The Evolution of Cricket Bats

The first cricket bat was a simple plank of wood used to club a ball away. Over centuries, cricket ball has evolved a lot. In the 17^th century, when cricket became a sport in England, the earliest cricket bats looked like hockey sticks with a thick base and a long thin shaft. These were used since 1624.

Soon bats became thicker, bearing more resemblance to modern cricket bars. But until 1771, no limitations were there on the bat’s width. So, a player named Shock White used a bat which was wide as a set of stumps. Following this unfair practice, the bat width was restricted to 4.25 inches. In 1835, the length was restricted to 38 inches. Bats soon evolved to be lighter, swollen and refined blades.

After 1830, cricket bats were made out of two different pieces of wood- one for the handle and the other for the blade. This strengthened the bats.  

Modern day’s highly sophisticated bats have a suspension- like rubber running through their handles to prevent vibration in the hands while hitting the ball. These bats are made of willow, bear a ridged back, and have a flat front (sometimes curved).  

Content: www.holdingwilley.com