Before using a new cricket bat in a game, be sure it is properly prepared. Learning how to knock in a Cricket bat is a valuable skill for a cricketer. Given that cricket bats may cost up to £600, it is worthwhile to take the time to ensure that they are in excellent shape. Cricket bats are knocked in to compress the blade’s fibers and create a firm but flexible surface. So, knocking a bat is a custom and a practice that has its benefits in the eyes of batters.
How to Knock your Cricket Bat?
You’ll need a bat mallet to knock a cricket bat. These are made of wood and have a circular head that is the same size as a cricket ball, making them specifically suited to knock in a cricket bat. A used cricket ball in a sports sock can be used as a substitute for a bat mallet if one is not available. It’s crucial to utilize an old ball while doing the sock and ball technique. Because a fresh ball could leave the bat with significant nicks. Whatever method you use, give yourself up to 8 hours for knocking. So that you may prepare for your bat match and get the most out of your cricket bat. Manufacturers recommend 8 hours, however, if pre-pressed, 3 to 4 hours ought to be plenty.
Is there a need to knock in a pre-pressed cricket bat?
The surface of the blade has been compressed during a procedure that produces pre-pressed cricket bats. A hydraulic roller in the factory passes a bat through it while exerting up to 2 tons of pressure. This quickens the bat game preparation process by compressing the bat’s face. The thickness of the bat can be reduced in manufacturing by up to 5mm. But this should only be the beginning of the planning. Once you have the cricket bat in your hands, you should start manually knocking it in. If done properly, this method will increase your sweet spot and midsection.
Is it Necessary to Knock a Bat First?
When bats are made, they are individually pressed, whether English, Kashmiri, or willow. Therefore, knocking is essential to getting a good press on the bat’s face for better optimization and a better stroke. The bat is trained to withstand ball contact by being struck with an old ball or a wooden mallet. To ensure that your bat provides the best value, it is recommended that you knock for at least 6 hours.
Cons of Knocking a Bat
Though there are no significant disadvantages to knocking a Bat, they may be damaged if proper technique is not used. Supposedly if someone knocks the bat while holding it in the middle, it will damage the handle. Shockwaves travel from the middle to the area where the handle is glued to the bat. Also, the area where the sticker is placed is the most delicate area of the Bat. So one should change the intensity of knocking because it may do more harm than good to the bat.
Does International Cricket star knock their bats? And what techniques do they use?
There is absolutely no doubt about whether Cricket stars knock their bats or not. Some of the greatest players like Tendulkar, Dhoni, Kohli, Ponting, and Younis Khan have been photographed while knocking their bats. Techniques, however, differ from player to player. Tendulkar uses Mallet while knocking his bat while Dhoni uses a more conventional way of knocking with a used ball in hand. Younis Khan uses a ball in a sock to knock his bat.