Types of Cricket Bat Willow: English, Kashmir, and Hybrid

When choosing a cricket bat, one of the most important factors is the type of willow it's made from. The quality and origin of the willow significantly impact a bat’s performance, feel, and durability. The three most commonly used willow types are English willow, Kashmir willow, and Hybrid willow—each suited to different levels of play and budgets.

English Willow

English willow is considered the highest quality material for cricket bats. Grown in England under professionally managed farming conditions, this willow offers consistency, performance, and superior aesthetics.

Key Characteristics:

  • Lightweight with a soft, straight grain structure

  • Exceptional ping and rebound

  • Professionally farmed for uniform quality

  • Preferred by professionals and serious amateurs

English willow bats deliver top-tier performance and are often used in competitive matches, including professional and league cricket.

Kashmir Willow

Kashmir willow comes from the Kashmir region of India and is not grown under the same professional farming practices as English willow. As a result, the quality can vary widely between pieces.

Key Characteristics:

  • Harder and denser than English willow

  • Grain structure may be inconsistent

  • Low Grade KW Less responsive but more durable on hard or rough surfaces

  • A more budget-friendly option

Kashmir willow bats are often chosen by juniors, beginners, recreational players, and those looking for a more affordable bat.

Hybrid Willow

Hybrid willow is grown from English willow trees planted in Kashmir. The similar soil and climate conditions help produce willow that shares many traits with traditional English willow, while being more cost-effective.

Key Characteristics:

  • Better responsiveness than standard Kashmir willow

  • Good grain structure and decent ping

  • Balanced weight and solid performance

  • Ideal for intermediate players or club-level use

Hybrid willow is becoming a popular option for those seeking a balance between performance and price.

Other Willow Types (Serbian, European, etc.)

Bats made from Serbian, European, or other non-traditional willow sources are generally not recommended for serious play. The darker wood color of this willow is more reddish than brown in color and has a high number of grains. It offers the best ping but the durability is compromised due to its soft nature.

Issues with these willows:

  • Poor grain and performance. Often sold as top grade English willow because they mostly have 12+ grains

  • Inconsistent balance and weight

  • Not designed for leather ball impact

  • Mostly used in low-quality, mass-produced bats

These are best avoided if you’re looking for a bat that performs reliably in proper cricket conditions.

Conclusion

The best type of willow for your cricket bat depends on your budget and the level of cricket you play. As batmakers, we take pride in crafting the best possible bat from every piece of willow we source.

At NW Cricket Store, we only use high-quality willow, whether it’s English or Hybrid. All our leather ball bats are made exclusively from English willow, ensuring top performance. Our heavy tennis/tape ball bats are crafted from Hybrid willow, offering great durability and power—and many can also be used for recreational leather ball cricket (please read product descriptions for guidance).

Explore our full range at nwcricketstore.com, and if you need help picking the right bat, feel free to contact us