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!