| Loads of people enjoy the game of cricket, and although many know the basics about the clothing and equipment, a lot of newcomers to the game are uncertain about how to maintain one essential item of their kit – their cricket bat.
Cricket bats are absolutely vital to a player’s match, and if they are taken care of then they can last a long time and provide optimum performance. When you have chosen your bat, taking into account its size, weight and grade, it is likely to need knocking in.Some manufacturers state that their bats are ready to be used in play,but if you are uncertain it is best to go through the process yourself.Knocking in is the process of compressing the willow fibres on the face and the edges of the bat.Prior to knocking in, cricket bats should be prepared with raw linseed oil.A light layer of linseed oil should be enough,and it should be spread over the blade and edges of the bat (not the splice) using an open weave cloth.It is generally advised to start the process of knocking in using an old cricket ball to tap down the blade and edges of the bat for around two hours.The next day, repeat the process using a wooden bat mallet to gently tap the blade and edges gradually increasing the force used for around two hours, until the blade is very hard to mark and the edges are rounded. You can test how easy it is for cricket bats to be marked by applying light pressure to the surface with your thumb or finger nail. It is important in both of the knocking in stages to ensure that no areas on the face or edges are left out.
Once this process is complete, you should be ready to try the bat out carefully.Get someone to bowl an old ball for you.If this leaves any large dents then you may need to use the wooden bat mallet some more.The time spent trying out cricket bats with the old balls and careful bowling is ideal for getting to know them.You can see how the bat feels,performs and sounds,and how well it works for you.After you are pretty certain that the bat is properly knocked in,you can move on to using a new,harder ball to test it out.If this is successful,then you and your bat should be ready to start playing for real.
Throughout the life of your cricket bats, you should take certain steps to make sure they remain in great condition. Never use a bat for purposes other than for which it was intended as this can cause damage. Be sure not to store your bat in a spot which is near to a direct source of heat or near to a dehumidifier as this can cause the willow to dry out. It is recommended that, at least once a year, a bat is rubbed with fine sand paper before being treated with linseed oil once again. This can help to ensure that the willow remains supple and free of cracks. |
