Knocking In a Cricket Bat
Also known as: knocking in, knock in a cricket bat, knocking in a bat, breaking in a cricket bat, preparing a new cricket bat, bat mallet
Knocking in compresses the fibres in a new willow bat so it is less likely to crack against a hard ball. Tap the face and edges with a bat mallet or an old ball in a sock, starting gently and building up. Allow several hours. One major bat maker advises at least 4 to 6 hours.
New willow is relatively soft. A hard leather ball can dent or crack a bat that has not been prepared. Knocking in presses the fibres of the face and edges together so they can take the impact. Bat makers recommend it for every new bat. Bats sold as pre-prepared or 'play now' come only partly knocked in. They still need care at first.
Use a specialist bat mallet or an old, soft cricket ball in a sock. Start with light taps across the face, then build up the force gradually over several sessions. Spend extra time on the edges. They are the most vulnerable part of the bat. A thin coat of linseed oil on the face and edges, kept off the splice, helps stop the willow drying out. Too much oil can make the willow soft and reduce performance. Follow your bat maker's own instructions.
Once the knocking in is done, play gentle catches and throwdowns with an old ball. Avoid using the bat against a new ball at first, in the nets or in a match. Keep checking the face and edges, and get any crack looked at before it spreads. Store the bat indoors in a cool, dry place, away from car boots and radiators.
Tips by skill level
Split the job into short sessions over a couple of weeks. Start gently and spend extra time on the edges.
Even a pre-prepared bat benefits from extra time with a mallet and an old ball. Keep a second, well-played bat for heavy practice so your match bat lasts longer.
Example
A new English willow bat arrives a month before the season. The batter spends half an hour a night tapping the face and edges with a mallet, then plays catches with an old ball before taking it to the nets.
Why it matters
Knocking in protects your bat from early cracks and dents. A well-prepared bat lasts longer and plays better against a hard ball.
Common mistakes
- Using a new bat in a match or against a new ball before knocking it in
- Hitting hard with the mallet straight away instead of building up the force
- Ignoring the edges, the most vulnerable part of the bat
- Soaking the bat in oil or oiling the splice
Frequently asked questions
How do I knock in a cricket bat?
Tap the face and edges with a bat mallet or an old ball in a sock. Start gently and build up the force over several sessions, with extra attention on the edges. Then play catches and throwdowns with an old ball before using it against a new one.
How long does it take to knock in a cricket bat?
Allow several hours, spread over sessions. One major bat maker advises at least 4 to 6 hours of gradual knocking in. Bats sold as pre-prepared still need some playing in.
Should I oil my cricket bat?
A thin coat of linseed oil on the face and edges, kept off the splice, helps stop the willow drying out. Too much oil can make the wood soft. Follow your bat maker's instructions.
Sources
Related terms
- Choosing a Cricket BatChoose a cricket bat by size first, then weight and pickup, then willow and profile. Size goes by your height, using the maker's chart. The bat should feel light and balanced in your stance, not just light on the scales. English willow suits hard-ball cricket. Kashmir willow suits beginners and soft-ball play.
- English Willow GradesEnglish willow grades describe how the wood in a bat's blade looks, mainly its grain, colour and marks. Higher grades have straighter, more even grain and fewer blemishes. Lower grades show more coloured wood, knots or specks. Each maker uses its own scale. Compare bats by feel and pickup as well as grade.
- Kashmir WillowKashmir willow is willow grown in the Kashmir region and used for many entry-level and junior bats. It is naturally denser and more durable than English willow but lacks some of its 'ping'. It suits beginners, juniors and soft-ball cricket. English willow is the usual choice for regular hard-ball play.
- Bat Weight and PickupBat weight is what the bat weighs on the scales. Pickup is how heavy it feels when you lift it in your stance. It depends on how the weight is spread along the bat. Choose a bat you can swing freely and control. A simple check is holding it out at arm's length with your top hand.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.