7 Tips for How to Choose a Cricket Bat That's Right for You

Batting performance depends on an array of parameters ranging from consistent practice to right shot selection. It is generally observed that better batting has also a lot to do with the right cricket bat that you choose to play your shots from. A right cricket bat cannot just get you more runs under your belt but can also improve your confidence when you go on to bat. There are several parameters that are to be kept in mind to choose a cricket bat that ideally includes the bat size that commensurate with your own height or the ball type you are going to play your match with. Ideally, there are 7 tips for choosing a cricket bat that’s right for you. So don’t wait long for buying the right cricket bat, instead, quickly refer to this detailed discussion that helps you choose the right cricket bat for a stellar batting performance next time you go to bat on the cricket field.

Size of your bat

It may appear that a large size bat that is disproportionate in length as compared to your own height might assist you to score more runs, but that’s not the truth as a bigger bat will make your batting stance more awkward and make you fall prey to some nasty deliveries out there on the field. Bats come in different sizes and hence before you go and buy the right cricket bat, you must make a reference to the height-size chart that will definitely guide you to choose a cricket bat that is right for you. For instance, a person of height in the range of 5’2” to 5’6” must get a bat numbered 6. Similarly, people with a height in excess of 6 feet should preferably choose a cricket bat with a long handle to maintain a better batting stance.

Type of ball

Cricket can be played from tennis, leather, or a rubber ball thus calling for consideration of the ball type, especially in the context of the cricket bat that you wish to have. For example, if you have to use a tennis ball to play cricket then you can choose a cricket bat that is lighter in weight with the sweet spot located symmetrically near the center of the bat. While if you have to play cricket from a leather ball, the right cricket bat must be one that is slightly heavier with a curvy swing to make your strokeplay better and more impressive.

The gross weight of the bat

Bat weight also happens to be a crucial factor in deciding the right cricket bat. A heavy bat with a couple of grips around the handle is preferable for people with strong wrists willing to make profound strokes and handle spin bowling effectively. In contradistinction to this, a lighter bat can make your strokeplay easy and generate more bat speed while facing seam bowling.

Willow grade differences

Cricket bats are generally available in several grades of willow ranging from English willow to the Willow from Kashmir. Depending on the cricketing competition you are required to get involved in and your budget, you can select the willow grade. English Willow is superior to the Kashmir Willow as it provides more swing and comfort while making the shot selection as compared to the Kashmir Willow. You can also opt for the Kashmir Willow if you have to play local matches with your friends. Apart from this, bats come in grades ranging from 1 to 5 with 1 being the best and most expensive willow grade. So depending on your own requirement you must choose a cricket bat that matches your budget and playing conditions.

Your own batting style

Your batting style also can help you select the right cricket bat. Since batting style influences the sweet spot of the bat here is enunciated different batting styles along with the corresponding bat type one can have to make impressive strokes.

Cricketers making drives:- Ideally, those who make drives play with a straight bat, hence their bat must have the sweet spot lower down the willow which eventually would make shot selection easy.

Front-foot batsmen:- The cricketers who love to play on the front foot should possess a bat that has a sweet spot located symmetrically in the middle of the bat.

Batsmen playing Pull and Hook shots:- Players making the cut, pull, or push shots generally play on the back-foot, therefore require a bat that has a sweet spot located on the top zone of the bat.

Bat handle

The handle of your bat is an important component to be considered while selecting a bat as it controls the direction of the stroke and prevents any jerk from being felt in your hands. So, before you choose a cricket bat, you must pay due credence to the kind of handle you expect to have in your bat.

Oval-handled bat:- Oval-shaped handle of your bat will allow controlling the direction of the strokes requiring your top hand to apply all the power behind the strokeplay.

Round shape-handled bat:- The round-shaped handle of the bat is preferred by most as one can control the stroke play with both hands. This becomes more significant when batsmen are willing to play the strokes on both sides of the field whether it is a cover drive or the wristy flicks on the Onside.

Bat Toe

Bat toe is also an important aspect to be considered when you go on and choose a cricket bat. A bigger toe will not just allow you to face Yorkers more effectively but will also generate huge power at the time of strokeplay. Whereas, a bat with a slimmer toe will be more vulnerable and might not generate enough power to make your strokes impressive.