Cricket Bare Care
Taking good care of your cricket bat is needed in order for the bat to perform at it's full potential and also in making the bat last many seasons. Each of the major cricket bat makers will have their own recommendations on how to repair, oil, tape, avoid cracking or cracks and the dangers of over oiling. The main cricket bat manufacturers are Woodworm, Gray Nicolls, GM (Gunn and Moore), Slazenger, BDM, Kookaburra, Puma, Salix, Fusion, Newbery, Chase, Hunts and Fearnley.
How to Oil a Cricket Bat
For uncovered bats use raw linseed oil (sports, garden or DIY shops) or specialist bat oil (cricket and sport shops). It should be used sparingly and for best results, work in the oil with the palm of your hand onto the face of the bat but avoid the splice as this has glue which may be affected by the oil.
Then after the face has been oiled move onto the back, back edges and toe area of the bat. After the first initial oiling it is recommended that you place the bat flat or horizontally for at least 24 hours, so that the oil can dry. This process for uncovered bats should be repeated again a week later.
For covered bats then you only need to apply the oil to the back of the bat.
It is very important not to over oil your cricket bat as this can render your bat useless. Oiling little and often is much better then applying a soaking wet rag full of oil to your bat - please be careful!.
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SS SUNRIDGES CANON HIGHER GRADE OIL NOKD CRICKET BAT | Only £4.99 |
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How to Knock In a Cricket Bat
Most modern cricket bats are pre knocked in, that is that they are 80 - 90% knocked in. The final steps must be completed by the cricketer. The best way to knock in a cricket bat is to use a specialist tool or mallet which can be bought from most good cricket stores. Simply hit the mallet onto the bat for total period of 50 - 60 mins. Remember to knock in the edges, toe and face of the bat.
After this then you are ready to play with your bat. A net session is the best way forward when you use your new cricket bat for the first time. Get the bowler to pitch the ball up (soft or old cricket ball) and play forward defensive strokes concentrating on hitting the ball in the middle of the bat. A good quality English willow cricket bat will sound soild and the ball should "ping" off the face of the bat.
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Bat Repairs and Maintenance
Cricket tape is a good away to protect your cricket bat. Apply this specialist tape onto the face and edges of the bat to help battle against cracks and scratches. To help protect the toe of the bat then you can use a toe guard which also helps to combat damp and moisture getting into the willow.
It is good advice to store your bat in a cool but dry place when not in use (off season too). This will help keep out the damp and stop dry rot from taking place.
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25 x CRICKET BAT REPAIR TAPE Fibre Glass 25mmx10m roll | Only £34.99 |
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10 x CRICKET BAT REPAIR TAPE Fibre Glass 25mmx10m roll | Only £19.99 |
There is no guarantee that your bat will not break because willow is a natural resource but by carrying out a few simple bat checks and taking the time to knock in properly then your cricket bat has the best chance of lasting many seasons.