There are several factors you need to consider when choosing a cricket bat, with one of the most important being the type of wood it is made from. Cricket bats are made from different types of wood, with English Willow being the most popular.
There are other types of wood such as Kashmir Willow and bamboo, but they don’t have the same properties as English Willow.
How Tou Tell if a Cricket Bat is English Willow
When looking at cricket bats, you need to make sure that you’re getting an English willow bat. Here are some things to look for:
The colour of the wood – English Willow is usually a pale or golden colour, while other types of wood tend to be darker.
The weight of the bat – English Willow bats have a lighter weight which allows you to have a larger bat for the same weight as other types.
The grain pattern – the grain of English Willow moves in one direction, while other types of wood tend to be more uniform or even translucent.
In general, you should choose an English Willow cricket bat for the best possible performance when batting. Of course, it’s ultimately up to you which bat you choose, but if you’re looking for the best possible quality then English Willow is the way to go.
Why Is English Willow Better?
When it comes to cricket bats, English willow is the most popular type of wood. There are several reasons for this:
- The bat is lightweight and yet very strong, making it perfect for batting
- The bat has a more uniform grain pattern, which provides better performance
- English Willow is less likely to splinter than other types of wood
So, if you’re looking for the best possible cricket bat, make sure it’s made from English Willow. You’ll be glad you did!
Which Willow Should I Choose?
Well, it seems obvious that you should choose English willow but there are a few drawbacks to it. The main one is cost, as English willow is likely to be more expensive. Despite it being more expensive, English willow isn’t as durable. Kashmir willow is a little denser which makes it heavier but also it’s more likely to last longer.
If you’re a club cricket, then the difference between these two bats is going to feel minimal. It’s only when you get to the professional level that you’ll really want that extra level of performance that you can get from English willow.
We’d recommend English willow is you have the money to spend and can afford to replace your bat every season or two. If you want your cricket gear to last for a little longer than that, then Kashmir willow would do just fine.