Bat Care

Cricket Bat Care
Our skilled craftsmen meticulously prepare every Wombat cricket bat. However, as you start to use your bat it will be subject to the usual wear and tear so please take note of the following tips to get the best from your bat:
 When oiling a cricket bat use Raw Linseed oil, it's important to oil your cricket bat before the start of each season bats.
Follow the steps below to obtain the right balance.
• Using a soft rag, apply a thin coat of oil to the face, edges, toe and back of the bat - it is very important not to over oil.
• After application, leave the cricket bat in a horizontal position to dry for at least 12 hours. After this time, you can apply a second coat following the same directions as above. Leave the bat again for a further 24 hours.
• Your cricket bat is now ready to be knocked in. Try to oil your bat twice a year to keep the fibres of the wood supple and prevent the bat from cracking.
• If your cricket bat already has an anti-scruff cover, the face of the bat will not need oiling but the back will once a year. Anti-scuff and oiling This is a clear facing that is applied to the face of a cricket bat. It helps to limit damage as well as preventing damp ingress whilst retaining the bat's natural moisture. We recommend two light coats of linseed oil at least 24 hours drying period before applying any Anti scuff sheets. When this is fully dry, the anti scuff protective facing can be applied. Knocking in We recommend careful knocking in and anti scuff facing to increase your bat's durability. We offer a professional knocking in service, which you can add to your order.
• Extra hand knocking will help to gradually press and harden the fibres of the willow. It is particularly important to be careful when knocking in the bat's edges and toe. NB - Only ever strike the bat directly on the front face or front face edges. Never on the back or side.
• After you've spent a minimum of 4-6 hours knocking in your cricket bat, you can then test it at the nets by hitting some short catches using an old cricket ball. If seam marks or small indentations appear on the face, you will need to continue the process for a longer amount of time. Most cricket bats can take up to 6 hours to be fully knocked in.
Checking your bat
Check your bat regularly for any superficial damage. Willow is a soft wood and some small cracks are bound to occur but these should not affect its performance. Often any damage can be repaired easily with a bit of wood glue but our free advice service can help you if you are unsure.
Contact us if you have any questions around bat care
End of the season it is good to have your bat serviced ready to be set aside in winter storage. Your bat should be oiled and any small repairs undertaken.(Our batmaker annually carries out this service in September and October.) Store it in a cool, dry environment (avoiding centrally-heated rooms which can dry out the natural moisture and can make the willow brittle). 
Look after your bat and your bat will look after you.