Understanding the types of cricket bats and their purpose

Cricket stands as India's unofficial national sport. You'll spot Indians playing cricket everywhere, from streets and homes to big stadiums. For a cricket player, especially a batsman, the bat plays a crucial role in the sport. So, picking the right cricket bat to use is key for a batsman. The bat a batsman chooses depends on several things like age, the type of ball used, preferred shots, and playing style. You can find different kinds of cricket bats to suit different players. Cricket bats have a big impact on how well a batsman performs.

4 types of cricket bats that you need to know about

1. Tennis Cricket Bat

Have you ever seen kids playing in the streets smashing the ball out of the ground? Yes, that’s a tennis cricket bat. 

A tennis cricket bat is specifically designed to play with tennis balls. Usually used by kids and casual players, these bats are lightweight so that the players can handle them easily. 

Features

• Material used: The material used to make them is poplar wood or synthetic material like carbon fiber combined with poplar wood. This reduces the weight of bats and increases their durability.
• Sizes available: Tennis cricket bats are available in different sizes for both adults and kids. They usually weigh up to 1 kg. 
• Handle and blade: They have a rubber grip handle that is short in length, offering better control. They have a thicker edge and blade, which provides more power to hit the ball. 
• Suitable for: Kids, beginners, and casual players. These are usually used to play in the streets and local casual matches.
• Popular brands: DSC, SG  

2. Middler Cricket Bat

Somewhere between the tennis cricket bats and professional leather ball bats, middler bats are used to play with hard tennis balls and wind balls. These bats are suitable for intermediate players looking for more power, durability and precision at affordable prices.

Features

• Material used: The material used to make them is Kashmir willow. It is stronger and more durable than poplar wood. Reinforced poplar wood is also used to make middler bats.
• Sizes available: Middler bats are available in various sizes for both, adults and kids. They usually weigh between 1 kg to 1.25 kg.
• Handle and blade: They have a rubber grip handle that is short in length, offering better control. They have a thicker edge and blade which provides more power to hit the ball.
• Suitable for: Beginners in professional cricket, school and college level players, and tournament players. They are usually used for training and net sessions and and can be used as a sturdier option for casual players.
• Popular brands: SF, SS, SG, DSC

Check our cricket bat size guide here

3. Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat

Bats used by the legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sir Vivian Richards, Kashmir willow bats are good for those starting with leather-ball cricket or transitioning from tennis-ball cricket.  

Features

• Material used: The material used to make them is Kashmir willow, sourced from Kashmir. It is hard, heavy, and dense, which makes it durable. These are handmade and expensive.
• Sizes available: Kashmir willow bats are available in various sizes for both adults and kids. They usually weigh heavy. 
• Handle and blade: The handle of the Kashmir willow bat is made of high-quality cane to provide flexibility and shock absorption and is covered with a durable grip for firm control. A thicker blade and edge help in withstanding the impact of leather balls and delivering powerful shots.
• Suitable for: Beginners and intermediate players in professional cricket. They are usually used for training and professional matches. 
• Popular brands: DSC, SF, MRF, SM, SG, Swar

 

4. English Willow Cricket Bat

One of the most expensive and popular among professional cricket players, English willow cricket bats are known for their lightweight and superior performance. 

Features

• Material used: The English willow bat is made of premium wood grown in England. The wood used is softer and more fibrous than the Kashmir willow. These handmade bats are powerful and durable.
• Sizes available: English willow bats are available in various sizes for both adults and kids. They are usually lighter than Kashmir willow bats. 
• Handle and blade: They have a thicker edge and blade and a responsive ping, which produces a sound when the ball strikes. They have a cane handle that is reinforced with cork for better shock absorption. 
• Suitable for: Professional cricketers, advanced players, and aspiring cricketers. English willow bats are a popular choice among international cricket players.
• Popular brands: SF, SS, SG, DSC, MRF, GM, Kookaburra, Gray Nicolls

How to maintain cricket bats

Here are some maintenance tips for every cricket bat:

• Always cover the bat when not in use. Store it in a padded cover to prevent scratches.
• Keep bats in a dry area as moisture cracks the wood.
• If you see any minor cracks on the bat, get it repaired by a professional bat maker.

While tennis bats and middler bats don’t need much maintenance, English willow and Kashmir willow bats need knocking in and oiling. Knocking in is the process of toughening up the bat by hitting on it. This increases the durability and life of the cricket bat. Oiling the bat keeps the moisture levels intact and prevents the wood from splitting and cracking.

Choosing the right cricket bat 

Now that you know the types of cricket bats, what they are made of, and who can use them, you can choose a cricket bat suitable for you. CricStudio has a range of cricket bats available from the best brands. Check out our range of cricket bats and equipment.