How to knock a Cricket Bat

Materials needed:
Mallet or ball
Linseed oil (Optional for knocking)
Soft cloth
Applicable to Both English Willow Bats & Kashmir Willow Bats
Step 1: Prepare the Bat Before knocking your new cricket bat, make sure that it has been prepared correctly. Check that the stickers are in place, and the bat has been lightly oiled. Optionally, the bat should also have a toe guard and anti-scuff sheet fitted.
Step 2: Start with the edges Hold the cricket bat handle in one hand and the mallet or ball in the other. Start by knocking the edges of the bat. Use the mallet to gently tap around the edges of the bat. This process will help to harden the edges, preventing any cracks from developing.
Step 3: Knock the Face Next, knock the face of the bat. Start in the middle of the face, and work your way out towards the edges. Use the mallet to tap the bat firmly but not too hard. Make sure you cover the entire face of the bat.
Step 4: Knock the Toe The toe of the bat is the most vulnerable part of the bat. Knock the toe of the bat gently but firmly. Use the mallet to tap the bat on the toe, working your way around the edges. Be careful not to knock the bat too hard, as this could cause it to crack.
Step 5: Knock the Blade Now that you have knocked the edges, face, and toe of the bat, it’s time to focus on the blade. Use the mallet to tap the blade of the bat, starting from the middle and working your way towards the edges. Make sure you cover the entire blade of the bat.
Step 6: Repeat the Process After you have knocked the bat, give it a few hours to rest. Then repeat the knocking process. You should knock the bat at least three times before you start using it.
Step 7: Apply Linseed Oil Once you have finished knocking the bat, apply linseed oil to the bat. Use a soft cloth to apply a thin layer of oil to the face and edges of the bat. This will help to protect the bat from moisture and improve its durability.
Step 8: Store the Bat After you have finished knocking and oiling the bat, store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. It’s also a good idea to store it in a bat cover to protect it from any knocks or scratches.

Yes, it is highly recommended that you knock a new cricket bat before using it in a game or practice session. Knocking a cricket bat is a process that involves hitting the bat’s blade, edges, and toe with a mallet or ball to compress the willow fibers and harden the bat. This process helps to improve the bat’s durability, reduce the risk of cracking, and enhance its overall performance.
Knocking a cricket bat also helps to “open up” the sweet spot of the bat, which is the area of the blade that produces the most power and control. By knocking the bat, you can ensure that the sweet spot is evenly distributed across the blade, allowing you to make the most of your shots and maximize your performance on the pitch.
Overall, knocking a cricket bat is an important step in the process of preparing a new bat for use. If you want to get the most out of your new bat and avoid any potential issues with its durability or performance, it’s highly recommended that you take the time to knock it properly before using it.