Bat Care & Knocking-In Guide
Looking after your cricket bat
A cricket bat is a natural product. Prepared properly it will last seasons. Used straight out of the wrapper it can fail in a single innings. Here is how we would tell you to look after one.
Oiling
- Apply raw linseed oil evenly to the face and edges
- Be careful not to over-oil — more is not better, and over-oiling can cause shoulder cracks
- Lay the bat flat, face up, and let it dry for at least 24 hours
- Do not oil a bat that already has full protective face tape on it
Knocking in
Knocking in compresses the willow fibres. It is the single most important thing you can do for a new bat — it improves performance and materially extends the bat's life.
- Use a wooden mallet
- Start in the middle of the bat and work slowly
- Handle the edges and toe carefully — hitting hard there can crack the willow
- The back of the bat does not need knocking in, it is not a playing surface
Not confident doing it yourself? We offer a professional knocking-in service.
Playing it in
- After knocking in, use the bat in the nets with an older, softer ball for a few days
- Once it is played in, apply fibre tape to the face
- Then start using it with newer balls
Ongoing maintenance
- Check the bat regularly for damage
- If you find damage, stop using the bat and get it repaired — playing on damages it further
- Have repairs done by a professional bat maker
- Do not store the bat anywhere very hot or very wet — car boots are the usual culprit
- Avoid cheap hard balls, they damage bats quickly
Need a hand?
We offer knocking-in, oiling, binding, toe guards, re-handling and full refurbishment — see our bat repair services. If you are unsure whether damage is repairable, send us a photo and we will tell you honestly.
For warranty questions, see Warranty and Returns.