Cricket is a sport that originated in England in the 1500s before spreading to the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America. In the game, a ball is bowled to the batsman, who has to try to hit the ball as far as he can and accumulate runs while the fielders retrieve it. The bat is typically made from English willow, which is tough and durable but light. Various grades of wood are available depending on your budget.
The Bat
Cricket bats are made of willow, while the handles are made of cane. Both materials are lightweight, flexible and sturdy. Kashmir willow is used for cheaper bats, but the best ones all use English willow. According to the Royal Forestry of Great Britain, the best trees for cricket bats grow in specialized boxes near streams and are felled and sawn after 12 to 15 years. There are five grades of willow: grade one plus, grade one, grade two, grade three and grade four. Grade one plus is the best quality English willow, which is usually reserved for professionals.
Dimensions
A cricket bat has a blade, and part of this blade is the striking zone. The bat's width cannot be more than 4.25 inches, and its length must not exceed 38 inches. The striking zone lies 5 to 8 inches beneath the handle. You need a smooth striking zone, because bowlers typically hurl the ball at up to 100 mph. Softer bats are better for making the ball go farther, but they are more likely to crack, so manufacturers try to strike a balance between both to form the best all-rounder.
Best Bats
King Cricket, which is sponsored by the world's biggest cricket magazine and book, the "Wisden Almanack," lists three cricket bats as the best. The bizarrely named Bookaburra Big Kahuna is supposedly huge yet light and packs phenomenal power. It is favored by Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting, the most successful cricketer of all time. Another bat in the top three is the Puma Stealth 4000, which has a big striking zone. The top three is rounded off by the Warsop Venom Pro. All three bats have won The Wisden Cricketer awards.
Maintenance
To ensure your bat stays the best, you must take good care of it. Owzat Cricket recommends lightly sanding it and coating it with linseed oil. An hour or two before a match, use a bat mallet to knock in the willow fibers. A clear, anti-scuff surface minimizes surface damage. Toe guards protect against friction and water. Keep the bat away from heaters and airing closets, and store it in a cool, dry place when not using it for a lengthy period of time.
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