When you buy a new cricket bat, you need to ensure it is fully prepared before you use it in a game. For a cricketer learning How To Knock In A Cricket Bat is one valuable skill to learn. Cricket bats range in price from £80 to £600+ so it is worth spending time making sure it is in prime condition. The purpose of knocking in a cricket bat is to compress the fibres within the blade, to give a solid but giving surface.
To knock in a cricket bat you will need to use a bat mallet. These are designed specifically to knock in a cricket bat as they are made of wood and have a round head, which is a similar size to a cricket ball. Equally, if a bat mallet isn't available, you can use an old cricket ball in a sports sock. It is important if using the sock and ball method to use an old ball. Because a new ball could leave heavy marks on the bat. Whatever you use, you should allow up to 8 hours of knocking in. So as to get the best out of your cricket bat and get your bat match ready. Manufacturers suggest 8 hours but if pre-pressed a minimum of 3 to 4 hours should be enough.
Does a pre-pressed cricket bat need knocking in?
A pre-pressed cricket bat will have gone through a process, which compresses the surface of the blade. In the factory a bat is passed through a hydraulic roller which applies up to 2 tonnes of pressure. This compresses the face of the bat and speeds up the process of getting the bat game ready. In the factory the thickness of the bat can be reduced by up to 5mm. However, this should only be the start of the preparation. Once the bat is in your hands you should begin to manually knock in the cricket bat. This process will give you a larger sweet spot and a bigger middle, if done correctly.
To begin knocking in your cricket bat you should start by tapping the bat with the bat mallet. Alternatively use an old cricket ball in a sock. Tap along the face of the cricket bat, around 25mm up from the toe of the bat. Do not knock the toe as this can speed up cracking in the lower part of the bat. Also avoid knocking around the handle/splice as this can weaken this area too. Do focus on the edges aswell, as this is a key area and is often used during a cricket match.