Whether you invest in a Kashmir Willow cricket bat or the premium MRF Grand Edition cricket bat, without proper care, they won’t give you your money’s worth. As a batsman, your bat won’t have an easy life; therefore, they are prone to normal wear and tear. While you cannot reduce every bat’s impact on the field, you can adopt the right care measures and extend their lifespan. Also, caring for your cricket bat is essential to maintain its performance and prolong its lifespan. To help you keep your bat in tip-top condition here are some maintenance tips and tricks to keep your cricket bat in top condition.
Knocking-In
Knocking-in is a process used to prepare a new cricket bat for use. During manufacturing, cricket bat willow is compressed to make it harder and more durable, but it still needs to be knocked in before it can be used in a game.
The knocking-in process involves using a bat mallet or a cricket ball to gently tap the bat’s surface, starting from the edges and working towards the blade’s centre. This process helps compress the willow’s fibres and strengthen the bat. Knocking-in should be done gradually over a period of several hours or days to ensure that the bat is fully prepared for use. It’s important not to rush the process or apply too much force, which can cause the bat to crack or split.
After knocking in, the bat should be used in practice sessions or non-competitive games for a few weeks before being used in a competitive match. This allows the fibres of the willow to settle and the bat to become fully conditioned for play.
Knocking-in is an important step in preparing a new cricket bat for use, and it can help ensure that your Kashmir Willow or MRF Grand Edition bat performs at its best.
Oiling
With oiling, you can maintain and protect the surface of a cricket bat. It involves applying a thin layer of linseed oil to the blade and edges of the bat to help protect it from moisture and prevent it from drying out. Linseed oil is a natural oil extracted from the flax plant’s seeds. It is commonly used in the maintenance of cricket bats because the wood easily absorbs it and helps to protect it from moisture and cracking.
- To oil a cricket bat, first ensure that the bat is clean and dry.
- Then, using a soft cloth, apply a thin layer of linseed oil to the bat’s surface, making sure to cover the entire blade and edges.
- Allow the oil to soak into the wood for several hours or overnight, then wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth.
It’s important not to over-oil the bat, as this can cause the wood to become too saturated and heavy. A light coat of oil once or twice a year is usually sufficient to keep the bat in good condition. Oiling can help maintain the bat’s appearance and protect it from damage caused by moisture, but it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for proper storage and care. Always store your MRF Grand Edition, Kashmir Willow cricket bats or any other type in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Storage
Proper storage of your cricket bat is essential to maintain its performance and prolong its lifespan. Here are some tips for storing your cricket bat:
- Store in a cool, dry place: The best place to store your cricket bat is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in damp or humid environments, which can cause the wood to warp or rot.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not store your cricket bat in areas with extreme temperatures, such as in a car trunk or near a heater. Rapid temperature changes can cause the wood to expand or contract, resulting in cracking or splitting.
- Keep it covered: When not in use, cover your cricket bat with a bat cover or a soft cloth to protect it from dust and moisture.
- Don’t stack bats: Do not stack multiple cricket bats on top of each other, as this can cause them to warp or damage each other.
Also, check your cricket bat periodically for signs of damage or wear. Look for cracks, splits, or dents in the blade or edges, and replace the bat if necessary.
Grip Replacement
Replacing the grip on your cricket bat is a simple process that can help improve your grip and the feel of the bat. Here are the steps to replace your cricket bat grip:
- Remove the old grip: To remove the old grip, use a sharp knife to cut along the length of the grip carefully. Peel away the old grip and discard it.
- Prepare the bat handle: Clean the handle with a soft cloth to remove any residue from the old grip. Ensure that the handle is dry before proceeding.
- Apply the new grip: Start at the bottom of the handle and align the grip with the edge of the bat. Hold the grip firmly in place and start rolling it up the handle, keeping it tight and even.
- Secure the grip: Once the grip is in place, use electrical or grip tape to secure the top and bottom of the grip to the bat’s handle. Make sure to wrap the tape tightly to avoid any grip movement.
- Finish the grip: Trim the excess tape from the top and bottom of the grip with a sharp knife. If desired, add a finishing strip of grip tape to the top of the grip for extra security.
Conclusion
By following these maintenance tips and tricks, you can help ensure that your cricket bat stays in top condition and performs at its best for many seasons. If you want a new bat to replace your old one, connect with us at Season Sports. From the Kashmir Willow cricket bat to the premium MRF Grand Edition cricket bat, we have a curated collection.