How to Fit a New Grip on Your Cricket Bat (No Special Tools Needed)

A worn grip is the first thing to go on any bat. It gets shiny, slips in sweaty hands and starts to twist. The good news: replacing it takes five minutes and costs far less than a new bat.

What you need

• A new grip. We stock Saki, TM, German and GM grips, singly or in bigger packs.
• A grip cone if you have one. If not, a little talcum powder on the handle helps the grip slide.
• Scissors for trimming.

Step by step

1. Take off the old grip. Peel or cut it away. Clean any dust or residue off the handle.
2. Roll the new grip. Turn it inside out by rolling it down on itself, like rolling a sock.
3. Slide it on. Place the rolled grip over the top of the handle (on a grip cone if you have one) and start unrolling it down the handle.
4. Keep it straight. Unroll evenly all the way round so the pattern doesn't twist. A twisted grip feels lumpy in the hands.
5. Smooth it out. Run your hands down the handle to remove any wrinkles or trapped air.
6. Trim the end. Cut off any extra length at the bottom so it finishes neatly at the shoulder.

Tips for a better grip

• Tight is good. A smooth, tight grip gives better control than a loose one.
• Two grips? Some players like a thicker handle and fit a second grip over the first. Try it if your hands are large.
• Keep a spare. Grips are cheap and light, so it's worth keeping one in the kit bag. A dozen pack suits teams and coaches.

When to replace a grip

Change it when it starts to slip, feels shiny, or has torn. Many players replace the grip several times before they replace the bat.

Pair it with gloves

A fresh grip with a pair of tape ball batting gloves makes a big difference to control, especially on long batting days.