Bat Maintenance Guide

ABOUT WILLOW

As soon as the bat leaves the workshop, it will be subject to the wear and tear of cricket games and practice. Willow is by nature, a soft wood, that when pressed, provides the rebound qualities required to strike the ball. Some small cracks are bound to occur on the bat, due to wear and tear, these will not affect its performance. The knocking in process aims to gradually stretch and press the fibres of the willow-like wearing in a pair of new leather boots.

PREPARATION

We do not recommend more than one very light coat of oil keeping away from the splice area. Lay down flat to dry for around 48 hours. To give the best chance of a long lasting future, the bat should be gradually knocked in. Initially round off the edges and toe area gently with a good quality bat mallet, then move onto the face of the bat, this needs to be done until indentations cease to be made when the blade is hit. This may cause some small hairline cracks to appear which in no way affect the performance. Now is a good time to apply the protective facing. You can now move on to using soft, old balls-with-controlled hitting. Gradually progress to newer balls. Avoid bowling machine practice until the bat is well knocked in. An accurate time frame cannot be put on this process, however, the greater time spent knocking in, the greater the likelihood of a long lasting bat.

DAMAGES

If the ball strikes the edge or toe of the bat with sufficient force, heavy impact damage may occur water damage to toes causes cracking. Yorkers, edges and excessive tapping at the crease will cause additional damage that is not covered under warranty. Despite the elements-the major cause of excessive damage is cheap cricket balls that are so hard and have such high seams, no bat maker can protect against them.

For all returns, please send items to:

C/O Mike Parsons

Returns Dept.

Somerset County Sports

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 1JT

01823 337597

sales@somerset-countysports.com