Why Do We Need to Oil Our Cricket Bats?

The performance of a cricket bat is not solely dependent on the quality of willow (although it plays a big part) but also how the bat is prepared and looked after and that comes from oiling a cricket bat.

This seemingly simple step is crucial for preserving the bat's integrity, enhancing its performance, and extending its lifespan.

But why do we oil a cricket bat?

Oiling a cricket bat with linseed oil protects and moisturizes the willow, preventing drying, cracking, and splitting. This essential maintenance preserves the bat's condition, ensuring it remains durable and performs well over time, without the risk of damage from over or under-oiling.

Right, let's dive in and get all the nitty-gritty details about oiling your cricket bat.

The Essence of Oiling

Oiling your cricket bat is a ritual as old as the game itself. All natural-faced bats must undergo this maintenance step, preferably using raw linseed oil or a specialist cricket bat oil.

But why oil a cricket bat?

The answer lies in the nature of willow, the wood from which cricket bats are made.

Willow is naturally fibrous and soft, characteristics that contribute to the bat's ability to absorb the impact of the cricket ball.

However, these same properties also make the bat susceptible to drying out, cracking, and splitting.

So, the application of linseed oil to your cricket bat acts as a moisturizer, maintaining optimal moisture levels within the blade and thus minimizing the risks of damage.

However, if your bat does get damaged, we at Trogon have you covered.  We offer a range of bat repair services, that can get your bat back to its original glory.  These services include;

So whatever your bat issue, we've got you covered.

The Right Way to Oil

While the importance of oiling your cricket bat is undebatable, how one oils the bat holds equal significance.

A light coat of oil should be applied to the face, edge, toe, and back of the blade.

Special attention is required to avoid the stickers or logos and the splice area, as oil can cause damage to these parts.

The process doesn't end with the application; the bat must then be allowed to dry, ensuring that the oil is absorbed properly.

After about 24 hours, it's essential to check the bat and remove any oil that hasn't been absorbed.

This step is followed by a light sanding of the bat's face using very fine sandpaper (we recommend +180 grit), preparing the surface for another light coat of oil.

This meticulous process ensures that the bat is neither under-oiled nor over-oiled, each of which can be detrimental and under-oiling leads to dryness and cracking, while over-oiling can make the bat heavy and soggy, affecting performance.

Oiling a cricket bat

The above image shows the amount of oil that needs to be used on your cricket bat.  Can you see two relatively small spots of oil, which I then rub in by hand, making sure not to oil around the splice area.

Finished oiling bat

The above image shows the bat with the oil rubbed in.  You can see a clear difference of bat colour where I haven't rubbed the oil in.

Maintenance Beyond Oiling

While oiling your cricket bat is crucial, it's part of a broader maintenance regimen. Regular oiling, coupled with knocking-in (which I have written extensively about) and proper storage, forms the basis of good cricket bat care.

These steps ensure that the bat not only performs well but also lasts for many seasons, which is what you want when spending a couple of hundred pounds of a new cricket bat.

Trogon Cricket: Craftsmanship Meets Customization

Our handmade cricket bats cater to all shapes, sizes, weight preferences, and middle positions (high cricket bat middle,  middle cricket bat middleor low cricket bat middle), allowing full customization to meet the batter's personal requirements.

We understand that each player is unique, and so should be their bat.

At Trogon Cricket, we pride ourselves on offering a vast selection of grade 1, grade 2, grade 3 and butterfly clefts English willow, available for customization.

Our price points are designed to meet all budget requirements, not only do we have English willow we also have both Dutch hybrid and Kashmir willow which are fantastic alternatives to English willows for junior cricket bats, replica bats, or net bats.

Conclusion

The ritual of oiling your cricket bat is not just about maintenance; it's a testament to the respect a player holds for their equipment and the game itself.

A well-oiled bat is a symbol of dedication, care, and passion for cricket. By choosing Trogon Cricket, you're not just selecting a bat; you're embracing a tradition of excellence, customization, and performance.

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

RECAP OF WHY DO WE NEED TO OIL OUR CRICKET BATS? BLOG POST

Oiling a cricket bat is essential to maintain the moisture levels in the willow, which helps prevent the wood from drying out and cracking.

Raw linseed oil or a specialized cricket bat oil is recommended for oiling to ensure the bat retains the right amount of moisture without damaging the wood - you can also use linseed wax which is very popular.

Apply a light coat of oil evenly to the face, edges, toe, and back of the bat, avoiding the splice and any stickers or logos. Allow the bat to absorb the oil and dry.

If the oil is fully absorbed, lightly sand the bat with fine sandpaper (+180 grit) and reapply a light coat of oil to the face only to ensure an even finish and protection.

Yes, over-oiling a cricket bat can be as harmful as under-oiling. Excessive oil makes the bat heavy and can affect the bat's performance by reducing its springiness and increasing the risk of damage.