Large Edges Explained: A Comprehensive Look into the Evolution of Cricket Bats
Over the last two decades, cricket bats have changed dramatically, and you don't have to look any further then large cricket bat edges.
The change is not merely aesthetic but has deep implications for the game, bat-making, and players' preferences.
But first, what does larger cricket bat edges actually mean?
Thicker edges on cricket bats distribute more mass across the bat, enlarging the sweet spot. This design helps even off-center hits to fly farther, making them popular for their enhanced power and forgiving nature in fast-paced games.
This blog posts delves into this evolution of large edges, the perspective of bat makers, so keep reading and get all the details.
The Transformation Over 20 Years
Traditionally, cricket bats were known for their slender edges and a consistent shape throughout their length. These bats were revered for their classic look and feel, a staple in the cricketing world for generations.
The above image is a good example of how thin the edges of cricket bats use to be. This is a bat that came through the workshop a few months back and wanted a refurb, even after all these years it's still a lovely piece of wood.
However, as cricket evolved, so did the tools of the trade. The last 20 years have seen a dramatic shift towards bats with large edges and the governing bodies needed to react, so the MCC (the custodians of the game) introduced new cricket bat rules.
One of the main changes was making sure a cricket could fit through a gauge, to make sure the bat was legal.
The above image shows me making a bat and checking that the bat fits through the gauge. Although with all bats I make, the maximum edge height will be 40mm (**depending on the width of the bat), so I know the edges will fit through It is also good to check that the bulk/spine of the bat will fit through, so the gauge has pride of place on my workbench.
***if you want to know how to make the edges of your bat larger than 40mm, contact me and we can discuss**
The Reason Behind Large Edges
The primary reason for this shift towards cricket bats' large edges is to enhance the bat's performance by keeping more wood around the spine and middle position.
This design tweak results in a larger hitting area, a crucial factor in modern cricket's fast-paced formats. The large edges essentially distribute the mass more effectively across the bat, thereby enlarging the sweet spot.
This means that even slightly off-centre hits have a better chance of flying off the bat with more power and distance, a significant advantage in the game's shorter formats - It is the job of the bat maker to make sure that even with the larger edges, that the weight of the cricket bat is what the buyer wants, this is the craftsmanship.
Bat Makers' Perspective on Performance
It's important to note that most bat makers, though not all, believe that the thickness of the edges does not inherently impact the performance of the bat.
The art of bat-making is intricate, balancing various factors such as cricket bat weight, balance, and the distribution of wood.
Bat makers often emphasize that the creation of a cricket bat, whether it has a large edge or small edge, is about meeting the batter's needs and the trends of the time.
From a bat maker's standpoint, the evolution towards cricket bat large edges is a response to the market's demand. Players look for bats that can help them perform better at the crease, and the trends often reflect the predominant style of play, this is even more the case with the growth of the shorter format of the game in the domestic tournaments.
The above image shows the same old-fashioned cricket (as shown in the picture above) side-by-side with a custom bat I made for one of our customers. You can see the stark difference between the edge sizes.
Trogon Cricket: Catering to Every Cricketer's Needs
Here at Trogon Cricket, we have a selection of grade 1, grade 2, grade 3 and butterfly English willow clefts, all available for customization and in our stock bats.
Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in our pricing. We understand the importance of having a quality bat in your hands, and our pricing strategy is designed to meet all budget requirements.
Whether you prefer a bat with large edges or a more traditional edge size (see images above), Trogon Cricket is your go-to destination for a bat that meets your specific needs we offer this is English willow (as mentioned above) but we also have two alternative willows, Dutch hybrid and Kashmir willow which are perfect for junior bats and 2nd bats as they are much cheaper than the premium English willow.
Conclusion
The evolution of cricket bats, especially the shift towards cricket bat large edges, reflects the dynamic nature of the game and its equipment.
While the debate between a large edge or small edge continues, the essence of bat-making remains the same - to craft bats that meet the players' needs and enhance their performance on the field.
At Trogon Cricket, we embrace this evolution, offering bespoke, hand-made cricket bats that cater to the diverse needs of cricketers worldwide. With our extensive selection of English willow and commitment to full customization, we ensure that every cricketer can find their perfect bat with us, regardless of their preferences or budget.
For all custom bat enquiries contact Len on Len@trogoncricket.com or WhatsApp +44 07539000063 and he will answer all your questions.