Sunday Trial Time change, Cricket Bats

Sunday Trial Time

The Sunday trial times were originally listed as being from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Please note that the times are now Sunday: 1.30pm to 4.30pm.


Your Cricket Bat

As the new season approaches, some of you may be thinking about getting a new bat. If you are, I have a couple of suggestions.

Firstly, the bat should be made of English Willow. English Willow is far superior to any other wood type. Try and stay away from Kashmir Willow. With a good bat, you get value for your shots. With a poor bat, you can play a good shot, and the ball will not leave the bat with any power.

Secondly, bat size, don't ever get a bat that is too big with a view to "growing into it". If anything a bat should be slightly smaller than what you need. The size you choose depends upon how it feels to you, your height and strength.

The problem with a bigger bat is often, if you're not physically up to handling it, you have less bat speed and you will find the ball is past you before you've completed your shot. You'll also lack control and finesse, and not be able to play a range of shots as effectively.

With a smaller bat you are likely to get greater "bat speed" through the ball and the bat speed propels the ball away.

I know a boy (and his father) who last season thought the boy needed a new bat. He used a Size 3, so of course they got him got a Size 5 thinking if he was ready for a Size 4 then he may as well get a Size 5. Champs told him they didn't really think he needed a new bat. He swung it around in the shop and was really happy with it. After he'd knocked it in and had a few net sessions he played a few games and his timing was completely out (as was he cheaply a few times). He's now back using the Size 3, still not ready for the Size 5, and probably won't be until next year at the earliest.

Buy English Willow, and don't get a bat that is too big.