Bat Care

Bat care

There are two options for preparing your cricket bat:

1. Oiling: This involves applying raw linseed oil to maintain moisture levels within the blade, reducing the risk of cracking. Apply two light coats to the face, and back of the bat using fingers, avoiding stickers, edges and toe (if you want to install scuff sheet or to guard), and handle splice. Each coat should be left to dry horizontally before applying the next coat. Oiling precedes knocking in.

2. Knocking In: Essential for all NW Cricket bats, knocking in varies from bat to bat. Use a cricket bat mallet for several hours, focusing on the toe, edges, and face. Once seam marks are no longer visible or fade, proceed to slow throw-downs in nets with old cricket balls, gradually increasing intensity. If heavy seam marks reappear, resume knocking in to compress the bat fibers for durability.

NOTE - Grade 1 and above generally tend to have a softer willow which might show faded seam marks with new ball even after knocking. This is completely fine and bat should not be over knocked

Avoid:
- Using your bat without knocking it in.
- Over-oiling, which can cause the willow to rot. Wipe off any excess oil with an old rag.
- Leaving the bat vertical while oiling.
- Washing with water.
- Hitting 'yorkers' hard, as this can cause toe cracking.
- Using cheap cricket balls that may bruise or dent the bat.