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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)

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✅ DO:

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  • 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

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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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