Cricket has been a celebrated sport for decades. It is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages all over the world. Whether you are just starting-out or you have been playing for years, cricket will always excite you. And the most essential piece of equipment you need to play this sport is the cricket bat. Mind you; you can’t pick a random bat and expect to become a Shane Warne! It is much like a wand in Hogwarts. You must choose the one that perfectly matches your personality and style.But with so many different brands and types of cricket bats on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
Here are 10 tips to help you find the perfect cricket bat for your needs.
Table of Contents
Consider Your Playing Style.
Let’s begin with your batting style! Are you an aggressive player who likes to play shots? Or are you more of a front-foot batter? Depending on your playing style, you will need a bat that is suited to your needs. One thing to understand here is the spotting of the “sweet spot.” The sweet spot of a cricket bat is where the ball receives the most acceleration. Its positioning can be low, medium, or high.
Briefly:
- Drivers – Try a ‘low’ bat.
- Front-foot player – Try a bat with a ‘medium’ positioning.
- Back-foot player – Try a ‘high’ or ‘medium-high’ bat.
When you talk to a reliable and knowledgeable service provider, you can get even more insights into your playing style.
Think About the Type of Cricket You Will be Playing.
If you are going to be playing test match cricket, then you will need a bat that is durable and can withstand long hours. However, if you are only going to be playing limited-overs cricket, then you can afford to have a bat that is lighter and easier to swing.
Pick a comfortable size.
Cricket bats come in all different sizes, from short to long handles. It is essential that you choose a size that is comfortable for you to hold and swing. You might get excited and go for a bigger cricket bat, but refrain from doing so. For example, if you have a small build, it can be difficult for you to handle a large bat. If you can’t even pick your bat right, it defeats the very purpose of owning one. The trick here is to match the bat size with your height. You can find a height-to-size ratio online and find the one that suits you best. To give you an idea, if you are a player of 145-152 centimetres, a size 4 cricket bat is perfect for you—so on and so forth.
Decide Your Preferred Kind of Wood.
The two most popular types of wood used for cricket bats are English Willow and Kashmir Willow. English Willow is generally considered to be the better quality wood, but it is also more expensive. It is also more springy and reliable. However, if you are a beginner and want to start on a low note, Kashmir Willow is a great option. It is a cheaper alternative to English Willow. It is also not as durable as English Willow cricket bats. After the Willow kind, you may also consider the grade differences. It ranges from grade 1 to 5, 1 being the best to 5 being the lowest. It is in terms of everything from quality, making, and strength. Needless to say, both the grade and willow type affect the pricing.
Choose a Weight that Suits Your Needs.
A cricket bat’s weight is as important as its length. The weight of the bat should be evenly distributed throughout the blade so that it feels balanced in your hands. Typically, cricket bats range in weight from 2lbs 8oz (lightest) to 3lbs (heaviest). For a speedy player, a lighter bat would be better. But for a strong player, a heavier one would suit well.So, as you can tell, it depends a lot on the individual playing styles. It can very much affect your game, so it is better to pay little attention to it.
Consider the Shape of the Blade.
The three most popular shapes are round-arm, square-arm, and full-blade bats.
- Round-arm bats have rounded edges and are more suited to defensive players who like to play shots along the ground.
- Square-arm bats have squared edges and are more suited to aggressive players who like to play shots all around the ground.
- Full-blade bats have large sweet spots and are suitable for all types of players.
Think about the Ball Type.
Most cricket players think only about the bat when purchasing one. However, it is also helpful to consider the type of ball you will be playing with. There are many types of balls—leather, foam, tennis, or rubber. For instance, you do not need a bat that is heavy and thick if you use a tennis ball, which is lightweight. On the other hand, leather balls are heavy, so if you are using one, you need a bat that’s sturdier.
Bonus: Prepare the Bat Before Taking it to a Match.
Once you buy a bat, it will not be immediately ready to take it out for a match. Bat knocking in is necessary, either mechanically or manually. The reason for this is to soften up the fibres in the wood. Here’s how you prepare your cricket bat:
- If you are manually knocking, you can use a mallet or a ball.
- Apply linseed oil to protect the wood from moisture.
- Cover the face of the bat with tape to prevent damage when hitting balls.
Final Say
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your cricket bat will last for many seasons to come!
Have a cricket match coming up?
Reach out to Season Sports to find your best cricket bat.