Bat Care & Maintenance
Your cricket bat is a 'tool of the trade'; its raw materials are grown and not manufactured. It is to be expected that the condition of the bat will deteriorate during its usage but the performance of the bat should be unaffected. The manufacturers have put together the following notes to assist the explanation of situations which may occur within the lifespan of any cricket bat. Each bat purchased is hand selected and weighed to suit our customer’s requirements. The playing life of your bat relates directly to the preparation, maintenance and care of the bat throughout its life.
PREPARATION FOR PLAY
The CRICKET BAT MANUFACTURERS recommend the following principles for the preparation and maintenance of cricket bats.
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OILING
All natural faced bats MUST be treated using raw linseed or a specialist cricket bat oil. The main purpose of oiling is to maintain moisture levels within the blade, and hence reduce the chances of cracking and splitting. The best way of applying oil to the bat is using a paint brush and lightly coat to the face of the bat, edge & toe of the blade taking care to avoid the logos and splice area. Generally three or four coats should be sufficient initially and one every 3-4 weeks thereafter. Each coat should be allowed to dry into a blade in a horizontal position before the next is applied. |
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EXTRATEC is a clear self-adhesive film which can be adhered to the face of the bat. Extratec is without doubt the best protection to the face & edges of cricket bats. It transforms the face of the bat into a sealed unit, negating the need for oiling except for the toe of the bat. It provides the best possible protection against surface cracking for all bats. |
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KNOCKING IN
All bats are pressed by the manufacturer, however knocking in is VITAL for the survival of your bat. This is the process by which the fiber of the willow in the face and edges are compressed together to form a barrier, which protects the bat against the impact of the ball. Effective knocking in will significantly improves the performance and increase the lifespan of the bat. We recommend that prepared Ready Play & Pre Knocked in bats need extra preparation & care before use; A significant portion of this preparation can be best performed by our Pressing Machine along with a ball mallet or bat mallet. |
STAGE ONE
The knocking in process should be undertaken carefully, using a special bat/ball mallet or an old, quality cricket ball. The bat should be repeatedly struck across and down the front of the blade gradually increasing force over a period of time. This conditioning must be performed with patience. Particular attention should be given to hardening the edge, by deflecting the mallet or ball across them-not at right angles to minimize damage from an edge shot. The toe area of the bat should be faced carefully as there is risk of causing cracks or splits across the base of the bat if struck too hard. This stage is important and should take approximately 8-10 full hours and if machined pressed 4-6 full hours.
STAGE TWO
The next step is to graduate to the use of the bat to prepare it for match conditions. Throw downs in the nets or short catches with an old quality cricket ball is advisable. However if the seam marks the blade or small surface cracks & indentations are visible, it is necessary to return to Stage One for further conditioning. This stage should be performed for a further duration of time (2 hours). *Please note this is not a sign of a faulty bat but a good indication the bat requires further attention to the knocking in stages. Once these steps have been taken the bat should be ready for use in matches. It is advisable to initially avoid use against the new ball if however you are a opening batsmen ExtraTec is highly recommended for added protection.
GENERAL INFORMATION
English Willow - (Salix Caerulea or Alba Var) is by nature a soft fibrous reed. Performance and durability are enhanced by drying and pressing. In normal usage, willow will become bruised, scarred or dented simply due to the nature of the game (the impact with the ball). The performance of the bat will not be affected. Such marking can occur at any time during the lifespan of the bat.
KASHMIR WILLOW - Willow grown outside of England is by nature much harder than English willow. Therefore bats made of this type of willow will not have a comparable level of performance with English willow bats.
LIFESPAN OF A CRICKET BAT - There can be no definitive length of time that a cricket bat will last. The condition of a bat deteriorates with use. The length of time before the player needs to replace their bat will depend upon:
- The amount of use.
- The weight of the bat (heavier bats tend to be more durable than lighter ones).
- The care with which the bat is treated.
AGE OF THE CRICKET BAT - Bats over 12 months old (from the date of purchase) will be considered entirely at the manufacturer's discretion, taking into account the age and condition of the bat. It is possible for the condition of the bat to deteriorate without use (simply due to the natural drying out process).
STORAGE - To ensure that a bat remains in good condition, it is essential that the bat not be stored in excessively warm conditions, this will cause the bat to dry out. The bat should ideally be stored in a position that will allow a little moisture from the atmosphere to be absorbed.
IN CASE OF DAMAGE - Immediate action should be taken & the bat withdrawn from play. It is vital that the repairs are carried out by professional batmakers. The manufacturers are unable to guarantee repair work carried out by non-approved repairers.
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BLADE DAMAGE
SURFACE CRACKING TO THE BLADE FACE
CAUSE -General wear and tear
SOLUTION -NOT REPLACEABLE, crack will not affect the performance of the bat. Proper preparation will prevent unnecessary surface cracking. |
SURFACE CRACKING TO THE TOE OF THE BAT
CAUSE -General wear and tear. This type of damage is often caused by the striking of a yorker, or excessive tapping of the crease.
SOLUTION - NOT REPLACEABLE, crack will not affect the performance of the bat. Repairable with PVA glue - protected with Shoe Goo or Toe Shield.
PREVENTION OF ANY TOE DAMAGE
CAUSE -1. Mistimed strokes at the toe of the bat. 2. Use in wet/damp conditions which generally leads to swelling of the toe which may split after drying. 3. Excessive knocking or tapping at the wicket.
SOLUTION - NOT REPLACEABLE, will not affect the performance. Prevention is better than the cure. Toe Shields or Shoe Goo can prevent any possible toe problems and prolong life.
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HANDLE BREAKS
CAUSE -General wear and tear.
SOLUTION -The bat itself is not replaceable, but the handle may be repaired at the manufacturer's discretion. |
BREAKAGE TO THE BLADE
CAUSE -Weak or excessively dry willow.
SOLUTION -Potentially replaceable by full or partial credit, at the manufacturer?s discretion.
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SPLIT THROUGH THE TOE AREA OF BLADE
CAUSE -This type of damage is caused by striking of a ball at, or near the base of the blade, eg. the driving of a yorker.
SOLUTION -Repairable and/or replaceable at the manufacturer’s discretion. |
Batting Gloves
Important steps in purchasing the right pair of batting gloves
- Left or Right Handed
- Size
- Cost
- Style
- Brand
Left or Right Handed
Easy are you left or right handed? Don’t make the mistake of getting the wrong gloves. They are labeled RH or LH normally with the initial of the size before the particular style of batsman that you are. Eg: MRH = Mens Right Hand.
Size
The sizing is the most important part when purchasing a pair of batting gloves. The sizes that are available are Oversize (OS) Mens, Mens, Youths, Boys and Small Boys. If you are able to try the glove on then there are some key indicators to tell you if you the glove is too big or small.
- If there is material over hang in the palm then the glove is too big, this will become uncomfortable with use.
- If the fingers are more than 1 cm from the tip of the glove then it is another sign that the gloves are too big. If the fingers can touch the tip and it is uncomfortable then look to going for the next size up if possible.
- If you cannot try on the glove then the best way to work out what size you are is to match your age with the size. Obviously that is self explanatory.
Cost
The cost of gloves varies of course with the quality of glove that you wish to use. A brief overview that shows why gloves fit into certain price points
- The best gloves are made from the highest quality Pittards leather or sheepskin. They are excellent in absorbing perspiration, are extremely comfortable and durable. These gloves sometimes have soft back fill and have high impact pro guards inserted in the make up of the glove for added protection.
- The second tier of batting glove has a calf skin palm as the leather used. The gloves are generally made with plastizote filling and are often pre curved for comfort and flexibility.
- The entry point in batting glove is made for the player who wants a glove that will simply ‘do the job’. The gloves have suede leather which is cool and absorbs sweat through the pain or have a cotton plam. The gloves generally have a one piece PVC cover guard on the individual fingers. These gloves are made with all ages and sizes in mind.
Style
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Sausage Finger |
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Split Finger |
There are two different styles of batting gloves that combine with other variables to make a difference that is visible and noticeable when you use the product. Some gloves are split fingered and the others are sausage rolled fingers. The two styles are different in feel and have contrasting comfort ability. The flexibility in the sausage fingers gloves is generally not as good as the split fingered batting gloves but is commonly known to have greater protection, but with the added guards that are placed in all batting gloves at the top end both gloves are excellent in quality and protection. It is up to the individual and the preference that feels most comfortable.
Brand
All brands cover price points that relate to the quality of the product extremely well. The way in which you chose which glove to purchase may well be based on the brand, but it should not take away from the most important aspect when buying a glove and that is to make sure that the glove you choose has the comfort and quality that suits the type of player that you are.
Batting Pads
There are many different types of leg guards available to cricketers and it’s very important to choose the ones to suit your game. There are reasons why the price, look, and shape of leg guards differ. The guide below should assist you in your purchase.
First steps
- Selecting the correct size pads is VERY IMPORTANT. The Cricket Merchant staff will assist you on selecting the correct size.
- Try on as many different pads at the price point you wish to spend.
Leg Guard Sizes
- Sizes available are Small Boys, Boys, Youths, Mens, and Over size Mens.
- The best guide for leg guard sizes is to ensure your knee is lined up right in the middle of the knee roll and that the top of the pads are not getting in the way of your hands when you are in your batting stance.
- Never choose bigger pads to grow into. The pads will get in the way and become a burden when running and playing strokes. They are also less effective in providing protection as the padding is situated in the wrong places due to incorrect size.
Leg Guard Designs
Each Cricket Equipment company has their own designs, shapes, and theories on the best leg guards available.
- The best pads for you are the ones that are the most comfortable, do not impede movement, and are the price you want to spend.
- The designs generally differ by quality of material, colour, shape, and added benefits like padding around the buckles.
- Generally the more expensive pads provide lighter more advanced protection, allowing you the flexibility when running and playing stokes.
Leg Guard Materials
- All Leg Guards are faced with a variety of P.U (Polyurethane) and PVC materials which are hard wearing, light synthetic coverings, easily maintained with wipe clean care.
- The interior is a mixture of cane, cotton, and some offer carbon reinforcement for extra protection.
- There are generally two styles when it comes to the main area at the front of the pad. One is where the cane is right at the front, covered in P.U, and the other has mostly foam covered in P.U. Both of these styles will then have the reverse material on the inside near the leg.
- The pair of pads that are best suited to your game will be purchased using a mixture of ideas. The level of protection and the price you wish to spend. The best protection for your legs is definitely available in the higher models.
- The best information on each pair of pads is listed throughout the Cricket Centre catalogue and website.
Leg Guard Care
A few simple steps after each innings can prolong the life and effectiveness of your Leg Guards.
- Straight after batting, always leave your pads in a shady area to dry with the straps open. Never in the sun and never in your bag. The sun will cause the padding at the back to dry out and harden, your bag will keep the padded area moist this leads to wear and smell. This includes after each net session!
- A tip for when you first buy your pads. Leave them in your bag with the straps done up, however pull the straps as tight as possible. This will get the pads used to the shape of your leg quicker
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