Choosing the right cricket bat is essential to playing the game well. When choosing a bat, size, weight, material, and brand are important factors to consider. There are a lot of bats on the market, so it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. In this article, I will give you a few tips to help you choose the right cricket bat for your game.
Size of the bat
Bat size | Bat Height ( inch) | Suggested Player Height |
LH | 34.5 | 5ft 7 inch – 5ft 9 inch |
SH | 34.5 | 5ft 7 inch – 5ft 9 inch |
H | 33 | 5ft 4 inch – 5ft 7 inch |
6 | 32 | 5ft 2 inch – 5ft 4 inch |
5 | 31 | 4ft 11 inch – 5ft 2 inch |
4 | 29 | 4ft 9 inch – 4ft 11 inch |
3 | 28 | 4ft 6 inch – 4ft 9 inch |
2 | 27 | 4ft 3 inch – 4 ft 6 inch |
1 | 25 | Below 4 ft 3 inch |
Cricket bats come in all shapes and sizes, and it can be tricky to know which one is right for you. The size of the bat you choose should be based on your height and weight, as well as your own personal preference. If you’re a tall and heavy player, you’ll need a bigger bat to give you the power you need to make those big hits. Conversely, if you’re smaller and lighter, you’ll need a smaller bat that you can handle easily.
There are three different cricket bat sizes that are commonly used. These include the Standard, Harrow, and Academy. The Standard bat is the most popular size and is typically used by players who are between the ages of 12 and 16. The Harrow bat is slightly larger than the Standard and is typically used by players who are between the ages of 16 and 18. The Academy bat is the largest size and is typically used by players who are 18 and over.
Apart from these there are many other smaller sizes of cricket bats which are mostly suitable for the kids.
Tennis Ball or Cricket Ball Bat?
Tennis balls and cricket balls have different characteristics that require different types of bats. Tennis Ball Bats are typically smaller and lighter than cricket ball bats. However, tennis ball bats are easier to swing and generate more power, making them a good choice for beginners or players with less strength.
Cricket balls, on the other hand, are harder and have a longer lifespan. This means that cricket bats are typically heavier and have a larger sweet spot. If you’re looking to play a more serious, competitive game of cricket, then you’ll need a cricket bat.
However, if you’re just looking to play a casual game of tennis with friends, then a tennis bat will suffice. Consider the size of the bat. A cricket bat is typically longer and heavier than a tennis bat, which makes it better suited for hitting the hard, leather cricket ball. Conversely, a tennis bat is smaller and lighter, making it easier to swing and control.
Weight of the bat
When it comes to cricket, the weight of your bat can have a big impact on your game. The first thing to consider is what type of cricket you’ll be playing. If you’re playing test cricket, you’ll want a heavier bat that can withstand the rigors of long innings. If you’re playing limited overs cricket, you may want a lighter bat that’s easier to swing.
The second thing to consider is your own strength and size. A heavier bat may be difficult to swing if you’re not particularly strong, while a lighter bat may not have the same power behind it.
The bat will also affect the balance. A bat that is too heavy or too light can be difficult to control and may cause you to miss the ball altogether.
Thickness of a cricket bat
The thickness or the depth of a cricket bat should not be more than 2.64 inches or 67 mm. The thickness of the edge of the bat is a little less – about 1.56 inches. The width of a cricket bat will be no more than 4.25 inches. This thickness of the bat is governed by international cricket law. Therefore, in any professional cricket match, umpires may measure the dimension of the bat to check whether it is compliant with international cricket law.
Willow Grade
When choosing a cricket bat, one of the main things to consider is the willow grade. There are four main grades of willow used in cricket bats – Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4.
Grade 1
The grade 1 willow cricket bat is a top quality cricket bat that is perfect for any level of player. It is made from top quality willow that has been carefully selected to ensure that it meets the highest standards. The grade 1 willow cricket bat is an excellent choice for any cricketer looking for a top quality bat that will perform at the highest level.
Grade 2
The Grade 2 willow cricket bat is also a top-of-the-line piece of equipment that any serious cricket player should consider investing in. A grade 2 bat is also made from high quality willow but is not as carefully crafted as a grade 1 bat.
Grade 3
Grade 3 bats are made from lower-quality willow, and are not as durable or well-crafted as the higher grades. They are the least expensive option, but may not last long. These mid-grade willow cricket bats are made from moderate-quality willow and are ideal for club or competitive players.
Grade 4
Grade 4 willow cricket bats are made of the least quality willow tree and are suitable for only the amateur. These bats do not have consistent quality. Therefore, they are not recommended for use for any kind of competitive cricket.
Playing Style
Playing style is also an important consideration when buying a new cricket bat. If you are an aggressive player who likes to score boundaries, you will need a bat with a good ping. However, if you are a more defensive player who is looking to play long innings, you will need a bat with a good balance.
Heavy bats are great for strokeplay and hitting through the line. They have a large sweet spot and are less likely to break. However, they can be difficult to control and are not suited to players who like to nudge the ball around.
Light bats are easier to control but don’t have the same power as heavy bats. They are ideal for players who are good at placing the ball and like to rotate the strike.
Grip
The grip is the term for the material on the handle of the bat that the player holds while batting. Grips are usually made of rubber and other synthetic materials. Some players prefer more grip, while others prefer less. The amount of grip can also affect the bat’s balance.
The grip of a cricket bat should be comfortable in your hand and not too small or too large. If the grip is too small, it will be difficult to hold and control the bat. If it’s too large, it can cause you to lose control of the bat and make it difficult to make precise shots.
FAQ
What kind of cricket bat is suitable for professionals?
Professional cricket bats are made of English willow. This material has different qualities. Grade 1 English will is the most expensive and are opted by almost all the top class cricket players. However, Grade 2 and 3 are less expensive and also of good quality.
How much should I spend on a cricket bat?
Typically a cricket bat will cost between $100 to $300. This is the cost of a high quality professional cricket bat. However, the price of a non professional cricket bat way less than this and it varies from country to country depending on various factors.
What kind of cricket bat is suitable for a child?
Size 3 or 4 can be suitable cricket bat option for a child having a height of around 4’6” to 4’11”. However, there are smaller bat options as well for smaller children. When choosing bat for a child, choose one with less weight. It is always better to choose a tape ball cricket bat for the kids as these are not heavy weight.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are different styles of cricket bats, each designed for a different playing style. There’s the willow bat, which is the lightest, most responsive, and most expensive bat. Then there are the pressed bat and composite bat, which are lighter. When choosing the best cricket bat for you, all the points that I have discussed should be considered. Expensive bats are not always the best bats. Therefore, it is up to the individual and his playing condition and style that determines the suitable bat for him.