How To Maintain Your Cricket Bat – Tips To Make It Last Longer

Your cricket bat is more than just a piece of wood — it’s your trusted partner on the pitch. Whether you’re playing with a top-grade English willow or a beginner-level Kashmir willow, proper bat maintenance can extend its life, preserve its power, and keep you match-ready all season.

At SaleonSports, we believe every player should know how to take care of their bat the right way. Here’s a simple yet effective guide to help you maintain your cricket bat like a pro.

1. Knock It In – The First Step That Matters

Knocking in a bat helps compress the fibers and prepare it for high-speed impact from the ball.

Use a wooden mallet or an old leather ball.
Start with gentle knocks on the face and edges.
Avoid hitting the toe or back.
Knock for 6–8 hours unless your bat is pre-knocked.

Pro Tip: Bats from SaleonSports like the Heega Stallion or Sword come pre-knocked with 10,000+ knocks, so you can head straight to the nets.

2. Oil the Willow (But Don’t Overdo It)

Oiling keeps the bat from drying out and cracking.

Apply a thin coat of raw linseed oil to the face, edges, and toe.
Let it absorb for 24 hours, then repeat 2–3 times.
Avoid over-oiling — it makes the bat soft and heavy.

Never oil the back or the stickers on your bat.

3. Add a Protective Cover

Shield your bat from wear and tear by using:

A fiber tape or anti-scuff sheet on the face
A toe guard to prevent damage from tapping and moisture
Edge tape for extra protection

You can get all of these in our Heega Complete Bat Care Kit, available on SaleonSports.

4. Keep It Away from Moisture and Heat

Avoid using the bat in wet conditions.
Don’t leave it inside a hot car or expose it to sunlight for long hours.
If it gets damp, dry it naturally, not with a heater or hairdryer.

Moisture is the enemy of wood — protect your bat like you would protect your phone!

5. Store It the Right Way

When not in use:

Keep the bat in a bat cover or padded bag.
Store it in a cool, dry place.
Lay it horizontally rather than leaning it against a wall, which can warp the handle over time.

6. Rotate and Rest Between Matches

Give your bat time to rest between matches. Using the same bat daily can reduce its life quickly.

Keep two bats if you’re playing frequently — one for nets and one for matches.

7. Inspect It Regularly for Damage

After every game:

Check for hairline cracks, loose grains, or damaged edges.
Minor cracks can be sealed with bat glue or tape.
Change grips if they become worn out for better control.

Remember: Small damage ignored today becomes big trouble tomorrow!

Final Thoughts from SaleonSports

Taking care of your cricket bat doesn’t take much time — just a bit of attention and the right tools. A well-maintained bat performs better, lasts longer, and becomes more reliable every time you walk out to bat.

At SaleonSports, we not only offer pre-knocked premium bats, but also complete bat care kits and expert advice — because your performance deserves protection.