Getting Your Cricket Bat Ready for the Upcoming Season

There is nothing better then feeling the warm mornings and knowing the cricket season is just round the cornre. Pre-season preparation is not just about honing your skills but also about getting your cricket bat ready for the new season. 

But, how can I get my bat ready for the new season?

To prepare your cricket bat for the new season, start by sanding it down and applying two coats of raw linseed oil to replenish moisture. Check for any shoulder cracks and repair them promptly. Finally, add a toe protector to guard against moisture damage, ensuring your bat remains in top condition.

In this blog post, we'll share three essential tips to help you get your bat game-ready.

So, as quick as Joffra bowls, let's jump in and get all the details.

  1. The Importance of Oiling Your Cricket Bat

Oiling your cricket bat is a fundamental step that is often overlooked. After a season, most players tend to store their bats without much thought, leading to them drying out considerably.

Modern cricket bats are crafted to be lighter yet larger, which involves reducing their moisture content during manufacturing. However, this makes them more susceptible to drying out, especially when stored for long periods.

If a bat becomes too dry, it loses its ability to withstand the impact of a cricket ball. This can lead to premature cracking or even splintering. While most bats have a protective 'clear guard', this alone is insufficient to prevent moisture loss.

To counter this, start the season by removing any protective coverings and adhesives from your bat. Sand it down gently and apply two coats of raw linseed oil.

This process reintroduces moisture and keeps the bat in prime condition. After the oil has dried, replace the protective sheeting, either anti-scuff or fibre glass (extra tech).

For those who'd rather focus on their fitness than bat maintenance, our West Sussex workshop offers a quick one-week turnaround for professional servicing of your cricket bat.

Oiling your cricket bat

The above image shows the amount of oil we use on the cricket bat.  This amount of oil will cover the bat face, edges and some of the back of the bat.

Oiling your cricket bat

This is how the cricket bat looks when the oil has been rubbed in.  As you can see you never oil the splice of the cricket bat - we usually oil the bats once the stickers have been added.

  1. Checking and Repairing Shoulder Cracks

The next step is to inspect your bat for shoulder cracks. These might seem minor but can significantly impact the bat's performance. Cracks often extend down into the handle joint, which is not visible externally. This can cause the bat to vibrate upon impact, leading to a loss of power and efficiency.

If you spot any cracks, it's imperative to have them repaired.

At our workshop, we offer thorough inspections and quick repairs, ensuring your bat is back in your hands, ready for action, within a week.

  1. Toe Protection: A Must for Damp Conditions

In the UK, pre-season training often happens indoors or late evening, transitioning to outdoor sessions when the weather permits. With this shift, players encounter damp grass or Astro nets, making adding toe protection to your cricket bat essential.

A toe protector prevents moisture from seeping into the grains at the bat's toe, which is vital for maintaining its integrity and performance.

Conclusion: Comprehensive Cricket Bat Servicing

At Trogon Cricket, we understand the importance of a well-maintained cricket bat. That's why we offer a complete cricket bat service, or what we like to call an 'MOT'.

Our services include cleaning the bat, fixing surface cracks, applying new toe guards, and face protection, and ensuring your bat is in the best shape for the upcoming cricket season.

Remember, oiling your cricket bat, adding toe protection, and servicing your cricket bat are not just maintenance tasks; they're investments in your performance for the new season.

For all cricket bat enquiries contact Len on Len@trogoncricket.com or WhatsApp +44 07539000063 and he will answer all your questions

Recap of Is your Cricket Bat Ready for the New Season Blog Post

Oiling a cricket bat replenishes the moisture lost during off-season storage, preventing the wood from drying out and cracking under the impact of the ball.

Remove any protective coverings, sand the bat lightly, and apply two small coats of raw linseed oil. Let it dry before replacing the protective sheeting to maintain its condition.

Shoulder cracks are small fissures near the bat's handle that can cause the bat to vibrate and lose power. Repairing these cracks ensures the bat remains a solid, effective piece of equipment.

Adding toe protection to a cricket bat helps prevent moisture from damp conditions from seeping into the wood, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the bat's structure.

Regularly check for signs of wear such as cracks or splits, keep the bat oiled, and ensure toe and face protections are intact to extend the life and performance of your cricket bat.