Jargon Busting: Cricket Bats Explained

Choosing the right cricket bat can be a daunting task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the various terms and features that define the bat’s quality and character. At SQR Cut Cricket, we take great pride in our deep understanding of natural willow and value the unique qualities that each bat brings to the game. The following guide provides a comprehensive explanation of the key terminology and considerations to keep in mind when selecting your cricket bat.

Cleft

The cleft is the main, central piece of willow from which a cricket bat is crafted. In the cricket industry, the term ‘cleft’ is frequently used to refer to this fundamental section, as it serves as the core material around which each bat is shaped and constructed.

Grains

Every piece of wood is inherently unique, and every cricket bat displays its own individual grain pattern. At SQR Cut Cricket, we believe that each bat is beautiful in its own right, regardless of the grain pattern it displays. The distinctiveness of the grains—whether they are numerous, sparse, straight, or wavy—adds character and uniqueness to every bat, making each one a true original.

Number of Grains

There is a common misconception that a higher number of grains indicates superior performance in a cricket bat. This belief often arises because bats with more grains are usually more expensive, given that such willow is rarer and thus commands a higher price. In reality, the number of grains is not a measure of performance. What truly matters is the craftsmanship and build quality of the bat. The number of grains simply reflects the age of the willow tree—the more grains present, the older the tree was when it was felled.

Butterfly

A ‘butterfly’ refers to a natural stain that may appear on the willow. The size of this stain can vary, being either large or small, and it may present itself anywhere on the bat. Importantly, these stains do not affect the performance of the bat. In fact, bats displaying larger butterfly stains are often a touch heavier, which can contribute to increased strength and durability in the willow.

Blue Willow

Blue Willow is particularly valued for its striking visual appearance. The blue markings found on these bats are the result of the tree drawing impurities from the surrounding soil, which causes a change in the colour to a part of the willow. These blue marks may be subtle or cover a larger area of the bat and are usually found in bats with eight or more grains, adding to their beauty. At SQR Cut Cricket, Blue Willow is a defining feature in our ‘Performance’ range, offering both aesthetic appeal and excellent value. These bats really are a thing of beauty.

Willow Selection

Before we receive our willow, it is initially graded into several categories in preparation for bat production. This is undertaken by experts in the industry, who do this to ensure value for money, as well as providing the initial quality control. When we receive the willow, we will then repeat the process, to further ensure that the willow meets our standards. As the shaping process begins, the bats are assessed and graded again, and a final evaluation is conducted just before labelling.

Occasionally, the complete character of the willow only becomes evident at this last stage. For instance, a bat that initially appears suitable for our higher-end ranges, such as the Limited Edition or Elite, may be reclassified as a Performance bat if a blue mark emerges near the toe during the final inspection. We devote considerable care and attention to ensure that each bat is labelled in line with our stringent standards.

Weight, Pick-up and Balance

Many players place significant emphasis on the weight of the bat—whether it is light, mid-range, or heavy. However, the most important factor is the bat’s balance. A well-balanced bat will ensure that the pick-up feels comfortable and natural. At SQR Cut Cricket, our bats are designed to have excellent pick-up and an even distribution of weight, contributing to a superior playing experience.

Knocking-in

All SQR Cut bats are ready for use straight away and do not require a lengthy knocking-in period. Nevertheless, we recommend that players start by using gentle thrown downs with a high-quality cricket ball to further strengthen the willow fibres. Early use with brand new or lower-quality balls should be avoided, as this can increase the risk of damage to the bat.

Bat Shapes

At SQR Cut Cricket, our goal is to offer a variety of bat shapes that provide a large hitting zone, excellent pick-up, and reliable balance, ensuring there is an option to suit every player’s preference. Our selection includes more traditional shapes, such as The Powerplay, as well as more modern designs like The Finisher. Regardless of the bat shape you choose, all our bats are crafted to perform exceptionally well. Ultimately, your choice should be based on what feels right for you and inspires confidence, as confidence in your bat is a key ingredient for batting success.

Further Questions

If there is anything else you are unsure about, or if we use any terminology that you would like explained, please do not hesitate to get in touch. At SQR Cut Cricket, we are always happy to help.