How to knock in a new cricket bat (the right way)

Start by applying one thin coat of raw linseed oil to the face, edges and toe (never the splice or handle). Let it dry flat for 24 hours, then repeat once more. Over-oiling deadens a bat, so two light coats is plenty.

Now knock in. Using a bat mallet, tap the face and — most importantly — the edges and toe, gently at first, harder over two to three hours of work spread across several sessions. Round the edges as you go; a square edge cracks.

Finish with short net sessions using an old, soft ball before you ever face a new hard ball. Every Heega and premium bat we ship is pressed and pre-knocked, but a few sessions of your own care doubles its life.