Off-Season to Match Day: How to Care for Your Cricket Bat

A good bat can last several seasons if you look after it. Pakistan's summer heat, monsoon humidity and dusty grounds are hard on willow, so a few simple habits make a big difference.

After every game

• Wipe off dust and mud with a dry cloth.
• Let the bat dry naturally if it got damp. Never leave it in a hot car or direct sun.
• Check the face and edges for small cracks so you can fix them early.

Tape-ball vs hard-ball bats

Tape-ball bats (usually poplar or Kashmir willow) do not need oiling or knocking-in. Keep them clean and dry and replace the grip when it wears. If you are still choosing one, see how to choose a tape-ball cricket bat.

Hard-ball English willow bats need more care before their first match:

Oiling a hard-ball bat

1. Use raw linseed oil, sparingly.
2. Apply a thin layer to the face, edges and toe with a soft cloth. Avoid the splice and the stickers.
3. Lay the bat flat overnight to absorb the oil.
4. Too much oil makes willow heavy and soft, so one or two thin coats is enough.

Knocking-in

Knocking-in compresses the fibres so the bat can handle a leather ball.

1. Use a bat mallet or an old leather ball.
2. Tap gently along the edges and face for several short sessions, gradually hitting harder.
3. Finish with throw-downs using an old ball before using it in a match.

Skip this step and a new hard-ball bat can crack early. Practise with hard balls once it is ready.

Replace the grip when it slips

A worn grip twists in your hands and costs control. Rolling on a new grip takes five minutes with a grip cone, or roll it down the handle by hand. Pick one from our grip tapes.

Storing your bat in the off-season

• Store it upright or flat in a cover, in a cool, dry room.
• Keep it away from damp walls during the monsoon.
• Give hard-ball bats a very light oil before the new season.

Need a new bat for the season? Browse cricket bats or the whole sports range, delivered free across Pakistan.