Buying the right bat is essential if you want massive scores under your belt. Hence, we are here with a detailed guide about the bat size and how to choose a cricket bat. Use the given information to pick a blade according to your batting style.
Cricket bat size guide
Height: Height is an important consideration, especially if you are a beginner. Your bat size must depend upon your height. You cannot use a professional bat as a junior player. Similarly, a national or international cricketer will feel uncomfortable playing with a small bat.
The scenario changes once you reach adulthood. Your body stops growing and hence, height is not a crucial factor to choose a bat. Instead, you need to look for weight, willow, balance, and pickup. However, if you are a short-heightened player, you might prefer a bat with a short handle. On the other hand, tall batters select a bat with a long handle and maximum dimensions.
Check the given table to understand the bat size according to your height.
The dimensions of a cricket bat are restricted. Its length should not surpass 38 inches (96.52 cm), the width cannot exceed 4.25 inches (10.8 cm), and the depth cannot be more than 2.64 inches (6.7 cm). These are the maximum measurements used by the cricketers across all the nations. However, these numbers vary according to the batter.
Weight: Apart from the size of the bat, you should also consider its weight. There are no laws to restrict the weight of a cricket bat. However, the average is from 2lb-6oz and 3lb. You might not find the range extensive, but you will feel the difference once you play some shots using bats with variable weight.
The weight of a bat depends upon personal preferences. Muscle power is important if you pick a 3-pound cricket bat. But, it’s not a thumb rule. The weight of your bat should depend upon your batting style.
If you wish to hit big, try a heavy bat. On the other hand, a lightweight blade is suitable for stroke players. Stay cautious while considering the weight of your bat because a heavy blade in the wrong hands might hinder all the playing techniques and stroke play.
Material: The cricket bats are only made of willow wood. Other materials are also tried and tested. But, willow has complete ownership of this business because of its endurance. This wood can take hits from leather balls throughout the year without asking for mercy.
Willow-made bats are long-lasting. But, they need oiling to be ready for batting. Cricketers used to apply linseed oil on their newly purchased bats, but this process belongs to the past. Most modern bats arrive pre-treated with oils. But, check this point before investing in a new blade.
The prices of cricket bats vary a lot depending upon their willow wood type and grade. Generally, they are made of English or Kashmir willows. But, a bat built using Grade-1 English willow is more expensive than a bat made using Grade-3 English willow. Let’s discuss the type of willows for better understanding.
Kashmir willow: Made in India, the Kashmir willow bats are reasonably priced and are a bit harder than their English version. Kashmir willow bats do not need oiling in general. So, you can try it for immediate practice sessions.
Apart from that, these bats are perfect if you do not wish to invest a hefty amount in cricketing accessories. Also, you can try the Kashmir willow for tournament-level batting. In addition, these blades are suitable for beginners or if you play on the weekends for fitness.
English willow: Most international batters prefer English willow bats because of their low weight and a thick profile. The English willow has five grades. The given information might vary according to the manufacturer.
Grade 1:
Most expensive English willow. You might find some evident redwood on the blade. Plus, these bats comprise six straight grains on their face. Do not worry about a speck or knot on the back of Grade-1 English willow bats because it does not make any difference in the performance.
Grade 2
: High-quality willow with significant redwood. The number of grains is also six. The grains on Grade-2 English willow bats appear like butterflies or blemishes.
Grade-3:
Widely used among the batters, Grade 3 English willow offers excellent value for your investment. The redwood content is not as high as Grade 1 or 2, but it does not hamper the performance. The number of grains in this grade is five. The face of these blades might not be straight. Generally, their blade has butterfly-like designs or specks on the face.
Grade-4
: Most of the bat’s face is discolored, but you do not have to worry about it. Color does not make any difference on the Grade-4 English willow bats. The number of grains on these bats is four. Generally, these bats comprise butterfly-like designs on their face.
Grade-5
: Similar to grade 4, but the wood has stains. So, grade-5 English willow bats do not look cosmetically attractive. Plus, the number of grains is also low. Responsiveness is also not as good as grade 4.
Shape and profile: A lot of cricket followers state that bats are made either for back foot or front foot batting. However, the reality differs. Most of the brands manufacture cricket bats to tackle the back and front foot. So, pick a bat that feels comfortable in your hands.
The batting style differs according to the cricketer. It’s also applicable to you. So, pick a bat that helps you to play strokes in your regular positions and style.
Conclusion
Are you serious about your batting? Then, consider all the above-mentioned factors before you purchase a cricket bat. You can purchase a bat online, but you should understand your needs. The blades are available in a wide range of styles and price ranges, but only a few might suit your batting style.
If you are a newcomer, it’s better to try some bats before purchasing a new one. Trying the bats helps you to understand your game. Hence, you can think better about your preferences.
Everything depends upon your comfort and batting technique. A lot of tall batters like bats with a long handle. On the other hand, a batter with a small body prefers a long blade. So, check the dimensions and features of a bat before you purchase it. If you are shopping online, then look for something with a trial period.
Mayank Chowdhary is a professional cricket player in domestic cricket in India. He is very passionate about cricket and knows ins and out of cricket betting. With this long experience, now he has decided to share his experience with other cricket lover like you. Know more at the about me page.