A cricket bat is a specialised piece of equipment used by batsmen in the sport of cricket to hit the ball. It is usually made of willow wood. Its use is first mentioned in 1624. The blade of a cricket bat is a wooden block that is generally flat on the striking face and with a ridge on the reverse (back) which concentrates wood in the middle where the ball is generally hit.
The bat is traditionally made from willow wood, specifically from a variety of White Willow called Cricket Bat Willow (Salix alba var. caerulea), treated with raw (unboiled) linseed oil, which has a protective function. This variety of willow is used as it is very tough and shock-resistant, not being significantly dented nor splintering on the impact of a cricket ball at high speed, while also being light in weight.
The face of the bat may be covered with a protective film.
The blade is connected to a long cylindrical cane handle, similar to that of a tennis racquet, by means of a splice. The handle is usually covered with a rubber grip. Bats incorporate a wooden spring design where the handle meets the blade. The current design of a cane handle spliced into a willow blade was the invention in the 1880s of Charles Richardson.
The edges of the blade closest to the handle are known as the shoulders of the bat, and the bottom of the blade is known as the toe of the bat.
A modern Cricket bat (back view)
Law 6 of the Laws of Cricket,[2] as the rules of the game are known, state that the length of the bat may be no more than 38 in (965 mm) and the width no more than 4.25 in (108 mm).
Bats typically weigh from 2 lb 7 oz to 3 lb (1.1 to 1.4 kg) though
there is no standard. Appendix E of the Laws of Cricket set out more
precise specifications.
Bats were not always this shape Before the 18th century bats tended to
be shaped similarly to a modern hockey sticks.
This may well have been a legacy of the game's reputed origins. Although the first forms of cricket are obscure, it may be that the game was first played using shepherd's crooks.
Until the rules of cricket were formalised in the 19th century, the game usually had lower stumps, the ball was bowled underarm (a style of bowling which has since fallen out of common practice and is now in most cases illegal), and batsmen did not wear protective pads.[citation needed] As the game changed, so it was found that a differently shaped bat was better.
The bat generally recognised as the oldest bat still in existence is dated 1729 and is on display in the Sandham Room at the Oval in London .
Cricket Bat Weight.
Cricket bats come in several different weights and are a matter of individual personal preferences.
(The weight of sachin tendulkar's bat is about 3lb 40z (1.51kg) and chris gayle use long handle long blade cricket bat.weights 2.13 to 3lbs)
When choosing a Cricket bat select the weight that feel right for you.
Cricket bats come in weights from 2 pounds 7 ounces, to 2 pounds 14 ounces.
Cricket bat sizes are designed to fit a certain height and approximate age.
Cricket bats come in many different sizes, weights, brands, and have a variety if decal designs.
The most important consideration for picking a new Cricket bat is to pick the one you are most comfortable with.
Senior Cricket Bat Weight Guide
Bat Length Bat Width
Short Handle 33 1/2" 4 1/4"
Long Handle 34 3/8" 4 1/4"
Weight
Light 2 lbs 7 oz. (1100 grams)& Under
Medium 2 lbs 8 1/2 oz. (1150 grams)to 2 lbs 10 oz. (1200 grams)
Heavy 2 lbs 12 oz. (1250 grams)to 2 lbs 14 oz. (1300 grams)
Here is small video clip how a bat manufactured
How to Select the Right Cricket Bat
When it comes to buying a new cricket bat there are a number of factors that you need to address before making your final decision to purchase a new cricket bat, such as:
- The brand,
- The size,
- The model,
- The weight,
...these are just a few factors to consider.
Choosing a cricket bat based on its brand really comes down to personally preference,
as realistically there is not much major difference between brands.
They all have cricket bats with similar attributes and features;
When buying a new cricket bat, carefully select the model of cricket bat that most suitably fits your style of play. As some bats are designed specifically certain styles in mind
Willow
There are different grades and types of willow used by manufacturers. English is the best quality willow and renowned for its durability and toughness. Most senior level crickets use these bats as they are the best in world cricket.
A Grade 1
Blade
A Grade 1
is the best looking blade money can buy, though it will not necessarily play
the best – that depends on the batsman! There may be some red wood evident on
the edge of the bat. The grain on the face will be straight and there will be
at least 4 grains visible. There may be the odd small knot in the edge or back
but the playing area is clean.
A Grade 2
Blade
A Grade 2
blade is also very good quality and normally a larger amount of red wood can be
seen on the edge of a bat, this has no effect on the playing ability of the bat
it is purely cosmetic. Again there will be at least 4 straight grains on the
face of the bat with maybe some blemishes, pin knots or "speck"
visible.
A Grade 3
Blade
This is
the grade that is produced and sold the most of and it offers decent value for
money. A Grade 3 Blade has up to half color across the bat and is sometimes
bleached, again this has no direct relation to the playing ability of the wood,
it just has less visual attraction. There will be a minimum of 4 grains on the
face of the bat which may not always be perfectly straight. Again some small
knots or a little 'butterfly' stain may be present with perhaps more prominent
"speck".
A Grade 4
Blade
A Grade 4
Blade is normally over half colour or contains butterfly stain. This wood is
also normally bleached just to make it "look better", it will still
play as well as the other grades. Any number of grains are possible and the
willow containing 'butterfly' stain is very strong, there could also be more
"speck".
These are
just a few ideas and tips for you to consider when buying a new cricket bat, most
important are the bats size, weight and feel. Obviously the price is an important factor
. If you
have the money always opt for the highest grade willow you can afford.
Here is some tips to select a cricket bat defends upon their batting order
Opening
Bat
2lbs 7ozs
– 2lbs 9ozs. A lighter bat aids reaction time to the new ball. The quicker
reaction of the lighter bat could mean the difference between a thin and thick
outside edge.
Batting 3
or 4
2lbs 8ozs
– 2lbs 9ozs. A slightly heavier bat aids more aggressive strokeplay without
forsaking balance and reaction time.
Batting
5, 6, 7 and lower order
2lbs
10ozs and above. Heavier bat suited to middle order hitters. Full value for
shots and miss hits likely to clear the infield.
Sweet
Spot on a Cricket Bat
The sweet
spot refers to the area of the bat where the largest amount of power is
generated, the area where the greatest reward for the shot is achieved.
Normal
Sweet Spot
Approximately
4” to 12” from toe. Suitable for the player with a full range of shots.
Low Sweet
Spot
Approximately
3” to 11” from toe. Suitable for the player that favours the drive and
aggressive in nature. Suitable for pitches with low bounce.
High
Sweet Spot
Approximately
5” to 11” from toe. Suitable for opening bat and player who plays off the back
foot. Suitable for player who hooks, pulls or cuts regularly.
Grips
Some
players prefer two grips on the handle, making for a more comfortable feeling
when playing. It can increase bat speed and enhance stroke play. Some feel
better with one as the type of handle feels too heavy when playing shots. At
the end of the day it’s up to the individual as every batsman’s different
The
market is bombarded with a large variety of bats on offer, with the choice
being endless. Some brands are better than others and it’s important to assess
all features before purchasing. It’s a decision which can enhance your cricket
career and allow for better development and progression.
Knocking
in or seasoning a bat
All our
Grade 1 and 2 English Willow bat faces have been expertly pressed to provide an
optimum resilient playing surface and do not need further pressing. In
addition, the bats have been knocked in the face, especially the front edges,
which further improves the bat's useful life. The knocking has been done with
an old leather cricket ball, or a specially designed bat mallet.
For any
bats that you plan to knock in , a few words of caution: take great care when
knocking in the edges and toe as hitting too hard may crack the willow - take
your time and be patient!
The blade
should be knocked in on the face of the bat including the edge of the face but
not on the sides of the blade, the underneath of the toe or back of the blade.
Playing
in
After
knocking in , the bat should be used to hit short catches and/or
"throw-downs" with an old, good quality cricket ball. It is advisable
to initially avoid use against a new ball in either nets or a match.
How a cricket bat Knocking
in or seasoning small video
How a cricket bat Knocking
in or seasoning by machine small video
Maintenance
of a Cricket Bat
Once the
appropriate bat has been purchased, maintenance is important in maintaining bat
quality.
Things To
Do For Cricket Bat Maintenance
Prepare bat by oiling and knocking in.
In close season store bat away from heat /
damp in cool / dry atmosphere.
Re apply oil before pre season nets or
after long period of inactivity.
Inspect bat for damage and repair promptly.
Things
Not To Do For Cricket Bat Maintenance
Expose to temperature extremes.
Allow bat to become damp.
Oil excessively.
Leave for prolonged period in car boot /
trunk.
Continue playing when damaged.
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thanks
to -
Wikipedia.org
ezinearticles.com
suite101.com
cricketcoaching.net
dreamcricket.com
youtube
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