| Any cricket player must invest in a cricket bat no | | | | The next consideration should be the weight of the |
| matter if they are just beginning the sport or, if they | | | | cricket bat. The general rule is for the lighter bat be |
| are an advanced player. When a cricketer determines | | | | used for the stroke makers. Hitters tend to look at |
| to choose a bat s/he will need to choose from a | | | | the heavier bats when buying their bat. Bats arrange |
| variety of sizes and weights. | | | | in weights from 2 lbs 7 ozs, the lightest bat. This bat |
| Most cricket bats are constructed from a soft wood | | | | allows for reaction time to the new ball. The heaviest |
| such as English willow. These are great choices | | | | of the bats comes in at 2 lbs, 10 ozs and above. |
| because of the natural moisture that is conducive to | | | | These are particularly popular with the middle order |
| pressing during the manufacturing process. This gives | | | | hitters. |
| each bat a spring like striking ability. Usually the English | | | | The cricket player needs to look for the sweet spot |
| willow cricket bat comes in a variety of grades | | | | on a cricket bat. This is the area where the greatest |
| beginning with G1+. This bat is usually the highest of | | | | amount of power comes through. This is where the |
| quality with a straight grain. There is minimal marking | | | | player will achieve the greatest shot. The normal |
| on the bat. It is not bleached. This is the grade that | | | | sweet spot is about 4" to 12" from the toe. This is |
| most experienced amateur players will choose. The | | | | best for the player who is afforded a full range of |
| highest English willow grade is G4. It is often bleached. | | | | shots. Next is the low spot. This is approximately 3" |
| It is sometimes covered with oil on the bat face. | | | | to 11" from toe. This is manufactured for the player |
| When choosing a cricket bat it is important to match | | | | who enjoys the drive and who is aggressive in play. |
| it with the size of the player. Most bats begin at Bat | | | | Finally, the high sweet spot. It is 5" to 11" from toe. |
| size 5 and work up to the full size. The beginning size | | | | It is best for the opening bat as well as the player |
| is for people with a height of 4'11" to 5'2". The full | | | | who plays off his/her back foot. It is designed for |
| size is for people above 5.9". | | | | the player who hooks, cuts, or pulls regularly. |