Cricket Bat

The Cricket bat is shaped something like a paddle, the cricket bat consisting of a padded handle similar to - but sturdier than - that of a tennis racquet, which is normally cylindrical in shape. This widens into the blade of the cricket bat, a wider wooden block flat on one side and with a V-shaped ridge on the other to provide greater air flow in the follow through and greater strength to the over-all bat. The flat side (the front of the bat) is used to hit the ball. The point at which the handle widens into the blade is known as the shoulder of the bat, and the bottom of the blade is known as the toe of the bat.

The Cricket bat is traditionally made from willow wood, specifically from the Cricket-bat Willow (Salix alba var. caerulea), treated with linseed oil. This wood is used as it is very tough and shock-resistant, not being significantly dented nor splintering on the impact of a cricket ball at high speed, while also being light in weight.The Cricket bat incorporates a wooden spring design where the handle meets the blade. The rules of the game limit the allowable size for a Cricket bat as not more than 38 in (965 mm) long and the blade may not be more than 4.25 in (108 mm) wide. The Cricket bats typically weigh from 2 lb 8 oz to 3 lb (1.1 to 1.4 kg) though there is no standard. The handle of the Cricket bat is usually covered with a rubber or cloth sleeve to enhance grip and the face of the bat may have a protective film.

Modern Cricket bats are usually machine made, however a few specialists still make hand-made bats, mostly for professional players.