HOW TO LOOK AFTER MY NEW CRICKET BAT!
You've brought your new cricket bat. Now you need to think about the future!
We have tried to cover all the questions we know you want to ask! What do I do now? Is it ready for match play? Do I need to knock it in? How do I care for my cricket bat? How long will it last?
TO MAXIMISE THE LIFE OF YOUR CRICKET BAT YOU MUST MAINTAIN IT!
Cricket players must maintain their bats to prevent the likelihood of severe damage and perform minor maintenance to increase its longevity.
You can prolong the life and performance of a cricket bat by maintaining it and seek to repair should any issues arise through netting or match play.
KNOCKING IN
Effective “knocking in” will significantly improve the performance and increase the lifespan of the bat.
ANTI-SCUFF SHEET
An anti-scuff sheet on the face of the cricket bat increases the durability of the bat and adds extra protection to the blade and edges, but under no circumstances will it totally prevent surface damage.
TOE GUARD
A rubber toe guard provides additional protection against moisture damage and the effects of tapping down at the crease.
SERVICING YOUR CRICKET BAT
Twice during the course of a season, you should lightly sand your bat with fine sandpaper, avoiding the stickers and apply a single coat of Chase Cricket bat wax to protect. The main purpose of oiling is to maintain moisture levels within the blade, and hence reduce the chances of cracking and splitting.
HOW TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGE OCCURRING.
There is an increasing number of players, due to lack of knowledge or experience, who believe that their cricket bat will continue to look as new. The look of any cricket bat will deteriorate over time as usage increases. What is wear and tear is at times seen as an issue and a flaw in the cricket bat which is not the case.
WHAT ARE COMMOM PROBLEMS
TIMING
Bad timing happens to us all. You get a leading edge, take one on the toe or the ball cracks into the shoulder. Unfortunately, these types of impact are likely to cause some damage to the blade. In the cricketing industry, any damage resulting from this type of impact is regarded as player error. It is unfortunate but not a reflection on the quality of the craftsmanship or willow.
SHADOW TAP
Tapping down can damage the toe. It weakens the willow which in turn cracks or breaks. We advise you shadow tap to prevent both short and long-term damage.
BAD DAYS
You’ve had a bad day at the crease. That’s not great, but it’s not your bat’s fault. Please don’t slam it into the ground, launch it in the air or throw it across the dressing room. The damage could be irreversible.
GET THE COVER ON
We’d always recommend transporting your blade in a cricket bat cover. This will protect it from knocks, scrapes, and damage whilst not in use.
IT’S NOT AN ALL-ROUNDER
Using the bat in another capacity is simply not a good idea. It’s not designed to work as a hammer, drinks carrier or seat.
RAIN DELAYS
Rain alongside the wet/damp ground will damage your bat. Keep the bat dry as excess moisture will reduce the life of your cricket bat.
BAD BALLS
If you play cricket with poor quality cricket balls, you will damage your new bat. These poor balls are unforgiving and will crack your cricket bat.
STORAGE
Avoid leaving your bat in damp spaces such as garages and sheds over the winter and in hot cars and conservatories in the summer months. In damp environments the cricket bat will absorb too much moisture and excess heat exposure will dry out the willow. Be mindful of where you leave your cricket bat. Storing items on top of your cricket bag could cause breakages and heat from radiators can cause serious damage.
PROFESSIONAL YEARLY SERVICE
At Chase we highly recommend a yearly full refurbishment to increase the life and performance of the cricket bat.
Chase Cricket offers a full bat service and repairs program for any brand or model of cricket bat.