Our Complete Guide to Cricket Bats

Whether you are a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned player honing your skills, choosing the right cricket bat is essential. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about cricket bats, from size and weight to material and craftsmanship.

So, keep reading and get all the nitty-gritty details and see below for our cricket bat size guide.

What Size Cricket Bat Do You Need?

The size of the cricket bat you choose should be based on your height and strength. Using the right size bat is critical for proper technique and comfort.

Size One Cricket Bats

Suitable for Players: Height 1.2m - 1.29m (3.93ft - 4.23ft)
Bat Length: 64cm
Weight Range: 1lb 7oz to 1lb 9oz
Our Notes: Size one bats are ideal for young beginners, usually in the age group of 4-5 years. These bats are designed to be lightweight and manageable, making it easier for young players to control the bat and learn the basics of batting.

Size Two Cricket Bats

Suitable for Players: Height 1.29m - 1.37m (4.23ft - 4.49ft)
Bat Length: 68cm
Weight Range: 1lb 9oz to 1lb 11oz
Our Notes: Size two bats are perfect for children aged 6-7 years. As kids grow, they need a slightly larger bat that can accommodate their increasing height and strength. This size strikes a good balance between control and power for young cricketers.

Size Three Cricket Bats

Suitable for Players: Height 1.37m - 1.44m (4.49ft - 4.72ft)
Bat Length: 72cm
Weight Range: 1lb 11oz to 1lb 13oz
Our Notes: Size three bats cater to children aged 8-9 years. The bat length and weight are adjusted to suit growing players, helping them develop their batting skills with a bat that complements their physical development.

Size Four Cricket Bats

Suitable for Players: Height 1.44m - 1.5m (4.72ft - 4.92ft)
Bat Length: 76cm
Weight Range: 1lb 13oz to 1lb 15oz
Our Notes: Size 4 cricket bats are ideal for players aged 9-10 years, size four bats are designed for those transitioning from junior to intermediate levels of play. The bat's dimensions provide the necessary leverage for stronger and more controlled shots.

Size Five Cricket Bats

Suitable for Players: Height 1.5m - 1.57m (4.92ft - 5.15ft)
Bat Length: 78cm
Weight Range: 1lb 15oz to 2lb 1oz
Our Notes: Size five cricket bats are well-suited for players aged 10-11 years. This size offers a good balance between weight and length, allowing young players to enhance their batting technique while coping with a slightly heavier bat.

Size Six Cricket Bats

Suitable for Players: Height 1.57m - 1.63m (5.15ft - 5.34ft)
Bat Length: 80cm
Weight Range: 2lb 1oz to 2lb 3oz
Our Notes: Size six cricket bats are designed for players aged 11-13 years. This size is a step closer to adult bats, providing the necessary weight and size for teenagers to develop their power-hitting skills.

Harrow Cricket Bats

Suitable for Players: Height 1.63m - 1.68m (5.34ft - 5.51ft)
Bat Length: 82.5cm
Weight Range: 2lb 3oz to 2lb 5oz
Our Notes: Harrow cricket bats are perfect for young adults or teenagers transitioning into adult cricket. These bats offer a larger hitting surface and more weight, catering to the needs of players who are almost ready for a full-size bat.

Small Adult - SA

Suitable for Players: Height 1.68m - 1.75m (5.51ft - 5.74ft)
Bat Length: 83.5cm
Weight Range: 2lb 5oz & Above
Our Notes: Small adult bats are designed for players who are not quite ready for a full-sized bat but have outgrown the junior sizes. This size provides the right balance for those in the height range of 1.68m to 1.75m.

Short Handle - SH

Suitable for Players: Height 1.68m - 1.88m (5.74ft - 6.16ft)
Bat Length: 85cm
Weight Range: 2lb 6oz & Above
Our Notes: Short handle bats are the standard adult size and are suitable for players above 1.68m. These bats are designed for adult players, offering the ideal balance between size, weight, and power.

Long Handle/Short Blade - LH/SB

Suitable for Players: Height 1.68m - 1.88m (5.74ft - 6.16ft)
Bat Length: 85cm
Weight Range: 2lb 6oz & Above
Our Notes: Long handle/short blade bats are a variation of the standard adult size, catering to players who prefer a longer handle for greater leverage and a short blade for better control.

Long Blade - LB

Suitable for Players: Height 1.88m - 2.1m (6.16ft - 6.88ft)
Bat Length: 87cm
Weight Range: 2lb 9oz & Above
Our Notes: Long blade bats are designed for taller players, typically over 1.88m. The extra length in the blade offers a larger hitting surface, making it easier for taller players to reach deliveries comfortably.

Long Handle - LH

Suitable for Players: Height 1.88m - 2.1m (6.16ft - 6.88ft)
Bat Length: 87cm
Weight Range: 2lb 9oz & Above
Our Notes: Long handle bats provide an extended handle length, ideal for taller players. This design offers better reach and leverage, making it easier to play shots without bending too much.

Long Handle/Long Blade - LH/LB

Suitable for Players: Height 1.88m - 2.1m (6.16ft - 6.88ft)
Bat Length: 89cm
Weight Range: 2lb 9oz & Above
Our Notes: The long handle/long blade combination is the largest size available and is ideal for very tall players, typically over 1.88m. This size offers both a longer handle and blade, providing maximum reach and power for taller cricketers.

Below is our cricket size guide which provides a quick and easy visual perspective of what sizes are available.

Cricket bat size guide

How Do You Measure a Cricket Bat?

Measuring a cricket bat involves determining the length from the top of the handle to the bottom of the blade. The standard method is to place the bat on a flat surface with the toe of the bat touching the ground and measuring up to the top of the handle.

This measurement ensures that the bat is the right size for the player's height and stance.

Where Should a Cricket Bat Come Up To?

The ideal length of a cricket bat is such that the top of the handle comes up to the top of the player's thigh. This measurement provides a good indication of the right bat size for a player.

It ensures that the bat is neither too long, causing discomfort and lack of control, nor too short, leading to a cramped playing style.

What Weight Cricket Bat Should I Use?

The weight of a cricket bat is a personal choice and depends on the player's strength and batting style.

Here are the general categories:

  • Lightweight (2.4-2.6 lbs): Ideal for players who prefer quick wristy shots and like to maneuver the ball around. Lightweight bats offer greater control and are easier to handle, especially for players with a more delicate touch.

  • Medium Weight (2.6-2.9 lbs): Suitable for most players, offering a balance between control and power. Medium-weight bats are versatile and can cater to a variety of batting styles, from aggressive hitting to precise shot placement.

  • Heavyweight (2.9-3.1 lbs): Preferred by players who rely on power and like to hit the ball hard. Heavy bats provide more mass behind the shot, making it easier to clear the boundary. However, they require more strength and can be less manoeuvrable.

I have written another blog post about understanding cricket bat pick-ups which is the most important factor when choosing a new cricket bat.  You can have a bat that weighs 2lb 120z on the scales but picks up around the 2lb 8oz mark, but without picking the bat up and testing it you wouldn't have known - don't go just off the scales. 

What Do Grains Mean on a Cricket Bat?

The grains on a cricket bat are the lines that run down the face of the bat, indicating the age of the willow. Each grain represents one year of growth in the willow tree.

The number of grains can affect the performance of the bat, with a higher number of grains generally indicating a more mature willow that offers better performance - however, some of the best bats performance-wise have only 5 grains, see what Sachin Tendulkar says about grains.

How Many Grains Are in a Good Cricket Bat?

A cricket bat isn't made up of grains in the traditional sense of small, discrete units like grains of sand or rice. Instead, when referring to the "grains" on a cricket bat, it's actually about the visible lines on the face of the bat that indicate the growth rings of the willow tree from which the bat is made.

The number of grains on a cricket bat can vary, but typically, a good-quality cricket bat will have between 6 to 12 grains.

This is often considered an indicator of the bat's age and quality, with more grains generally suggesting a more mature willow that can potentially offer better performance.

However, it's important to note that the number of grains is not the only factor that determines the quality of a cricket bat. Other factors like the type of willow (English or alternative willows dutch and kashmir), the weight, balance, and the overall feel of the bat are also crucial.

Some batters prefer bats with fewer grains, as they can be more durable and less prone to damage, while others prefer bats with more grains for their potential performance benefits.

Ultimately, the best bat for a player depends on their personal preference and playing style.

However, the number of grains should be balanced with the overall quality of the willow grade and your budget.  We have written extensively about willow grains and the myths about lots of grains and a smaller number of grains.

Choosing a Cricket Bat

When selecting a cricket bat, consider your playing style, the weight and balance of the bat, the type of wood, and the grade of willow.

A well-chosen bat can significantly enhance your performance at the crease. Your height, strength, and batting technique play crucial roles in determining the most suitable bat for you.

For example, 

Lots of choices available at Trogon!

Weight of Cricket Bat

The weight of a cricket bat is a critical factor in your choice. Cricket bats typically weigh between 1.1 kg to 1.4 kg. Lighter bats (1.1 kg to 1.2 kg) are generally preferred by players who like to play quick shots, while heavier bats (1.3 kg to 1.4 kg) are chosen by players who rely on power-hitting.

It's important to choose a bat that you can comfortably swing and feels comfortable and not to heavy in your backlift.

The above image shows a full-profile cricket bat weighing 2.8.6 lbs.  The target naked weight is 2.6 as the finished weight needs to be around 2lbs 8oz.  2oz's are added with the binding, grip and stickers.

If you are looking to buy a new cricket bat for a junior player then have a look at our size guide below;

Cricket bat size guide

Types of Willow Available

  1. English Willow: This is the premium wood used for making high-quality cricket bats. English willow is preferred for its lightweight and excellent shock absorption qualities.
  2. Alternative Dutch Hybrid: Dutch hybrid is less commonly used but can be a good alternative, offering decent performance at a lower price.
  3. Alternative Kashmir Willow: Kashmir willow is heavier and harder than English willow, making it a more affordable option but less preferred for professional use.

Grade of Willows Explained

Willow grades range from Grade 1+ (highest quality) to Grade 4 (lower quality). Grade 1+ willows are the best, with straight grains, no blemishes, and excellent performance.

Grade 2 and Grade 3 willows may have slight irregularities but still offer good performance. Grade 4 willows are often used in lower-range bats and have more blemishes and irregular grains, and we wouldn't recommend using for hard-ball adult cricket.  

It's worth noting that as a rule at Trogon, we don't sell G4 cricket bats, it's not a grade of willow that we stock.

Price/Budget for Each Grade of Willow

The price of a cricket bat largely depends on the grade of willow. Grade 1+ bats are the most expensive, often costing several hundred pounds and sometimes up to £800, but this is for a rare piece of willow.

Grade 2 and 3 bats are moderately priced, while Grade 4 bats are the most affordable, and suitable for beginners or casual players.

What Are Cricket Bats Made Of?

Cricket bats are crafted from willow wood, specifically from the Salix alba caerulea species, commonly known as cricket bat willow.

This particular type of willow is chosen for its outstanding shock-absorbing properties, making it ideal for handling the high impact of a cricket ball.

Both English and Kashmir willow bats are derived from variations of this species, offering players different characteristics in terms of weight, feel, and performance.

How Are Cricket Bats Made?

  1. Splicing or Adding the Handle: The handle is spliced into the willow blade.
  2. Pressing the cleft:  Pressing the cleft under huge amounts of pressure to compress the fibres.
  3. Shaping the Blade: The wood is carefully shaped to form the blade of the bat.
  4. Sanding: The bat is sanded to achieve a smooth surface.
  5. Binding the Handle: The handle is bound with twine to strengthen it.
  6. Polishing and Waxing: The bat is polished and waxed to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
  7. Stickering: Brands and logos are added.
  8. Finishing the Bat: The bat is finished with anti-scuff sheets or other technologies to protect it and enhance its performance.

Sanding cricket bat

The above image shows me hand-sanding a cricket bat.  Hand sanding takes circa 1 hour per bat and involves multiple grades of sand paper to get the final perfect finish.

Pressing the cleft

The above image shows me pressing the cleft before the shaping takes place.  I use the sound ping test, I'm looking for a specific sound when testing with a mallet, old ball and new ball.

Maximum Length and Width of a Cricket Bat

As per the laws of cricket, the maximum length of a cricket bat is 38 inches (96.5 cm), and the maximum width is 4.25 inches (10.8 cm). These dimensions help ensure fairness and consistency in the game.

Conclusion

At Trogon Cricket, we specialize in handcrafted cricket bats that cater to all shapes, sizes, and weights, offering full customisation to meet each batter's personal requirements. We boast a vast selection of Grade 1, 2, and 3 English willow clefts, allowing for a wide range of customisation options. 

For all custom bat enquiries contact Len on Len@trogoncricket.com or WhatsApp +44 07539000063 and he will answer all your questions - you can view my profile here and learn more about me.

Recap on Our Complete Guide to Cricket Bats

The ideal cricket bat weight varies depending on a player's physical strength and playing style. Generally, adult bats range from 2.4 to 3.1 pounds, while junior bats are lighter.

Lightweight bats (2.4-2.6 lbs) medium weight bats (2.6-2.9 lbs) and heavyweight bats (2.9-3.1 lbs).

The weight of a cricket bat is crucial as it affects the player's timing, power, and control. A bat that is too heavy or too light can hinder performance, making it essential to choose a weight that complements the player's abilities and technique.

Junior and youth cricket bat weights are lighter to accommodate the developing skills and strength of younger players. Sizes range progressively from 1lb 7oz for the smallest bats to 2lb 5oz for larger "Harrow" size bats.

Choosing the right bat size and weight involves considering the player’s age, height, and skill level. The weight should allow for comfortable handling and efficient stroke play, with lighter bats generally recommended for younger or less experienced players and slightly heavier bats for more seasoned players.