How to knock in your new Cricket Bat

From the Workshop.

Why Do You Need to Knock In a Cricket Bat?

Knocking in is one of the most important parts of preparing a new cricket bat. It helps protect the willow from damage, particularly around the toe and edges.

The process compresses the fibres on the surface of the blade, helping it withstand the impact of a hard cricket ball and reducing the risk of dents, seam marks and cracks.

A bat might look ready to use straight out of the wrapper, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is.

How Long Should You Knock In a Cricket Bat?

There's no set number of hours. A lot depends on how firmly the bat has been pressed during manufacture. Some bats receive more pressing and will be ready for use much sooner, while others are left a little softer and will need more preparation before facing a cricket ball.

For example, an OX29 bat is ready for throwdowns straight away, whether it's been knocked in or not. That's down to how the bats are pressed during production, but the same can't be said for every brand. It's worth remembering that being ready for throwdowns doesn't necessarily mean a bat is ready to face a new, hard cricket ball. If your mallet is leaving deep indentations in the blade, it's a good indication that the willow needs more work. If you're barely leaving a mark, the bat is likely to have been pressed more firmly. As a general starting point, I'd suggest 1–2 hours of knocking in, but don't get too caught up in the time.

The important thing is how the willow responds, not how long you've spent hitting it with a mallet.

Can You Knock In a Bat Too Much?

Not really, provided you're doing it properly. Build up the force gradually and avoid damaging the willow. There's no benefit in simply hitting the bat as hard as you can.

As my old mentor used to say:

"You can never give them too much."

And it's something I've always kept in mind when preparing bats.

Can You Knock In a Bat Without Oiling It?

Yes.

Oiling isn't essential to the knocking-in process, although it can help maintain the willow on an uncovered blade. I'd recommend fitting an anti-scuff sheet to protect the face.

For more on preparing a new bat, see the Bat Preparation Guide.

The Toe and Edges

These are the areas that deserve particular attention.

The Toe

The toe is one of the most vulnerable parts of the bat, especially against yorkers and balls that strike low on the blade. On a new bat, the corners are often quite sharp and square. Knocking in helps round these off gradually, replicating the sort of wear they'd naturally receive through use. Work around the toe with controlled mallet strikes, building up the force as the willow becomes more resistant.

There's no need to rush it.

The Edges

One thing I'd strongly advise against is hitting the actual edge of the bat directly with a mallet. The edges aren't pressed in the same way as the face, so the willow here is much softer. Strike them directly and you risk causing hairline cracks before you've even faced a ball. Instead, work on the face close to the edge, angling the mallet to replicate how a cricket ball would strike it.

The idea is to prepare the bat for real impact, not simply flatten the edges.

How Do You Know When It's Ready?

Watch what happens when the mallet strikes the willow. If you're leaving deep dents, ease off and continue gradually. If you're barely leaving a mark, you can start increasing the force. You'll get a feel for how the bat responds as you work through the blade.

Don't expect every bat to behave the same way. Some need considerably more attention than others.

Playing In Your Bat

Knocking in is only part of the preparation. Once you've finished with the mallet, start using the bat in the nets with older cricket balls. Keep checking the face and edges for damage. If you're getting deep seam marks, go back to the mallet for a bit longer. As the bat becomes more resistant, gradually introduce newer balls and increase the intensity.

It's much better to take your time than find out the hard way that the bat wasn't ready.

When Should You Use Your New Bat in a Match?

This partly depends on where you bat. If you're coming in at number 10 or 11, there's a reasonable chance you'll be facing an older ball, so you might get away with using your new bat a little sooner. If you're opening against a new ball, I'd be more careful.

New bats and new balls have never been friends. Let them meet gradually.

Bowling Machines

I wouldn't use a new bat against a bowling machine. Depending on the machine and the type of ball, the repeated impacts can be particularly unforgiving on a new blade. I've seen the sort of damage they can cause, and it's not always repairable. Give the bat a chance to settle in against normal cricket balls first.

Lastly

The best advice I can give is to knock in your bat in a way that replicates actual ball contact. Pay attention to the toe and edges, build up the force gradually and keep checking the willow. There's no shortcut to properly preparing a cricket bat.

A bit of time spent on the mallet now could save you a trip to the workshop later!