matter?

The manner in which the sport is played today has changed drastically – there are formats that are super-fast, which is why the shape and the profile of different types of cricket bats are emerging. To allow a greater knocking power, a lot of professional players are now choosing bats with a thick blade. Here are some of the other parameters that you need to consider:

The bow needs to be distinct, subtle and large.
The edge needs to have a thickness between 36 to 40 mm.
The swell depth needs to be in the range of 63 to 65 mm.
The back profile of the bat should be concave, as this can reduce the weight of the bat and can improve the picking as well.

The many types of cricket bat handles

If you are someone who knows a little bit of cricket bats, you would also know that there are different types of handles that you can pick and choose from. The flexibility and the ease of grip depends on the type of handle and your playing style will be highly dependent on the same.

The long oval handle adds extra grip for tall players and also allows them better posture.
The short oval handle is the most preferred option and is the most commonly seen handle in professional bats.
The cane handle is normally available with rubber covering, which allows better grip and shock absorption.

What you need to know about the grains of the bat

The rule of the grains is a simple one – the larger the grains, the better the performance. The grains are meant to symbolise the quality of the willow. It is important that the grains are straight and clear, but you can find ones with artificial grains too. As a matter of fact, you can find certain New Balance cricket bats with artificial grains.

Learn more about the sweet spot

Talk to a seasoned cricketer and they will tell you about the sweet spot of their bat – that one area of the bat that generates maximum timing and power. This sweet spot is also dependent on your manner of playing:

Someone who plays on the front foot will want a bat that has sweet spots on the lower middle part of the bat.
A player who plays on the back foot more often will want a bat that has a sweet spot on the higher middle part of the bat.

How to maintain your cricket bat

If you want your bat to last really long, then you need to make sure that you take good care of it. It is important to remember that the most delicate parts of a bat are the edge and the toe.

Oiling – You need to make sure that you oil your bat regularly to moisturise the wood, because it can dry out over time and that can cause cracking and more severe damage. Remember to oil it the first time you use and post that, you should do it once every few months. Invest in good quality linseed oil or a special bat oil. After about 24 hours, you can use a soft cloth to wipe the bat clean of any excess oil.
Knocking – Just like oiling, you also need to knock your bat regularly. This process helps with the compression of the fibers of willow, which not only improves performance, but also reduces the chances of cracks. If you are looking to enhance the power and durability of your bat, this step of maintenance is important. Knocking should be done on a regular basis, especially before playing.

Find the best brands of cricket bats online at SportsBunker

If you are looking for the best quality cricket bats, then you need to come to SportsBunker, which is where you can find the biggest brands and the most variety.

Here are some of the brands that we bring to you:

Adidas	Gray Nicolls	Puma
BAS	Kookaburra	SF
CEAT	Loggerheads	SG
DSC	MRF	SS
GM	New Balance

FAQ

Which cricket bat is best for beginners?

For beginners, the Kashmir willow cricket bats are the best, because they are durable and easy on the pocket too.

Should I use a heavy or lightweight cricket bat?

This would be your personal choice – if you are just starting to play, then it would be wise to use a lightweight bat.

How do you choose a good cricket bat?

Choose a bat for cricket that is lightweight, has a good grip and can generate power. Bats made with English willow are considered the best, but Kashmir willow would be easier on the pocket.