It took centuries of evolution for cricket bats to develop into what they are today. The alleged first use of such a bat is pegged at 1624. However, the hard evidence in the form of an actual existing bat points to a later date in 1729.
Either way, the bat used today has evolved through centuries of trial and research about what gives a player the best grip, ability to rotate the wrists or swing hard. But the core process and material used remains the same. A specific kind of willow tree (Salix alba caerulea) wood treated with linseed oil is the only suitable option.
These things haven't changed because the "laws of cricket" crimp the amount of experimentation that can be done. As per the rules, the bat has to be a wooden one. From toe to the top of the handle, it can't be more than 38 inches, and the blade width can't be more than 4.25 inches.
The modifications and trails are therefore mostly limited to the weight of the bat and the relative lengths of handle and blade. The type of grip and how the bat is made (by hand or machine) also makes a difference. Players prefer different weights, sizes and grips based on their batting style and physique.
It's still possible to sneak in a bit of research into it, as proven by the recent use of cricket bats with ultra-light carbon handles. Another company has come up with a bat that's flat on both sides. The standard bat is flat on the front side, while the back is ridged with all the weight balanced along the length of the bat's center.
Another new development is that a few players are trying out a bat that has carbon-polymer support. Yet another one is a bat especially made for attacking play, with a long handle and a thick and short blade. Suffice it to say that the rules and format of the game evolve very slowly, and cricket bats have been changing at the same speed.
Either way, the bat used today has evolved through centuries of trial and research about what gives a player the best grip, ability to rotate the wrists or swing hard. But the core process and material used remains the same. A specific kind of willow tree (Salix alba caerulea) wood treated with linseed oil is the only suitable option.
These things haven't changed because the "laws of cricket" crimp the amount of experimentation that can be done. As per the rules, the bat has to be a wooden one. From toe to the top of the handle, it can't be more than 38 inches, and the blade width can't be more than 4.25 inches.
The modifications and trails are therefore mostly limited to the weight of the bat and the relative lengths of handle and blade. The type of grip and how the bat is made (by hand or machine) also makes a difference. Players prefer different weights, sizes and grips based on their batting style and physique.
It's still possible to sneak in a bit of research into it, as proven by the recent use of cricket bats with ultra-light carbon handles. Another company has come up with a bat that's flat on both sides. The standard bat is flat on the front side, while the back is ridged with all the weight balanced along the length of the bat's center.
Another new development is that a few players are trying out a bat that has carbon-polymer support. Yet another one is a bat especially made for attacking play, with a long handle and a thick and short blade. Suffice it to say that the rules and format of the game evolve very slowly, and cricket bats have been changing at the same speed.
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If you want to know more about Cricket Bats, speak to a salesman at your nearest Cricket Shop or club.
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