Knocking-in a Cricket Bat

ByAdams Murphy Updated on

Why Knocking-in in a bat, is important?

Knocking- in a cricket bat is vital to your bat preparation. It is crucial to improve the performance of your bat. In this process, the bat is hit with a wooden mallet or an old ball until the bat seems a little damaged. Soft fibrous reeds are in the bat’s natural state as it is made from willow wood. It is necessary to prepare it before it can be used to strike a cricket bat.

 When the ball is struck with a new cricket bat, the energy is concentrated on the blade and not dispersed throughout the entire wood. This can cause the ball to travel further, hit higher, and strike the wicket more accurately. This process also helps prolong your bat’s life. With time, the expansion and contraction of the wood will cause it to break. It gives a more consistent shape, which will help reduce this damage.

How to Knock- in a Cricket Bat?

Here are the following steps to knock- in the bat:

Step1:Oiling the Bat

Linseed oil is beneficial for softening the fibers and enabling the bat to be more easily compressed. Oiling your bat is necessary to preserve the blade’s moisture and reduce cracking and splitting. Over-oiling your bat can cause as much damage as under-oiling.

Apply light coats to the flat side. Avoid putting oil on the bat’s handle, stickers, and logos. You should ensure that the oil is evenly distributed in the area which faces the ball. Oil should be spread on the edges of your bat. Rub the oil on the bat’s side. Allow the oil to set for 24 hours. Ensure your bat is upside down so the oil can absorb the wood. Allow the oil to sit for at least a day before it dries completely. Continue to oil the bat two more times. This will allow the wood to absorb moisture. Let the oil dry for 24hrs before applying another coat.  

Step 2: To strike wood with a mallet or an old cricket ball.

  • The flat head of the bat should be lightly hit at a 45-degree angle with a mallet. Avoid hitting the edges at 90 degrees. This can cause damage to the bat’s hitting surface. As you get a feel for how to do this, you can gradually increase your weight. At some point, your mallet should no longer leave marks on your weapons. Do not hit the bottom of your bat.
  • Continue the process with the other long edge. To ensure the edges are smooth and even, check both ends of the bat. Slowly increase your power to compress the edge further. This entire process should take approximately 6 hours to ensure that the wood is strong enough to strike a cricket ball without any marks or dents.

Step 3: Pre-playing before your match 

  • Next, you will need to learn how to use the bat to make short catches using a quality cricket ball. The bat can be used against an old soft cricket ball. Avoid fast bowling, and don’t hit the ball powerfully.
  • Hit soft grounders back to your partner with an old soft cricket ball so that they can hit them back to you. If the bat hits unevenly, you can return and hit the area again with a mallet. A lousy hit could cause damage to the bat.

Knocked-in Sign

Your fingernail can be used to test the wood periodically. Your fingernail should make an impression on the wood’s surface at first. However, once you have knocked it down, it will become more challenging to press.

Wrap up

A bat should not be used in match conditions unless the steps above have been completed. It pays off long-term with a bat that lasts years if you take the time to do it right. The knocking process must be done carefully. Poor preparation can cause irreparable damage to the bat.

Similar Posts