
How to Knock-In a Cricket Bat Properly and Why You Should
Just got your hands on a brand-new cricket bat? Great feeling, right? But before you take it straight to the nets and start smashing deliveries, there’s one crucial thing you need to do—knock in your bat.
If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to knock in a cricket bat properly and explain exactly why it's so important. Consider this your beginner-friendly guide to giving your bat the best possible start.
What Does "Knocking-In" a Bat Mean?
Knocking-in is the process of preparing a new cricket bat—especially one made from English willow—for match play. It involves gently compressing the bat’s fibres, especially around the edges and the face, to reduce the risk of cracks or damage when hitting a hard cricket ball.
In simple terms, knocking-in makes the bat stronger and game-ready.
Why Should You Knock-In Your Cricket Bat?
Here's why it’s non-negotiable if you care about performance and durability:
1. Prevents Damage
A brand-new bat is vulnerable. The wood hasn’t yet adjusted to the impact of leather balls. Without knocking in, you’re more likely to crack the bat face or edges within the first few sessions.
2. Improves Performance
Once knocked-in, the bat has a better ping (that lovely sound and feel when you time a shot perfectly). You’ll notice improved power and control in your shots.
3. Extends Lifespan
Proper knocking-in and maintenance can easily add months—or even years—to your bat’s life, especially when you’ve invested in a top-quality cricket bat.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need to Knock-In a Bat
Before getting started, gather these:
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A bat mallet (available at Cricstudio or most cricket stores)
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Raw linseed oil (for English willow bats)
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Soft cloth or cotton
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Optional: old cricket ball in a sock (for final stages)
You can buy cricket bats online at Cricstudio—and yes, we also stock mallets and bat care kits to get you started right.
How to Knock-In a Cricket Bat (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Oil the Bat
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If your bat is made from English willow, apply a light coat of raw linseed oil to the face, edges, and back.
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Use a soft cloth and make sure not to overdo it—just enough to keep the wood nourished.
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Let it dry horizontally for 24 hours.
Avoid oiling the splice, handle, or toe. And never use cooking oil, please!
Step 2: Start with the Mallet (Face & Edges)
Once your bat is dry, it’s time for the real work.
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Take the mallet and start tapping gently on the face of the bat.
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Cover every area where the ball is likely to hit, especially the middle and edges.
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Increase the force gradually over time—but don’t hit the edges or toe directly at first.
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Spend about 2-3 hours total (you can break it into 30-minute sessions).
Step 3: Focus on the Edges and Toe
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Once the face is compressed, start rounding off the edges using glancing blows with the mallet.
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Do not hit the edges flat on. Use a gentle, angled tapping motion.
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Tap around the toe area too, which is prone to cracks if ignored.
This part is crucial for protecting the most vulnerable parts of your bat.
Step 4: Test with an Old Ball
After you’ve spent enough time with the mallet, it’s time to test.
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Use an old leather cricket ball and start gently tapping it against the bat.
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Try a few underarm throws and light hits—if you don’t see seam marks or dents, your bat is nearly match-ready.
You can also simulate ball impact by hitting a ball in a sock against the bat.
Step 5: Optional – Net Practice
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Use your bat in soft ball net sessions before introducing it to match conditions.
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Avoid facing fast bowlers or using a new hard ball right away.
Think of this like a bat’s warm-up period—it needs time to adjust, just like a player does.
Bonus: Ongoing Bat Care Tips
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Re-oil your bat lightly every few months if it's English willow.
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Avoid leaving it in hot or damp places (like car trunks or wet grass).
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Check for cracks and get them repaired early.
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Use a bat cover or toe guard for extra protection.
Taking care of your bat doesn’t stop after knocking in. It’s a relationship. Respect it, and it’ll return the favour with runs!
Where to Buy a Knock-In Ready Cricket Bat?
At Cricstudio, we know how much your bat means to you. That’s why we offer top-quality cricket bats that are either pre-knocked-in or ready for custom knocking-in.
Browse and buy cricket bats online at cricstudioinc.com — we ship across Canada and are happy to help you choose the best bat for your game style. Whether you’re a power hitter, a touch player, or somewhere in between, we’ve got the right willow for you.
Final Thoughts
Knocking in your cricket bat isn’t just a chore—it’s a ritual. It connects you with your gear and gives you confidence the next time you walk out to bat.
So take your time, do it right, and your bat will thank you with boundaries.
Ready to dominate the pitch?
Explore our collection of top cricket bats and gear up for your next big knock at Cricstudio.