Gear Up for Victory: Expert Advice on Buying a Cricket Bat

Cricket is a widely followed sport in Australia. With many international cricket stars, Australia is a prominent country in cricket. A lot of people wish to pursue cricket professionally however they don't have the proper equipment. Having the right cricket bat is crucial to ensure effective batting. This blog looks at some of the important factors you need to keep in mind when in the market for a bat.

How many types of batsmen are there?

By analyzing a wide category of players, we can see that there are multiple types of batsmen out there. They are categorized as follows:

Defensive

Defensive batsmen play carefully and focus on making runs while securing their wickets. These players prioritize longer innings which allows them to establish dominance throughout the match. Usually, such players are utilized in longer cricket formats.

Aggressive

These players are known for hitting the ball more aggressively, achieving a much faster run rate. They are great for short-form cricket series as they are able to score more runs on fewer balls. This requires power but more importantly, precision to hit the ball accurately.

Finishers

Finishers are known for their ability to play under pressure. They often take calculated risks as they usually play in the closing innings of the match. This also requires a lot of accuracy and precision hitting from the batsmen. We have just the right bats for such players who want to hit accurate and powerful shots throughout.

How many types of cricket bats are there?

Before we can proceed to choose a cricket bat, it is crucial to first identify what type of a batsman are you. This will help determine your needs and thus result in the selection of the perfect bat. But you also need to determine which kind of cricket are you looking to play i.e., tape ball or hardball cricket. This is an important step as there are different types of bats for tape ball cricket as well as the latter. Irrespective of that, these are the types of bats you would generally find:

• English willow

English willow bats are made from high-quality English willow. This name is given as the willow comes from England. These bats have a distinct light color with a higher density of grains as compared to other bats. English willow cricket bats are the number 1 choice of most international cricket players as they provide power delivery. They come in 5 grades, grade 1 being the highest in quality. Each grade differs in the density of grains. Although these bats are high in quality, they are usually not suitable for everyone as they tend to be priced higher than other bats.

• Kashmir willow

Kashmir willow bats originate from the Kashmir region of India. They are not as high quality as English willow cricket bats but they are still a great alternative. They come in a darker color and have varying grain density. These bats are much more affordable compared to English willow ones and are great for players who wish to hit powerful shots. Due to their affordability, they can be used for domestic matches as well.

• Composite bats

These bats are usually made from synthetic materials such as carbon fiber, plastic, etc. They are made to allow the players to practice and are not suitable for hardball matches. Their slimmer blades allow the players to improve their hand-eye coordination.

• Softball bats

Softball bats or tennis bats are excellent for players who wish to play with a tennis ball. They are much lighter and more cost-effective than other bats. They are quite possible and can easily be spotted in sports shops near you. They are quite popular among junior players or those players who wish to play street cricket. These bats are also widely used in tape ball cricket matches.

Cricket Bat Handles and Importance

Bat handles are one of the most crucial parts of a cricket bat. They have great importance because they are always in direct contact with the batsmen and are a medium between the player and the bat. Choosing the wrong handle type can lead to difficulty in carrying the bat and hitting it as well. You should be aware of the following types of bats handles for adults:

Short handle

Short-handle cricket bats are for players that range from 5 feet 5 inches to 6 feet in height. They are great for players who wish to play in domestic as well as international cricket matches. These bats are properly balanced and allow the players to hit the ball accurately. Furthermore, short-handle bats are the most sought-after bats on the international stage considering they cater to most cricket players.

Long handle

Long handle bats on the other hand cater to taller players that are over 6 feet. These bats are not as common as most players fall under the short handle category. However, they are still a great choice for taller players as they allow them to play comfortably.

One more important thing that people usually miss is selecting the right grip for your bat handle. Grips for bats are a crucial part of the bat as they allow the players to grip the bat comfortably. A good grip will encourage the player to hit the ball with power. Choosing the right grip may be challenging however it all comes down to the kind of player you are. It is also influenced by factors such as humidity, etc. It is advised to use each grip before selecting one for yourself.

How important are size guides in selecting the right cricket bat?

A cricket bat size guide plays a crucial part in choosing the right bat. They use the player’s height as a reference for choosing the bat. This allows them to choose bats that properly complement their height and avoid issues on the pitch. Choosing a comfortable bat is crucial thus you must use size guides as a reference. Size guides not only help seniors but also allow junior players to find the right bat for their size. Apart from this size guides are beneficial in the following ways:

• Comfort

Having a bat that fits perfectly goes a long way. It not only provides comfort but also gives you the confidence to hit the shots perfectly. Having a bat that does not fit you properly can be uncomfortable resulting in missed or poor shots on the pitch.

• Injury prevention

Different-sized bats have different dynamics that are best suited to their size category. Choosing a bat that does not fit your size category can lead to problems on the pitch and even injuries. Thus, choosing the right cricket bat size is crucial to ensuring safe and effective batting.

• Better shot delivery

Players perform much better with bats that are appropriate for them in terms of weight and size. It adds comfort to them which ultimately results in a better shot delivery and much better handling. Thus when buying a cricket bat, you must go for a bat size guide to help you choose the right bat. 

What other factors contribute to the performance of a batsman?

Weight

The weight of the cricket bat is another factor that plays an important part in a player’s performance. When choosing a bat you should give special importance to the weight of the bat. It should not be too heavy so you find it difficult to handle the bat. Additionally, it should not be too light that find it difficult to control. You should always look for a sweet spot where handling the bat feels just right and allows you to deliver power beautifully.

Weather

This is easily one of the most overlooked factors but weather and environmental conditions do affect your performance. That is because the grip gets slippery during humid conditions so you should ensure that you choose weather weather-appropriate grip. Excessive sweating can cause a loss of balance or a loss of hold of the bat completely.

Budget

Lastly, everything comes down to your budget. It is advised to first devise a budget so that you don't run the risk of overspending. It will also help narrow down your search a lot. Budgeting is a great way of filtering out a lot of options saving you time and effort.

Crikon your preferred cricket partner

How many times have you bought a cricket bat and found that it was not up to the standard? This mainly occurs due to low-quality equipment. However, Crikon is a company that provides only the highest quality equipment to its customers. We have a variety of bats and various other equipment. No need to find cricket shops near you as Crikon has an online store operating in Australia. Simply choose your desired product and place an order. It's as simple as that. We take pride in providing high-quality products to our customers at affordable prices. So don't wait and place an order for your favorite products and witness the true Australian quality.