Things to Consider when Buying a Cricket Bat

Thinking of hopping on to the cricket bandwagon? Well congratulations, you’re in for a real treat. We’d even go so far as to say that you’ve found a hidden gem. Sadly, most people tend to overlook cricket because they don’t find it as exciting as all the other sports but oh boy, are they mistaken. And yes, it bears a few similarities with baseball but it definitely holds its own as well. Aren’t you just thrilled to get started with your new sport? That’s exactly the kind of enthusiastic answer we were expecting.

It’s a well-known fact that if you want to kick off cricket lessons, you’ll need the proper equipment to reach your full potential. After all, you can’t build a house with no building blocks, right? With that said, the single most important piece of equipment you’re required to have on this exciting cricketing adventure is – surprise, surprise – a cricket bat. Now mind you, finding an appropriate model isn’t as easy as it seems which is why we’re here to help you out.

How Do You Choose a Suitable Cricket Bat?

For the inexperienced eye, all bats are the same. But for those that have been through it all, know that that’s not the case. Sure, the differences might seem subtle but they make a world of a difference.

Handle Length and Size

This is directly related to your height and body type. Generally speaking, people that are under 1.80 metres tall should opt for compact short handle cricket bats because they’re easier to handle. Even in that category, you’ve got slight differences depending on the model so you need to pay close attention to how the bat feels in your hand.

Keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better so don’t go for the largest model available because you think it’ll give you a wider range of motion. The truth is, it’ll actually slow you down and hinder your performance. Instead, we recommend playing it safe with short handle cricket bats until you get the hang of things and figure out what suits you the most.

Bat Shape

There’s a universal build to all senior cricket bats when it comes to the design. The most important part is the so-called sweet spot at the centre which is used to hit the ball with each swing. The sweet spot itself is slightly curved, with different models offering different swell depths. This directly influences the bounce rate of your swings, ranging from low to high. But remember, higher bounce rates don’t always equal a better performance since you’ll have to be extra careful with how strongly you swing the bat.

Bat Weight

The good news here is that there’s no recommended weight range for cricket bats. In other words, it’s up to you to decide how heavy you want your cricket bat to be. The weight in most adult cricket bats is evenly distributed anyway so you likely won’t notice a difference regardless. Feel free to try out a few different brands, just to see what feels good in your hands.

Willow Type and Grading

Last but not least, we’ll be talking about the materials. Willow is by and large the only type of wood that can withstand the impact strength and durability necessary to carry out a swing. The most common types are Kashmir and English willow. In short, the latter option is somewhat lighter to carry and therefore more suitable for beginners.

In terms of grading, it ranges from 1 to 5, with 1 seen as the most reliable and sturdy model, albeit a little expensive. Plus, grade 1 willow has a silkier finish and aesthetically pleasing design which makes it quite appealing on the outside as well as the inside. However, if you’re just starting out and looking for a more cost-effective option, you can go for something in the middle. After all, you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune on cricket equipment in order to be good.

Benefits of Playing Cricket

Playing sports, in general, has a range of benefits for both your physical and mental health but what makes cricket stand out from the rest? We’ve got just the answer to that question.

Great Muscle Exercise

If you think that just because you don’t run around in cricket as much as you do in other sports you don’t get the same level of exercise, then you’re sorely mistaken. In fact, cricket is an effective way to tone your muscles and increase flexibility and agility. Plus, it’s a fun way to get a few cardio workouts in, don’t you think?

While some people take supplements for improved muscle and nerve function, you’ll achieve the same results with a few cricket sessions in no time. Doesn’t that sound like something worth trying out?

Promotes Team Spirit

Since cricket is a sport that’s played in teams, you’ll be required to coordinate your movements and actions with other people in order to get the desired results. This, in turn, gives you the opportunity to work on your social and cooperative skills if you want to maintain decent levels of communication with your teammates. You know what they say, team work makes the dream work.