Preparing a new Cricket Bat
Our recommendations for preparing a new cricket bat consist of 2 options:
Option 1: Apply an Anti Scuff Sheet, and begin the knocking in process.
We believe that anti scuff sheets do the same job as oil. Where you should always oil the exposed wood on your cricket bat, there is no need to oil the face of the blade if it is covered with an anti scuff sheet. This therefore speeds up the knocking in process, because the face of the bat is not as soft as it would be you oiled it. This is definitely the best option if you’re looking to play with your bat as soon as possible after purchase.
Option 2: No anti scuff sheet, apply raw linseed oil, then begin knocking in process.
This is the more traditional method of bat preparation. The oil acts like butter in a sandwich, it will keep the moisture inside. Where cricket bats are dried to the optimum moisture content for weight, performance, and longevity, oil will help keep this moisture content constant, and help prevent the bat from becoming too dry over time. As a result of oiling the bat face, the time spent knocking in will now be longer, due to the moisture in the surface of the blade causing larger indentations from striking with a mallet. This option will increase the period of time from purchase, to first use of your new cricket bat.
OX29 Bat Doctor's reccomendation: Go with option number 1. Applying an anti scuff sheet to the face of the blade does the same job as oil, and it also helps protect the bat from ball damage and seam marks. Once you've made this consideration, it makes much more sense, plus you get to safely use your new bat much sooner than you would otherwise!
Shop our cricket bat preparation products now
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Cricket Bat Wax by OX29 Bat Doctor
Regular price From £5.99Regular priceUnit price / per -
OX29 Bat Doctor Cricket Bat Conditioning Oil, Raw Linseed Oil, 100ml
Regular price £8.99Regular priceUnit price / per -
Cricket Bat Knocking In Service - Machine / Hand Knocking
Regular price From £40.00Regular priceUnit price / per -
Hammer Edge Anti Scuff Sheet
Regular price £7.99Regular priceUnit price / per -
Clear Anti Scuff Sheet
Regular price From £7.99Regular priceUnit price / per -
Fibre Anti Scuff Sheet
Regular price From £7.99Regular priceUnit price / per -
Cricket Bat Fiberglass Repair Tape 25mm x 50 Metres
Regular price £7.99Regular priceUnit price / per -
Cricket Bat Fibreglass Repair Tape 50mm x 50 Metres
Regular price £11.99Regular priceUnit price / per