A cricket bat is used in the sport cricket by the batsmen. A cricket bat is usually made from willow wood. This specialized bat made for cricket is of the shape of a paddle, with a long handle and is cylindrical in shape. The flat side of the bat is used for hitting the ball.
The part of the bat where the handle widens is known as shoulder of the bat, and the bottom of the bat is known as toe. The cricket bat is always made from willow wood and linseed oil. This oil has a protective function, and increases the surface friction with the ball. Willow wood is used because it is tough and shock resistant, and it cannot be dented by the impact of cricket ball at a high speed.
Earlier bats were not of this shape. In the 18th century, the cricket bats were of the shape of modern hockey sticks. Until the rules of cricket were introduced, the game had lower stumps; bowling was done underarm and no protective pads for the batsmen. Bats become worn out with time. Here are some simple steps on how to repair cricket bat.
Things required:
- Bat repair tape
- Handle rubber
- Raw linseed oil
- New anti-scuff sheet
- Fine sandpaper
Steps:
- Regular: if you see some surface carking on the blade of your bat, put some repair tape around it. Do not use too much of the tape, as this will damage the feel of the bat. As soon as you see the cracks on the blade of your bat, act immediately. Almost all bats experience cracking.
- Whenever the rubber handle grip wears out, replace it immediately. Take the new grip, roll it gently and tape it properly on the top of the blade with the help of bat repair tape.
- If the bat gets wet, wipe it with a clean and dry cloth. Keep your bat in a cool and dry place, but be sure that you keep it away from excess heat and dehumidifiers. Always remember that excessive dryness will reduce the bat’s life. You will have to apply one coat of oil on the bat when it is completely dry.
- Post-season: after the end of every season, take the anti-scuff sheet out from the bat.
- Apply a few coats of linseed oil on the bat, and reapply after 24 hours. You will have to leave the bat for a week and allow the oil to sink in the willow and dry completely.
- Now you can apply a new anti-scuff sheet, but only when the oil is completely dry. If the sheet has been on the bat since the beginning, then you will have to sand the bat a little bit.
- If there is an anti-scuff sheet on your bat, you will have to sand it and restore it properly. This will give your bat a new finish. Sanding the bat allows it to stay fresh, supple and it extends the life of the bat. Follow this entire process with at least two coats of linseed oil.
- If you have some other repairs like, repairing a large dent made with metal, then you will have to seek some professional advice.
Tips and warnings:
- Always check the toe of the bat for some kind of damage. Many professional cricket players say that cricket bat is like a horses leg, once broken it will never be the same.
- Always remember that you should not hit anything else with the bat except for a cricket ball. Make sure that you do not over oil your bat. If the anti-scuff sheets pulls off some chips of wood, then do not remove it. You will have to seek some professional help.
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Apply a few coats of linseed oil on the bat, and reapply after 24 hours. You will have to leave the bat for a week and allow the oil to sink in the willow and dry completely.
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