How cricket bats are made
One of the biggest questions cricketers ask is, how was my bat made? The process of making a cricket bat can be divided into several stages, each of which requires specific skills and tools. The process starts with selecting the right type of wood, usually English Willow, to make the bat.
Stage 1: Harvesting the Wood
The first stage is the harvesting of the wood. English Willow is grown in the UK, usually in the southeast region of the country. The trees are usually around 20-30 years old when they are harvested. The trees are cut down and then left for around three months to season. During this time, the moisture content of the wood reduces, making it easier to work with.
Stage 2: Cleaving the Wood
Once the wood has been seasoned, it is time to cleave it. Cleaving is the process of splitting the wood into planks. The wood is first marked to show where the clefts should be made. A large cleaving knife is then used to split the wood into planks. This stage is critical as it affects the quality of the final product. If the cleaving is not done properly, the wood will not be straight, and the bat will not perform as well as it should.
Stage 3: Rough Shaping
The next stage is rough shaping. The planks of wood are shaped into the rough shape of a cricket bat. This stage is done using a bandsaw, which is a large saw that cuts the wood to shape. The rough shape is then checked for straightness and any knots or cracks in the wood are removed.
Stage 4: Drying the Wood
Once the rough shape has been created, the bat must be dried. Drying is a crucial stage as it affects the weight and performance of the final product. The bat is left to dry for several months, usually in a warm and dry environment, to reduce the moisture content of the wood.
Stage 5: Fine Shaping
Once the wood has been dried, it is time to fine-shape the bat. This stage is done using a variety of hand tools, including knives and chisels. The bat is shaped to its final size and shape, and any minor imperfections in the wood are removed. The bat is then sanded to create a smooth surface.
Stage 6: Knocking In
The next stage is knocking in. This is the process of compressing the fibers of the wood to make the bat stronger and more durable. Knocking in is done by striking the bat with a cricket ball or special knocking-in mallet. The process is repeated several times until the fibers have been compressed enough to make the bat ready for use.
Stage 7: Oil and Finish
The final stage is to oil and finish the bat. This stage involves applying a layer of oil to the surface of the bat to protect it from the elements and to give it a shiny appearance. The oil is left to soak in for several hours before the bat is buffed to a high shine.
The process of making a cricket bat is a long and labor-intensive one, requiring a combination of skills and tools. Each stage is critical to the final product, and the attention to detail that goes into making a cricket bat is what makes it such an important piece of equipment for cricketers.
Want to know more? Check out this video of Shane Watson walking you through the process at GM bats.