My cricket bat is damaged, what should I do?

If your cricket bat has picked up damage, don’t panic. Here's a breakdown of what to consider and the steps to take when deciding whether to get it repaired.

Step 1: Assess the Damage (Or Let a Professional Do It)

The best thing you can do is speak to a professional bat maker or repair specialist. At OX29 Bat Doctor, we offer honest, experience-based advice — and we’re happy to take a look at photos of the damage via email or WhatsApp.

Once reviewed, we’ll usually advise one of the following:

Outcome 1: No Need to Worry

Some damage doesn’t need immediate attention. Surface cracks, for example, are completely normal and occur through regular use — even with well-prepared bats. These minor marks won’t affect performance and can usually be cleaned up during an end-of-season refurb.

Tip: Fibre edge tape can help contain light damage in the meantime. (Even professional players use taped bats!)

Outcome 2: Send It In for Repair

If the damage is more serious — like splits or chips to the toe or edges — continuing to use the bat can make things worse. Getting the bat repaired early will:

Prevent further cracking
Keep repair costs down
Extend your bat’s lifespan

This kind of damage is best dealt with as soon as possible.

Outcome 3: It’s Beyond Repair

Unfortunately, not all bats can be saved. If the damage involves:

A lateral crack across the face (especially near the splice)
A spine fracture
A vertical split that doesn’t run off the edge

…then the bat may be structurally beyond repair. While glue can be used in some cases, certain fractures won’t hold up during play.

A trustworthy bat repairer will let you know if it’s not worth fixing — saving you time and money in the long run.

What About Warranty?

If your bat suffers serious damage early in its life, it may qualify for a warranty replacement or repair from the original manufacturer. It’s always worth checking: