Some cricket fans would argue that cricket bats are the most important piece of cricket equipment there is. Without it, runs could not be scored, and the intricate battle between bowler and batter would be non-existent. Because of its major influence on the sport over the years, we thought it proper to take a look at how the bat has evolved.

Cricket lovers these days remember that the first cricket bat was first mentioned around 1624,which looked similar to hockey stick. There is a sad story. A fielder was severely injured in the head; when the batsman hit the ball and he tried to catch it.

Post that fatal incident, there were numerous deadly events, which involved bats. One such fatal event took place in December 2007.

During the early times of the game, there were no regulations guiding the dimensions of cricket bats and bowlers threw underhand. However, with passage of time, strict guidelines regarding the size and dimension of cricket bat has been stated. The width of the bat should be 108mm and its length should be 970mm.

Though the cricket bat will look like short oars or paddle to an unknown person, but its design involves great amount of engineering, science and craftsmanship.

During 1800, round-arm bowling became a rule. It was at that time that willow was recognized for making bats. The powder of the bark of this wood is used greatly to cure fever. However, these days, a particular hybrid called ‘cricket-bat willow is employed to manufacture bats.

Willow is well-known as a strong, lightweight wood that doesn’t rot or splinter easily, outstanding qualities for an instrument used to whack a hard leather ball travelling at more than 90 miles per hour for about 100 meters. Bat design continues to evolve, and recently manufacturers have created carbon.

In order to be used daily, a bat needs a little prior preparation. Once in a season, professional players use linseed oil on the cricket bat. They also ‘knock-in’ the bat at lower 6 inches at 45 degrees so as to make the wood of the bat stronger and compress its fibres, so that it can be faced by the bowlers on the cricket ground.

it is very simple to look after cricket bat. The most significant point is that the bats should not be stored in areas where it will get dry or just beside a heat source. In fact, the bats should be kept in cool and dry ambience, where it can ‘breathe’ in a little moisture.

This cricket article was written by the author who owns thecricketstore.co.uk. From the article you will hopefully learn more about the available cricket supplies, cricket clothing and cricket equipment and gain more knowledge on cricket shirts. You can visit the online cricket store for more information.

Article Source