Cricket Bat Preparation Time Buying a new cricket bat is an exciting moment for any player. The fresh willow, clean face, and perfect balance make you want to start hitting immediately. But before taking your bat into a match, there is one very important step you should never skip—knocking your cricket bat properly.
Many players don’t know the ideal time needed to knock a new cricket bat and end up damaging it early. Proper knocking ensures your bat performs like the best cricket bat and lasts longer. Whether it is a high-end bat or a budget-friendly best cricket bat under ₹5000 India, knocking is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explain how long to knock a new bat, why it matters, and how to do it step by step.
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What Does Knocking a New Cricket Bat Mean?
Knocking in a cricket bat is the process of preparing the face and edges to handle the impact of a hard leather ball. A new bat has soft willow fibers that can crack or dent if used immediately.
Knocking helps to:
Compress the wood fibers
Strengthen the bat face and edges
Improve durability and performance
This step is crucial whether you are using a Kashmir willow cricket bat under ₹5000 or a premium bat marketed as the best cricket bat in India.
Knocking is the process of hardening the bat face and edges so the willow can handle the impact of a hard leather ball. A new bat has soft fibers, especially on the edges and toe.
Without knocking:
The bat can crack easily
Edges may break early
Performance drops fast
Whether you buy the best cricket bat under ₹5000 India or a premium bat, knocking is equally important.
Ideal Time Needed to Knock a New Cricket Bat
The time required depends on the type of bat and the knocking method used.
✅ Recommended Knocking Time
Manual knocking: 6–8 hours
Machine knocking: 4–6 hours
Net practice after knocking: 2–3 sessions
In total, proper knocking usually takes 7–10 days. Even the best cricket bat India 2026 can be damaged if this process is rushed.
Knocking Time Based on Bat Type Cricket Bat Preparation Time
English Willow Cricket Bat
Softer wood
Needs careful preparation
Knocking time: 8–10 hours
Mostly used as a cricket bat for professional players
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 very popular in India, and with correct knocking, it can perform like the best Kashmir willow cricket bat in India.
Step-by-Step Guide to Knock a New Cricket Bat
Apply Oil Lightly (Optional)
Use raw linseed oil
Apply a thin layer on the face and edges
Avoid the handle and splice
Let it dry for 24 hours
Oiling improves durability, especially for bats used as a cricket bat for T20 India, where hard hitting is common.
Start with Light Knocking Cricket Bat Preparation Time
Use a wooden bat mallet or old leather ball
Tap gently on the face
Avoid hard hits initially
Focus on edges and toe
⏱ Time: 2–3 hours
Increase Knocking Gradually
Increase the force slowly
Knock evenly across the face
Pay extra attention to edges
⏱ Time: 3–4 hours
This is important for all types of cricket, whether you’re using a best cricket bat in India or a budget Kashmir willow cricket bat under ₹5000.
Net Practice Cricket Bat Preparation Time
Use old balls only
Start with soft throwdowns
Gradually face medium pace bowling
This final step completes the preparation and makes the bat match-ready. This is essential if the bat is a cricket bat for T20 India, where the pace and power are high.
How to Know Your Bat Is Ready Cricket Bat Preparation Time
Your bat is ready when:
The face feels firm
No deep dents appear after impact
The sound becomes solid and crisp
Edges do not mark easily
If dents still appear, continue knocking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Cricket Bat Preparation Time
❌ Using a new bat directly in matches
❌ Over-oiling the bat
❌ Hitting the toe too hard early
❌ Ignoring the edges
❌ Rushing the knocking process
Even a cricket bat for professional use can fail early if these mistakes are made.
Does Proper Knocking Improve Performance?
Yes, proper knocking improves:
Power in shots
Rebound and timing
Confidence at the crease
Overall bat lifespan
Whether it is a best cricket bat under ₹5000 India, a best Kashmir willow cricket bat in India, or a premium professional bat, knocking makes a noticeable difference.
Factory Knocking: Enough or Not?
Some bats come factory-knocked, but:
Factory knocking is basic
The bat is not fully match-ready
Extra personal knocking is still needed
Doing additional knocking ensures maximum performance.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the ideal time needed to knock a new cricket bat?
6–10 hours, spread over several days.
Knocking a bat properly is not just a routine—it’s an investment in the bat’s life and your performance. With patience and care, even a Kashmir willow cricket bat under ₹5000 or a high-end best cricket bat India 2026 can last longer and perform at its peak.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional searching for the best cricket bat in India, never skip the knocking process. A well-prepared bat is the foundation of strong batting, consistent performance, and confidence at the crease
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