Selecting the right English Willow Cricket Bat
Choosing the right cricket bat can be tricky, especially for beginners. A lot of people believe that all bats are the same. However, that is not true as all bats have their own distinct features and may perform differently depending on the conditions. There are many factors to look for when buying a cricket bat for yourself. This blog talks about English Willow Cricket Bats which are famous for their high quality and performance. Read till the end to find the proper way to choose a cricket bat.
What are English Willow Cricket Bats?
These bats are one of the top choices of all professional players playing across different formats. As the name suggests, they are made from English Willow which comes from England. Known for its distinct light color, English willow produces some of the finest cricket bats which are famous for their high quality and durability. Although a bit pricy, these bats provide just the right balance between comfort and performance which allows batters to bring amazing results on the pitch.
How are English Willow Bats different from other cricket bats?
There are many different types of cricket bats available in the market, each having distinct features. Some are good for performance while some are budget-friendly. Some of the most well-known types of cricket bats used professionally are:
Kashmir Willow Cricket Bats
These bats, known for their darker color, are known for their affordability without compromising much on performance. They provide good quality and can be used for various match formats including domestic cricket. However, they are lesser in quality compared to English willow cricket bats.
Composite Bats
These cricket bats are not used in live tournaments but are made for practice purposes. They are lightweight and slimmer which allows users to improve their hand-eye coordination.
All these bats have distinct features which make them unique. However, English Willow Cricket Bats provide the highest quality. They are more reliable and provide excellent durability. Additionally, they also allow the users to hit power shots more easily and with higher accuracy. The main difference between these bats is the amount and quality of grain in each type of bat.
What are grains on a cricket bat?
Grains on a cricket bat refer to the natural lines visible on the bat's surface. These lines are visible to the naked eye and represent the quality of the bat. The number of grains a bat has directly impacts its performance and quality. Bats with fewer grains are softer and provide a longer playing life. These bats also take longer to knock in but are more resilient. However, bats with a higher grain quantity play well and are excellent for power shots. They are harder which allows hitting shots easier. However, a higher grain quantity refers to an older bat that wears out easily compared to bats with a lower grain count.
How many grades do English Willow Cricket Bats come in?
English willow bats come in different types which are also referred to as grades. Each grade is different as it provides different performance as well as price. The different types of English willow grading in cricket bats are as follows:
Grade 1
Grade 1 bats are the highest in quality and are the most expensive. They provide excellent performance thanks to the straight grain pattern. They also have a higher grain quantity which makes them ideal for power hitting. These bats are used by renowned cricket players in international cricket formats. Due to their high quality, they can be used for a long period without any performance issues.
Grade 2
Slightly lower in quality, these bats come with irregular gain patterns. However, they also provide great quality. The willow has slightly more blemishes than grade 1 bats, however they still provide great performance. These Grade 2 cricket bats are also more affordable than grade 1 bats and are used by all sorts of cricket players.
Grade 3
These English willow cricket bats are much more economical due to visible blemishes in the willow. They are a great choice for amateur cricket players as they provide good performance without breaking the bank.
Grade 4
Grade 4 cricket bats are usually the most affordable. They have the irregular grain pattern. These bats usually also come with a less consistent grain structure. However, they are great for beginner players. Players who are new to cricket and want a good entry bat should go for grade 4 bats as they are quite affordable. They also provide much better performance than other bats such as Kashmir willow cricket bats, etc.
How many different types of cricket batsmen are there?
There are many types of cricket batsmen, categorized based on their batting patterns. Some of the common types of batsmen are as follows:
Power hitters
Power hitters are known for their ability to hit powerful shots, displaying aggressive play. They aim to score as many boundaries as possible. This requires a hard bat capable of delivering power to the ball perfectly. Some examples of such batsmen are Chris Gayle, and Andre Russell to name a few.
Classical batsmen
These batsmen make use of a mix of batting techniques which allows them to perform exceptionally in long formats. Having a comfortable bat that is highly durable is essential for such kind of play. English willow cricket bats prove to perform beautifully for such batsmen.
Defensive players
Defensive cricket players are required to save their wicket and play a long game. They are used as a tactic to wear down difficult bowlers without losing wickets. However, they may also hit boundaries depending on the situation. Thus, having a strong cricket bat is crucial
What factors affect the performance of a cricket bat?
Selecting the right English willow cricket bat can be a challenge at first. The grain quantity and spacing as well as the quality of willow are crucial factors that affect bat performance. However, there are many other factors that affect how a bat performs. Some of the most important factors are listed as follows:
Having a cricket bat that is the right size is one of the most crucial factors that affect bat performance. As players have varying heights and weights, their requirements may vary. For this purpose bats come in different sizes. It is advised to make use of the English willow cricket bat size guide to ensure you choose the right bat for your size.
Heavy bats provide great hitting power while light bats are easy to handle. However, heavier bats can cause fatigue and loss of balance if not used by the intended players. When choosing a bat it is advised to handle the bat before purchasing it. You should choose a bat that is easy to handle and maneuver. You may need to try various types of bats before finding the right one thus patience is required.
The handle of a cricket bat is directly responsible for the player’s performance. Thus, it is crucial to choose the right handle length. Additionally, you should choose a grip that is comfortable but also does not slip.
Weather conditions directly affect the performance of a bat. The same bat may not perform well in all types of weather conditions thus it is advised to consult your English willow cricket bat manufacturer to ensure the right bat for your environment.
Crikon: A haven for English willow cricket bats
Crikon is a premium cricket shop in Australia with the finest cricket gears. We have a wide range of products to choose from. We have a specially curated collection of English willow cricket bats for our customers. These bats are high quality and made specially for Australian conditions making them suitable for cricket enthusiasts here. Additionally, they are highly affordable. This allows the customers to get the best quality at a great price. If you are looking to buy high-quality cricket bats, check out our online store for the complete range. Don't wait any further, buy your favorite cricket equipment today.
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