Cricket Bats

English willow vs Kashmir willow

English willow is lighter, softer and more responsive, so the ball comes off the face faster. It is the choice for serious leather-ball cricket, but it needs proper knocking-in before match use and a little care through the season. Kashmir willow is denser and more durable, needs less preparation and costs less, which makes it a strong pick for beginners, net sessions and budget-conscious players.

How to choose a cricket bat

• Size: Most adults use a Short Handle (SH) bat. Taller players, often around 6 ft and up, may prefer a Long Handle (LH), but go by how the bat feels in your stance rather than height alone. Junior players should size by height.
• Weight: Choose a bat you can control through the whole shot. A lighter pickup helps timing and bat speed; heavier bats suit players who rely on power.
• Profile: Compare edge thickness, spine height and sweet-spot position. A mid-to-low sweet spot suits front-foot players on slower pitches; a higher sweet spot suits back-foot play and bouncier conditions.
• Ball type: Leather-ball bats are built for hard-ball cricket. For taped tennis ball cricket, use a dedicated tennis ball bat.

Frequently asked questions

Do English willow bats need knocking-in? Yes. Knock in a new English willow bat before using it against a leather ball, then play it in gently during nets. Check each product page to see whether the bat comes pre-knocked.

Can I use a leather-ball bat for tennis ball cricket? You can, but a tennis ball bat is lighter and better suited to that game. Using a tennis ball bat against a leather ball is not recommended.

Do you ship across the USA? Yes. Cricket House ships cricket bats and equipment to customers across the United States.