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How to prepare and maintain your cricket bat to ensure maximal performance

The Cricket Farm - Bat Care

Basic Bat Care: What to Do (and Not to Do)

✅ DO:

  • Carefully knock your bat in for at least 6 hours using a bat mallet

  • Apply a light coat of raw linseed oil to all parts of the bat except the splice (the V-shaped joint at the top of the blade) around three times per season.

  • Store your bat in a cool, dry place such as a garage or shed, where there's a bit of atmospheric moisture.

  • Apply a toe guard to stop moisture penetrating the toe
     

❌ DO NOT:

  • Over-oil the bat – this can damage the blade. If you're unsure how much to apply, ask an experienced player at your club or reach out to us.

  • Store your bat near heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or windows. Excessive heat dries out the wood and increases the risk of cracks and breakage.

  • Leave out in the rain
     

Important to Know

Even if you've knocked in your bat perfectly and followed every care tip, cricket bats are not indestructible. Every delivery that hits the toe or edge of the bat has a chance of causing damage.
 

Factors that affect a bat’s lifespan:

  • Quality of the willow

  • Weight of the bat (heavier bats often last longer)

  • How well the bat is maintained
     

Tip: We recommend applying a scuff sheet to the face of your bat for extra protection. At the very least, bat tape around the edges can help support vulnerable areas.

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