Bat Knocking-In & Care Guide: Make Your Bat Last the Season
You've invested in a quality cricket bat — now protect that investment. Whether you're playing in a Canadian club league or weekend rec cricket, proper knocking-in and bat care will extend the life of your bat significantly and improve its performance from day one.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from unboxing a brand-new bat to storing it safely at the end of the Canadian season in October.
Why Knocking-In Matters
A new cricket bat — especially an English willow bat — has fibres that are not yet compressed. If you take it straight to the crease and face a hard leather ball, you risk cracking the blade or damaging the edges. Knocking-in compresses those fibres gradually, making the bat more resilient and giving it a better "ping."
Note: Kashmiri willow bats are denser and more forgiving, but they still benefit from a light knock-in before use.
Step-by-Step: How to Knock In a New Bat
Step 1 — Oil the bat (Day 1)
Apply 2–3 drops of raw linseed oil to the face, edges, and back of the bat (avoid the splice and handle). Let it soak in for 24 hours lying flat. Repeat 2–3 times over the first week.
Step 2 — Mallet knocking (Week 1–2)
Using a cricket bat mallet (or the edge of an old bat), tap the face and edges firmly but not aggressively. Work from the middle outward. Spend 30–45 minutes per session, 3–4 sessions total. You're looking to compress the fibres, not dent the wood.
Step 3 — Old ball knocking (Week 2–3)
Have someone throw or bowl an old, soft leather ball at the bat at medium pace. This simulates real match conditions. Do this for 2–3 sessions before moving to a newer ball.
Step 4 — Net practice (Week 3–4)
You're now ready for light net sessions. Avoid facing express pace or bouncers for the first few sessions. Build up gradually.
Step 5 — Match ready
After 4–6 hours of total knocking-in time, your bat is ready for match play.
Ongoing Bat Care During the Season
- Re-oil every 4–6 weeks during the playing season (April–October in Canada). One light coat of linseed oil on the face and edges is enough.
- Check your edges after every match. Small surface cracks are normal — apply a thin layer of oil and they'll often close up. Deep cracks need bat repair tape or professional repair.
- Use a bat cover when transporting. Avoid leaving your bat in a hot car — extreme heat dries out the willow quickly.
- Keep it dry. Never use a wet bat. If it gets rained on, dry it naturally at room temperature — never with a heat source.
End-of-Season Storage (October)
When the Canadian cricket season wraps up in October, don't just throw your bat in the garage. Follow these steps:
- Clean the bat with a dry cloth to remove dirt and sweat.
- Apply a light coat of linseed oil and let it dry completely.
- Wrap the bat in a cloth or place it in a bat cover.
- Store it in a cool, dry place — not a damp basement or a hot attic. A closet or equipment room at room temperature is ideal.
- Avoid storing it upright for long periods — lay it flat or at a slight angle.
Shop Cricket Bats at Kinetic Sports
Looking for a new bat to knock in this season? Browse our full range of cricket bats — from entry-level Kashmiri willow to professional English willow — and find the right one for your game.