Originally, there were no rules regarding the sizes and shapes of cricket bats. There were only agreements between gentlemen regarding width and size. Initially any given bat was heavy in the base and light in the shaft. They looked similar to modern hockey sticks.
In 1774 a player named Shock White decided to try something different. He used a bat that was as wide as the stump. The cricket community was forced to look more closely at the rules after this. It was decided that a bat could be no wider than 4 1/4 inches.
The entire length of the bat used to be made in a single piece. The problem with this was that it made such instruments easily breakable. That is why is 1880 the grip was added to the rest separately. This strengthened the whole of the instrument. After four years, it was also ruled that the maximum length of any bat would be thirty-eight inches.
The earliest wood decided on for a bat was the English Willow Wood. This was strong but considered light enough to use. Before this, any wood was used. The weight of an English Willow Wood instrument was approximately five pounds.
Afterward, the sapwood of the English Willow was used, instead of the heartwood. This made the bat even lighter. It had become half the weight of its predecessor. Then, in 1920, some players wanted their instruments heavier again, to grant them more power and durability.
In modern times, manufacturers have discovered ways to enhance the power of the bat even more. Certain designs create ideal spots on the bat, greatly increasing the power if the ball hits there. In addition, they have found a way to make the shaft heavier, while keeping a light feel. These cricket bats are still able to be swung quickly. The downside is that they only last for about one thousand runs before they need to be replaced.
In 1774 a player named Shock White decided to try something different. He used a bat that was as wide as the stump. The cricket community was forced to look more closely at the rules after this. It was decided that a bat could be no wider than 4 1/4 inches.
The entire length of the bat used to be made in a single piece. The problem with this was that it made such instruments easily breakable. That is why is 1880 the grip was added to the rest separately. This strengthened the whole of the instrument. After four years, it was also ruled that the maximum length of any bat would be thirty-eight inches.
The earliest wood decided on for a bat was the English Willow Wood. This was strong but considered light enough to use. Before this, any wood was used. The weight of an English Willow Wood instrument was approximately five pounds.
Afterward, the sapwood of the English Willow was used, instead of the heartwood. This made the bat even lighter. It had become half the weight of its predecessor. Then, in 1920, some players wanted their instruments heavier again, to grant them more power and durability.
In modern times, manufacturers have discovered ways to enhance the power of the bat even more. Certain designs create ideal spots on the bat, greatly increasing the power if the ball hits there. In addition, they have found a way to make the shaft heavier, while keeping a light feel. These cricket bats are still able to be swung quickly. The downside is that they only last for about one thousand runs before they need to be replaced.
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If you want to know more about Cricket Bats and their history, or see some modern examples, visit your local Cricket Shop.
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