Your cricket game could take off if you use the right bat according to your playing style. Cricket is a technical sport where using quality gear directly influences your game. Selecting the appropriate bat is necessary because it could affect your entire game. There are various cricket bat types, and this article will cover critical things to consider when buying a bat.
Different Factors To Consider Before Getting A Cricket Bat
People practise cricket using different leather balls. Remember a lower quality cricket ball can affect the life of your bat significantly. Players should use good quality cricket balls even during net practice sessions.
Apply the anti scuff sheets on bats if you plan to play during the rainy season or on grass surfaces. Moisture won’t penetrate the wood because of the scuffed sheet.
An English Willow cricket bat would be ideal for a hard leather ball. A heartwood bat will ensure the bat’s longevity for hard balls.
English and Kashmir willow are the two most popular types of wood used. You don’t need a bat that is either thin or too thick, given the nature of matches you play. Various factors are considered when choosing the perfect bat for your batting style and skill level.
1. Position The Sweet Spot: Bats can be selected or customised with the sweet spot in mind to enhance the benefits of stroke play. The area of the bat where the bat makes the best contact with the ball is known as the sweet spot. However, if you play with the front foot, then mid to low is suitable. Like this, pick a bat with a higher sweet spot if you want to play off your back foot.
Low sweet spot bats concentrate the bat’s sweet spot further down and away from your hand. These bats make hitting hard drives easier due to their posture and design. A medium-high or high bat is best if you like to play on the back foot or with hook shots or cuts. Your hands will be closer to the sweet spot, making it simpler to make late shots.
2. Size Of The Bat: A custom made cricket bat gives you the option to customise your bat with different blade and handle length for players.
The term “blade” generally refers to the bat’s main body. Ensure you get the size of your bat right so that you can play your shots more effectively.
3. Handle: The handle of a cricket bat should be strong and comfortable to hold. The handle should also absorb the shock significantly to prevent you from feeling the impact of the ball in your hands. There are two different styles of handles: round and oval. The solid and oval handle on bats provide you superb directional control. One drawback is that some people find it challenging to control.
On the other hand, bats with round handles are easier to control with both the top and bottom hands. Round handles are crucial for hitters who flip their wrists, in particular. Additionally, round handles make it easier to have a firm grip, which is essential for power hitters.
4. Pick-Up Of The bat: Taking the pick-up index into account is essential when choosing a bat for various types of bat players. Typically the weight of a bat is distributed through the bat.
Players should be comfortable while swinging the bat. The pickup of a bat depends on the balance of the bat. A good balanced heavy bat can have fast pickup whereas an ill balanced lighter bat can have late pickup.
5. Remember The Weight: You can choose from several cricket bat weights depending on your preferences and batting style. Lighter bats have generally good pickup but less stroke whereas heavier bats have good stroke but late pickup. Players should find a balance between the two to get the best out of both worlds.
Conclusion!
How a bat feels to you is essential to consider when choosing one. The cricket bat that a batsman uses is vital for performance. It is crucial to evaluate what you expect from your bat and the game you play if you want to improve your performance. Always select a comfortable bat that can strike any ball, soft or hard.
It is crucial to remember that a bat may not work for you if it does for someone else. Therefore, pay attention to your playing technique and select a bat that seems ideal. There are no set scientific principles you must adhere to; instead, choose a bat based on how it feels to you. Remember the cricket bat is the most crucial equipment you can invest in your cricket career.
