Take Your Batting to the Next Level. Great Tips on How to Select the Perfect Cricket Bat That Complements Your Batting Style (2020)

Cricket bats can be of different sizes. But the length of a cricket bat usually doesn't exceed 38 inches, and the width is not more than 4.25 inches. There are different types of cricket bats available for different types of play. The types of bats are listed below:

The timber of English willow is fibrous and soft. English willow is chosen by most of the cricket bat manufacturers. The finest quality wood is used in the making of English willow bats. The bats made from English willow are softer and lighter as compared to the Kashmir willow. These bats have the best grain quality. Most of the batsmen prefer bats made from English willow because they provide excellent results and maximum performance. However, English willow bats are more expensive compared to other willows.

As the name suggests, the Kashmir willow industry is established in Kashmir. This industry uses modern technology and traditional tools for the manufacturing of Kashmir willow bats. Kashmir willow bats are made from hardwood. The weight of a bat made from Kashmir willow is more in comparison to an English willow bat. The bats made are tough, durable and shock-resistant. Usually, these bats are not preferred over English willow due to their weight. Kashmir willow bats are not as efficient as English willow. These bats do not give the best performance, but they are durable and are used in the nets for practising.

Cricket is a technical game, and the right cricket bat can make all the difference. The right equipment not only improves your game but also enhances your skills as a player. With all the different brands and types, choosing the right and reliable equipment can be challenging. Here are some tips that you to consider in order to make the right choice:

The size of the bat is one of the most important factors that needs to be considered before you buy the right bat. Usually, bats are specifically designed for either front or back foot play. You have to play both, so it is important for you to choose the bat that suits you well. Consider your height before you buy a bat. If you're shorter, use a size 6 while for people over 6', a long handle size bat works well.

Depending upon your strengths as a player, the weight of the bat is another crucial factor that has a huge effect on your game. Though heavier bats are more durable and sturdy, some players opt for lightweight bats which are easier to handle. Heavier bats can make more impact on your performance, and these take strength and provide more power to the shots. On the other hand, lightweight bats take less strength and can give you a faster bat speed and better control.

Cricket bats are carved from willow (naturally fibrous wood). The quality of wood used in the equipment gives an idea about the efficiency and durability of the product. The willow is of two types: Kashmir willow and English willow. Kashmir willow bats are usually recommended for beginners, while experienced players prefer English willow bats. English willow delivers high-performance while striking the ball, thus being more reliable than Kashmir willow, and as mentioned earlier, is quite expensive.

The number of grains differ from bat to bat, it gives you an idea of the quality of the willow used. A good quality willow contains 6-12 grains and a bat with 6 grains is lighter and softer. Besides, the type of willow and the number of grains, there are grades to consider, which range from 1-5. Grade 1 is best in terms of quality and reliability, and thus more expensive.

The handle is a crucial part of a bat. The handle absorbs the impact and shock from the ball and provides a proper and comfortable grip. It is highly advised for players to use a short-handled bat to allow greater control. However, if you're tall, i.e. around 6'2", select a long-handled bat.

Further, handles are of two types: oval-shaped and round shaped. Oval shaped handles are strong and provide better directional control to the bat, but they are difficult to grip. While round-shaped handles are more comfortable to control and useful for you if you flick your wrists while batting as they provide a firm grip.

In the case of an uncovered face, the number of grains is visible. In contrast, in a covered face, the blade of the bat is not directly visible and is covered with a transparent protective coating. This doesn't affect the performance of the bat but helps to prevent extra moisture from being absorbed into the wood and maximises the protection to the face of the cricket bat by binding surface cracks together.

The toe is the weakest part of the bat, so it needs to be protected by a toe guard. A ball delivery like a "yorker" might damage the end of the bat, so a toe guard can help prevent the wood from splitting and it also decreases the amount of moisture in damp conditions.

The best bat for you depends upon your batting style. You can choose a bat depending upon the type of shots you normally play and your batting style. Drivers, front foot batsmen, hook shots/cut shots requires a different strength and grip and you need to select your bat keeping these factors in mind.

This premium quality, professionally designed bat is suitable for young cricketers. The short round handle provides a great grip and shock absorption ability. A perfect number of grains, thick edges, and a curved blade makes this product the best choice. The bat is available in various sizes and is capable of enhancing your performance as a player. You can buy this product from Amazon for ₹ 4,500.00.

This bat by SG made of Kashmir willow is best for beginners. With thick edges, a traditional design, curved blade, the bat has more than average performance and is suitable for power hitting. The bat is light in weight and easy to handle and is worth the price. You can buy this product for ₹ 1,600.00 from Amazon.