Cricket Bat Care: How to Oil, Knock In and Protect Your Bat

To make a cricket bat last, knock it in properly before you use it, oil it lightly and only when it's dry, protect the face, edges and toe, and keep it away from moisture and heat. A well-prepared English willow bat can last several seasons. A rushed one can crack in its first game.

We prepare and repair bats every week at Western Sports Centre in Derrimut. This guide covers what we tell our customers. If you're still choosing a bat, start with our cricket bat buying guide.

Step 1: Oil your new bat (if it needs it)

Many new bats come with a protective film or are already oiled. If the face is covered, you don't need to oil the face, only the bare wood such as the toe and edges.

If your bat is bare wood:

1. Use raw linseed oil or a bat oil.
2. Put about a teaspoon on a soft cloth and rub it into the face, edges and toe. Don't oil the back, splice or handle.
3. Lay the bat flat, face up, and let it dry overnight.
4. Repeat two or three times. That's enough.

Don't over-oil. Too much oil makes the bat heavy and soft, and can rot the wood. If the bat feels sticky or oil sits on the surface, stop.

Step 2: Knock it in

Knocking in means tapping the face and edges with a bat mallet to press the wood fibres together. This hardens the surface so it can take the impact of a hard leather ball.

1. Start gently. Tap the face with a mallet, working all over the hitting area. Slowly hit harder over time.
2. Round off the edges. Hit the edges at an angle so they become rounded, not sharp. Never hit the edge straight on.
3. Do the toe carefully. Tap gently around the toe, but never hit the bottom of the toe.
4. Keep going. Most bats need around 4 to 6 hours of knocking in, spread over several days.
5. Test it. Have a few throw-downs or a net with an old ball. If you see deep seam marks, knock in some more.

Short on time? Many of our bats include our free Match Ready service, where we prepare the bat for you. Our Play Now bats come already knocked in and ready to use. Kashmir willow bats need little or no knocking in, and composite bats need none.

Step 3: Protect the face, edges and toe

• Anti-scuff sheet (face cover): a clear sticky film that covers the face. It helps hold the wood together and keeps moisture out. Put it on after knocking in.
• Fibre tape: tape around the edges for extra strength where the ball often hits.
• Toe guard: a rubber or plastic cap on the toe. The toe is the part most likely to get damaged, because it hits the ground and soaks up water from wet grass. A toe guard stops both.

Step 4: Look after the handle

A good grip helps you hold the bat and soaks up some of the jar when you hit the ball. Replace it when it gets worn, slippery or torn. Some players use two grips for a thicker handle. Browse our batting grips.

Everyday care

• Keep it dry. Don't use your bat in the rain or on wet grass, and wipe it dry if it gets damp. Moisture is the biggest cause of swollen toes and cracks.
• Keep it cool. Don't leave it in a hot car or in direct sun. Heat dries the wood out.
• Store it flat or upright, indoors. Keep it in its cover in a cool, dry place.
• Use the right ball. Don't use a good English willow bat with cheap, hard balls or in the nets with old, worn balls. They can damage the face.
• Check it regularly. Look for small cracks on the face, edges and toe. Catching them early makes repairs easier and cheaper.

Small cracks are normal

Hairline cracks on the face and edges are normal for English willow and don't mean the bat is broken. Keep an eye on them and add fibre tape or a face sheet if they spread. Deeper cracks, a split toe or a loose handle need fixing. We offer cricket bat repairs in store, including rehandling and sanding.

At the end of the season

1. Clean the bat and check it for damage.
2. Get any repairs done before you store it.
3. If it's bare wood, give it one light coat of oil.
4. Store it in its cover somewhere cool and dry.
5. Before next season, have a short net session to check it's ready.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I oil my bat?

Two or three light coats when it's new, then once at the end of the season if the wood is bare. Don't oil a bat that has a face cover.

How long does knocking in take?

Usually 4 to 6 hours, spread over several days. Then test it with an old ball before using it in a game.

Can I use my bat in the rain?

Try not to. Wet willow swells and cracks more easily, especially at the toe. If it does get wet, wipe it dry and let it dry slowly at room temperature.

Is a crack on my new bat a fault?

Small surface cracks are normal with English willow and usually come from use, not a fault. If you're worried, bring the bat in and we'll take a look.

Need a hand?

Bring your bat to Western Sports Centre in Derrimut and we'll check it over, prepare it or repair it. Ready for a new one? Browse our full cricket bat range.