Cricket Bat Care Guide

A handcrafted English willow cricket bat needs proper care before it is used in matches or training. Willow is a natural material, so preparation and ongoing maintenance are important for performance, durability and warranty protection.

This guide explains what we do before your bat is shipped, what you need to do before use, and how to look after your cricket bat throughout the season.

Quick bat care checklist

Store your bat in a cool, dry place away from excess heat and moisture.
Prepare the face and edges patiently before hard-ball use.
Build up slowly with gentle throwdowns or an older ball before full-paced nets.
Check the toe, edges and face regularly for early signs of damage.
Do not use your bat against wet, cheap or excessively hard balls.

Important: English willow is a natural material. Surface marks, seam impressions and general wear are part of normal cricket bat use. Correct preparation helps reduce avoidable damage.

What We Do Before Shipping

Before your Garrard & Flack cricket bat is sent to you, we prepare it with care so it arrives in the best possible condition.

The bat is handcrafted from English willow.
The blade is pressed as part of the bat-making process.
The bat is oiled before shipping.
An anti-scuff sheet is fitted to help protect the face.

However, even with this preparation, your bat still needs to be knocked in properly before facing a hard cricket ball.

What You Need to Do Before Use

Your bat should not be used straight away in a match or full-speed net session. Before use, it needs to be knocked in patiently and carefully.

Knocking in helps compress the fibres of the willow and prepares the hitting surface for impact. This process helps reduce the risk of cracking, seam marks and early damage.

Failure to knock in your bat correctly may affect your warranty, especially if the damage is caused by insufficient preparation rather than a manufacturing fault.

How to Knock In Your Cricket Bat

To knock in your bat, use a cricket bat mallet or an old quality cricket ball. Start gently and gradually increase the force over time.

Begin by tapping the face of the bat lightly with a bat mallet.
Focus on the main hitting area first.
Gradually increase the force as the willow begins to compress.
Work carefully around the edges, but do not strike the edges directly at right angles.
Pay attention to the toe area, but avoid hitting the toe directly with heavy force.
Continue the process over multiple sessions rather than rushing it in one sitting.

The goal is not to hit the bat as hard as possible. The goal is to prepare the willow gradually so it can better handle repeated impact from a cricket ball.

First Net Session

Once your bat has been knocked in, do not take it straight into full-intensity use. Start with gentle throwdowns or an older cricket ball before facing new hard balls or fast bowling.

During the first few sessions, keep checking the face of the bat. If the ball is leaving deep seam marks or heavy dents, the bat may need more knocking in before match use.

A careful first few sessions can make a big difference to the long-term performance and durability of your bat.

Ongoing Bat Care

Looking after your bat does not stop after knocking in. Regular care throughout the season will help protect the willow and extend the life of the bat.

Store your bat in a cool, dry place.
Do not leave your bat in a hot car, damp shed or direct sunlight for long periods.
Avoid using your bat in wet conditions where possible.
Dry your bat naturally if it becomes damp.
Check the face, edges and toe regularly for damage.
Repair small cracks early before they become larger issues.
Use a toe guard if you regularly play on damp or abrasive surfaces.

Oiling Your Bat

Your Garrard & Flack bat is oiled before shipping, so it should not need excessive additional oiling when it arrives.

If your bat begins to look dry over time, a very light coat of raw linseed oil may be applied to the exposed willow. Avoid over-oiling, as too much oil can add weight and affect performance.

Do not oil over stickers, grips, anti-scuff sheets or protective facing.

What Is Normal Wear?

Cricket bats are made from willow and are designed to hit a hard leather ball. Over time, normal wear and tear is expected.

Surface cracks, seam marks, small indentations and minor edge wear can occur through regular use. These are not necessarily signs of a faulty bat.

Larger cracks, toe damage or edge damage can often result from mistimed shots, yorkers, wet conditions, insufficient knocking in or general match use.

Warranty and Manufacturing Faults

Garrard & Flack bats are covered against manufacturing faults for 12 months from purchase.

This warranty does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear, insufficient knocking in, mistimed shots, yorkers, tapping, moisture damage or misuse.

If you believe your bat has a manufacturing fault, please contact us with your order details and clear photos of the issue so we can review it.

This policy does not exclude your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

Need Help?

If you are unsure how to prepare or care for your cricket bat, contact us before using it. We would much rather help you prepare the bat properly than have it damaged too early.