Cricket is a fantastic sport for many reasons, one of which is that there is always a village team willing to welcome newcomers, whether you are 16 or 56. For amateurs, the village cricket scene is alive and well. However, if you’re a young, aspiring cricketer looking to advance, the county and club scene offers plenty of opportunities.
As a beginner, there are some disadvantages. It can be difficult to select the appropriate equipment if you don’t know much about the sport and how to play it. This is where we step in. Our guide highlights some of the best cricket bats for beginners so that you can select the best model for your needs.
Another disadvantage is the potential cost of the bat. Many of the best cricket bats are quite expensive. If you’re starting out, you’ll need to invest in whites and pads. Spending lavishly on a bat is not an option for many people, and it is not justified for a hobby that you have only recently begun.
An english willow cricket bat is also a great recommendation for beginners trying their luck with cricket. Whether you purchase an english willow cricket bat or any other bat, you should know the deciding factors to purchase.
How to Choose a Beginner Cricket Bat?
It’s easy to become overwhelmed when browsing a cricket store. There are many different types of bats, sizes, designs, and weights. It is extremely simple to make a mistake. Once you’ve purchased the bat, you’ll need to know a few things about bat care, such as knocking in to keep it in good condition. If you don’t, you might buy a bat to have it break the first time you use it.
Let’s try to decipher some of the terminologies so you can find the right bat.
- Wood
If you want a hard-ball cricket bat, you should look for one made of Salix Alba Willow. Although English Willow has historically been popular, many cricket bats, such as the Village Cricket Bat, are now made of Kashmir willow. The same tree species as English Willow, but grown in India. It is less expensive, and the environment in which it is grown gives it a slightly harder and darker character.
The quality of the wood is also important. The higher the grade, the higher the cost of the bat. Therefore, professionals, rather than village players, use high-quality bats.
- Size
What do all these sizes mean when shopping for a bat?
It doesn’t have to be complicated. For a junior bat, you can use our size guide. Most seniors only want an SH bat, which stands for the short handle. If you are particularly tall, LH bats are an option; they are designed to be more comfortable for players taller than 6’3″.
- Weight
Bat weights range from around 2lb 7oz to over 3lb.
This is one of the areas where beginners will typically want to get something versatile while also avoiding heavier bats that they are unsure of their ability to handle. A versatile bat weighing between 2lb 7oz and 2lb 10oz should suffice to get you started.
So, before purchasing your Youth cricket kit, look at all the aspects and then decide.
- Pick Up and Middle
These terms refer to how the ball feels when you hit it and how well you connect with different deliveries. For example, a low middle works well with a lower bounce and gives you the “pick up” you need to hit the ball further.
Some bats also use curvature to help with power and loft in shots. Though it is a matter of personal preference, if you are playing on English village pitches, a low middle may assist you in playing your shots.
- Brand
Is brand value important? It can be an indicator of quality, and some brands have worked extremely hard to maintain their reputation for producing excellent bats.
Branding is not everything. The important thing is to find a well-made bat at a reasonable price. To do so, you should avoid some big brands with sponsorship and marketing costs, which are inevitably passed on to the consumer.
Smaller brands are doing fantastic things in the world of cricket and cricket equipment.
- Price
How much money are you planning to spend on your bat? If you go into the market hoping to get something for a very low price, you won’t be able to find a bat that can even handle a hard cricket ball. It will break, and it is not worth the risk.
Instead, it is worth paying a little more for a long-lasting bat. However, you do not need to spend a lot of money to get a great bat that will help you score thousands of runs.
Advice for a Beginning Batsman
When purchasing your first cricket bat, you should prioritise versatility and affordability. We don’t recommend spending a fortune on your first bat, especially since you might not know much about your style yet.
Many cricketers develop their own style of play; you may try to play big shots and rack up huge scores, or you may prefer to wait and play at your own pace to build up a score gradually. You might be a “touch” player. Some bats are designed for specific styles of play, while others can handle any style. When you are unsure of what you like or which bat feels natural, it is best to choose something versatile.
Do you reside in Los Angeles and are looking for a nice cricket kit to begin your cricket journey? Recommendation: Get the best Youth cricket kit from Cricket Mega Mart – the best supplier of customized cricket necessities at super affordable prices in Los Angeles.
Have a great match!
