Research has shown that in the year 2006, about 3.2 million players engaged in playing Cricket globally. And India is the country with the most cricket players in the world. Hence, before you buy a cricket bat for yourself and your kid, it is essential to learn how different types of cricket bat models can affect your game and then weigh their importance against the cost each bat costs.
Types of Cricket Bats
There are generally two types of cricket bats: English willow and Kashmir willow. The main difference between the two is the quality of the wood. English willow is consider to be of higher quality, and as such, tends to be more expensive.
Kashmir willow is a cheaper alternative to English willow, but it is not as durable and does not have the same level of performance. If you are just starting out in cricket, or are on a budget, then Kashmir willow may be a good option for you. However, if you are serious about your cricket, then English willow is the way to go.
What Size Cricket Bat?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to choosing the size of your cricket bat. It is important to consider your own individual batting style and preferences, as well as the specific requirements of the game you are playing (e.g. indoor or outdoor cricket, test match or Twenty20).
Generally speaking, batsmen who are taller and/or heavier will tend to favor larger bats, while those who are shorter and/or lighter will go for smaller bats. However, this is by no means a hard and fast rule – some of the greatest cricketing legends have excelled using bats that were far from the conventional size for their height and weight.
When trying out different cricket bats, it is important to grip the bat in your natural batting stance and then raise it up to eye level. The bat should be comfortable to hold and should not feel excessively heavy. You should also be able to reach the top of the bat easily with your top hand. If you can’t, then the bat is probably too big for you.
Once you have found a few cricket bats that feel comfortable, it’s time to take them out for a test drive! Spend some time hitting balls in the nets, or even just in the back garden. Pay attention to how the bat feels when you make contact with the ball, and whether you feel in control of your shots. If a bat doesn’t feel right, then it’s probably not the one for you.
What is the Difference Between English Willow and Kashmir Willow Cricket Bats?
The two most common types of wood used to make cricket bats are English willow and Kashmir willow. English willow is the premium option and is generally consider to be superior in terms of quality and performance. Kashmir willow is a cheaper alternative and is popular among amateur players.
English willow is grown in wetter climates and has a straight grain structure, which gives it excellent strength and durability. It is also more resistant to water damage than Kashmir willow. Kashmir willow, on the other hand, is grown in drier climates and has a more interlocking grain structure. This makes it more flexible, which some players prefer. However, it also means that Kashmir willow cricket bats are more likely to warp or crack if they get wet.
When choosing between an English willow cricket bat and a Kashmir willow cricket bat, it is important to consider your own needs and budget. If you are an amateur player who is just starting out, then a Kashmir willow bat may be a good option. However, if you are a more experienced player who takes cricket seriously, then an English willow bat is likely to be a better investment.
What Are the Different Parts of a Cricket Bat?
Cricket bats are made up of several different parts, each of which serves a specific purpose. The most important part of the bat is the blade, which is the large flat surface that makes contact with the ball. The other main parts of the bat are the toe, edge, shoulder, back and handle.
The toe is the very bottom end of the bat and is often reinforce with metal or plastic to protect it from wear and tear. The edge is the long vertical side of the bat that runs along either side of the blade. The shoulder is the transition point between the blade and the handle, while the back is the reverse side of the bat to the blade (i.e. the side that faces towards the bowler).
The handle is perhaps the most important part of the bat after the blade. It is made from cane or similar material and needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the bat while also being comfortable to grip. The handle is also often wrap in tape or similar material to provide extra grip and comfort.
Variations and Options
When it comes to cricket bats, there are a few different types of willow that are use. Here, we will be discussing English willow cricket bats, as they are the most popular type.
There are four main variations of English willow cricket bats – Kashmir, Yorkshire, Essex and Harrow. Each bat is made from a different region of England and offers different characteristics.
Kashmir willow is the lightest weight option and is often use by professional cricketers as it offers great control. Yorkshire willow is a bit heavier than Kashmir willow but still offers good control. Essex willow is the heaviest option and is best suite for power hitters. Harrow willow falls somewhere in the middle in terms of weight and is a good all-around option.
When choosing an English willow cricket bat, it is important to consider what your specific needs are. If you are a power hitter, you may want to choose a bat made from Essex willow. If you need a bat that offers great control, Kashmir or Yorkshire willow may be the better option for you. And if you are looking for a good all-around bat, Harrow willow may be the best choice.
Cricket bats can also be made from different grades of willow. Grade 1 willow is the highest quality and is the most expensive. It is often use by professional cricketers. Grade 2 willow is a good quality option that is less expensive than grade 1. And grade 3 willow is the least expensive option and is often use by amateur cricketers.
When choosing a cricket bat, it is important to consider your budget and your specific needs. If you are a professional cricketer, you may want to choose a bat made from grade 1 willow. If you are an amateur cricketer, a bat made from grade 2 or grade 3 willow may be a better option for you.
Conclusion
We hope that our guide has helped you learn a little more about English Willow cricket bats and how to choose the right one for your needs. There are a lot of factors to consider when making your purchase, but if you take the time to do your research, you’ll be sure to find the perfect bat for your game. Thanks for reading and good luck on the cricket field!