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How Long to Knock a Cricket Bat? Complete Guide

Cricket Bat Knocking Time Knocking in a cricket bat is one of the most important steps before playing your first match with a new bat. Many players, especially beginners, start using a new bat directly in games. This often leads to cracks, poor performance, and reduced bat life. If you want your bat to perform like the best cricket bat and last longer, proper knocking is essential.

In this complete guide, we explain how long to knock a cricket bat, why it matters, and how to do it correctly—in simple and easy language

Explore our premium range of cricket bats, including the best Kashmir willow cricket bat in India, at Vinox Sports to find the perfect bat for your game

What Is Knocking in a Cricket Bat?

Knocking is the process of preparing the bat face and edges to handle the impact of a hard leather ball. New bats have soft willow fibers that need to be compressed before match use.

Without knocking:

  • The bat face dents easily

  • Edges crack faster

  • Performance drops quickly

Proper knocking helps turn even a best cricket bat under ₹5000 India into a reliable match companion.

How Long to Knock a Cricket Bat?

The knocking time depends on the bat material and method used.

✅ Recommended Knocking Time

  • Manual knocking: 6–8 hours

  • Machine knocking: 4–6 hours

  • Net practice after knocking: 2–3 sessions

Overall, it takes 7–10 days to fully prepare a bat properly.

Knocking Time Based on Bat Type

English Willow Cricket Bat

Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat

  • Harder and more durable

  • Knocking time: 5–6 hours

  • Ideal for beginners and club cricketers

A Kashmir willow cricket bat under ₹5000 is widely used in India, and with proper knocking, it can perform like the best Kashmir willow cricket bat in India.

Step-by-Step Knocking Process Cricket Bat Knocking Time

Oil the Bat Lightly

  • Use raw linseed oil

  • Apply on face and edges only

  • Avoid handle and splice

  • Let it dry for 24 hours

This step improves durability, especially for a best cricket bat in India used on hard pitches.

Start Light Knocking Cricket Bat Knocking Time

  • Use a bat mallet or old ball

  • Tap gently on the face

  • Do not hit hard initially

  • Cover edges and toe carefully

Time: 2–3 hours

Increase Knocking Gradually Cricket Bat Knocking Time

  • Increase pressure slowly

  • Knock evenly across the bat

  • Focus on edge strengthening

Time: 3–4 hours

This stage is crucial if you plan to use the bat as a cricket bat for T20 India, where fast bowling and mishits are common.

Net Practice Cricket Bat Knocking Time

  • Use old balls only

  • Start with throwdowns

  • Gradually face medium pace bowling

After this, your bat is close to match-ready.

How to Know Your Bat Is Ready?

Your bat is ready when:

  • The face feels hard

  • No deep dents appear

  • Sound becomes solid

  • Edges don’t mark easily

If marks still appear, continue knocking.

Common Knocking Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:
❌ Using a new bat directly in matches
❌ Over-oiling the bat
❌ Ignoring edges and toe
❌ Rushing the process

Even the best cricket bat India 2026 can fail early if knocking is skipped or done incorrectly.

Does Knocking Improve Performance?Cricket Bat Knocking Time

Yes. Proper knocking improves:

  • Power and rebound

  • Bat lifespan

  • Shot confidence

  • Consistency

Whether it’s a premium bat or the best cricket bat under ₹5000 India, knocking makes a noticeable difference.

Knocking for T20 Cricket

In T20 cricket, batters play aggressive shots and face high-speed bowling. A well-knocked bat:

  • Reduces damage from mishits

  • Improves boundary-hitting

  • Builds confidence under pressure

That’s why knocking is essential for any cricket bat for T20 India

Is Factory Knocking Enough?

Factory knocking is usually basic.

  • Not fully match-ready

  • Still needs personal knocking

To get the best results, always do extra knocking at home or in nets.

Final Thoughts

So, how long to knock a cricket bat?
6 to 10 hours, spread across several days.

Knocking is not optional—it’s a must. It protects your bat, improves performance, and helps you get the most value from your purchase. With proper knocking, even a best Kashmir willow cricket bat in India can deliver powerful and consistent performance.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player searching for the best cricket bat in India, never skip the knocking process. A well-prepared bat is the foundation of confident batting and long-term success at the crease.

anuj s

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