How Long should a Cricket Bat Last? – Tips to Make Bat Last Longer

A cricket bat, no matter how carefully used, will wear out eventually depending on how it has been used and maintained. In this article, we’ll tell you about how long a cricket bat usually lasts and how you can maintain it to last longer.

How Long does a Cricket Bat Last?

Bats may last multiple years if only used for a specific purpose. Roughly, a cricket bat lasts about 1000-1500 runs, including practice. A bat will last for three or four seasons, or even just one depending on the usage of the player and how nicely he/she maintain it after.

Ideally, the lifespan of a cricket bat depends on the individual player. It also depends on how you have been maintaining the bat. For instance, more net practice decreases the lifespan of the bat. Usually, there are bats reserved for Test match use only and players use a different bat whilst practising in the nets. Everyone has their own comfort choice and uses it accordingly.

Can a Cricket Bat Go Dead?

Yes, a cricket bat can go dead as damage to bats is done mostly during practising. The bats may break on occasions; usually when the edge takes a pacy hit or the bat bangs against the ball and the ground at the same time, taking away the bottom of the bat. After that, the bat will feel “dead” when contacting a ball and thus cannot be further used for any batting purposes.

How Can I Make My Cricket Bat Last Longer?

To prolong a bat’s life, you must maintain the bat with proper care and here are some of the pointers that will help you with that task.

Mind Your Batting Temper

You must be very careful how you handle the bat. Don’t throw it around, especially after a bad inning. Keep it in a bat cover rather than it lying on an unfamiliar surface which could easily affect the bat’s credibility.

Oil and Knock in Your Bat

Remember to oil and knock in your bat from time to time. This helps in opening the grains of the bat for providing better strokes and keeps the bat as good as new. Oiling has always helped prolong the life of a bat.

Don’t Bash the Stumps

A common mistake by most cricketers. Don’t bash the wooden stumps with your wooden bat face as it could cause severe damage to the sweet spot and the area where you play your shots. It could lead to the bat breaking and cracks merging.

Avoid Playing in Heavy Rain

Playing in heavy rain may ruin your bat as the water pouring down is not the best situation for the wood to be in. It’ll soak in the water and the bat will be destroyed from every aspect. So, it’s best to avoid doing that.

Protect Your Blade

Protecting the blade of your bat is one of the key factors in prolonging its life. Safely place the blade of your bat in a cover bag to avoid scratching and damaging the bat. You can use toe guards, tapes etc to keep the blade safe and healthy for using it during practise sessions and matches.

cricket bat toe guard

Store Your Bat Properly

Store the bat properly when not playing cricket and during seasons as any kind of unfamiliar weather conditions or anything in the surroundings can cause damage to the bat. Too much sun, monsoon water, insects etc can damage your bat and not forget the throwing of bat here and there by people unfamiliar with handling a bat.

Don’t Hit the Ground too Hard

Usually, many players tap the ground as part of their routine and have adapted that way of playing. However, repetitive use of that action can damage the bottom of your bat so it’s suggested to not hit the ground too hard.

Don’t Lend Your Bat

Fellow players may not be as careful with the bat as you are. They might have their way of dealing with a bat and playing with it. Since they don’t have their own, they might not think twice before playing rash shots which may damage the bat. Hence, think twice about who borrows your bat.

When Should I Replace My Cricket Bat?

This is a tricky question. Normal wear and tear expected from a cricket bat blade is surface cracking to the face and edges and discolouration of the blade. But, if you experience a poor performance from the bat, and it starts to feel ‘dead’ it’s best to check it or replace it as per what the issue at hand is.

Usually, you need to replace your cricket bat when the piece of the wood comes right out and the bat breaks, as it won’t feel the same anymore. Normal damages can be dealt with but if a bat breaks, a new cricket bat will take its place.

Conclusion

It doesn’t matter even if two identical bats are being used by different players. It may last different times depending on how they are cared for by each of them. So, take care of your bat properly to prolong its life and use it for a longer period.