A well-made cricket bat is a thing of beauty. It’s what we’ve made our name on! With the right care, it can deliver top performance season after season.
Whether you’re smashing it about like Harry Brook, crafting an innings with Kane Williamson’s precision, or timing drives like Tammy Beaumont, protecting your bat ensures it performs when it matters most.
Here’s our expert guide on how to make your Gray-Nicolls cricket bat last as long as possible.
1. Knock It In Properly
Every new cricket bat needs to be knocked in before use. This compresses the fibres in the willow and helps prevent cracking, especially against a new ball.
- Use a specialist bat mallet or an old, soft cricket ball in a sock
- Spend at least 4–6 hours gradually knocking in the face and edges.
- Pay extra attention to the edges — these are the most vulnerable parts of your bat.
You can also opt for our Pre-Prepared bats, which come partially knocked in, saving you valuable time. Read our knocking in guide here, or grab a bat mallet here
2. Apply Protective Covers
Adding a protective cover can make a huge difference.
- A clear anti-scuff sheet protects the face against minor cracks.
- Edge tape can further reduce the risk of cracking on vulnerable areas.
- A toe guard is essential to protect the bottom of your bat from impact damage from the ground and against yorkers
Check out our full range of bat protection accessories to keep your gear match-ready.
3. Keep It Oiled — But Not Overdone
A light coat of linseed oil keeps moisture in the willow to prevent it drying out and cracking
- Apply a thin layer with a soft cloth to the face and edges (avoiding the splice).
- Leave overnight, then wipe off excess oil.
Don’t over-oil — too much can make the willow soft and reduce performance.
[button]
4. Avoid Damp or Extreme Heat
Moisture and temperature swings are a bat’s biggest enemies.
- Never leave your bat in a car boot, shed, or near a radiator.
- Store it indoors, ideally in a cool, dry environment.
- If it gets wet, allow it to dry naturally before putting it back in your kit bag.
5. Rest and Rotate
If you play or train regularly, it can be super helpful to have a match bat and a traning bat.
We know this isn’t financially possible for everyone, but rotating between two bats allows you to extend the lifespan of both, it’s what a host of our international players like Kane swear by.
6. Regular Maintenance Checks
Just like pros such as Ollie Pope or Sophia Dunkley, you should make bat care part of your routine.
- Look for small cracks and get them fixed before they become a major issue.
- Replace grips and toe guards as they wear out.
- If you need major work, contact the GN Repair team
These small steps help your bat perform like new — season after season.
[image box]
For more expert advice, explore our related guides:
Your bat is your most important piece of equipment — look after it, and it’ll look after you.
Explore the full Gray-Nicolls Cricket Bat Collection today.
