Even though it was heavy and made scoring difficult, early-version English willow bats were the premier choice for cricket due to their durability and ability to absorb shocks — two of the most important qualities for handling the impact of the ball. Today, many refinements later, the modern English willow bat has become the standard in professional cricket. Let's see why.

Performance & characteristics

Cricket is a game where finesse and precision play defining roles, so naturally, the quality of wood used in a bat is critical. English willow bats are well-known for their responsive nature and strong hitting power. They are also lighter, which allows players to have better control and maneuverability. The softness of English willow (compared to other types like Kashmir) means it has a larger sweet spot — an area that allows for maximum power transfer from bat to ball. This feature alone can make a huge difference in performance.

Thanks to English willow's softer wood and finer grain structure, these bats also create a better ball response for more powerful but controlled shots. Professional players often look for 6 to 12 well-defined grains as a sign of quality. The willow is ranked from Grade 1 to Grade 4, with Grade 1 being the best. Some of the best grade 1 willow bats are the New Balance TC 1260, DSC DJB47 (Players Edition),  and the Focus Pure Limited Cricket Bat.

Durability & longevity

When it comes to picking a cricket bat, how long it lasts and how tough it is are crucial aspects. Modern English willow bats are famous for being tough, meaning they can take hits again and again without wearing out or breaking quickly. This toughness ensures that the bat lasts longer compared to other types of wood. Some players have even used the same English willow bat for several years with the right care and maintenance.

All About Cricket Store

At All About Cricket Store, you'll find a variety of English willow cricket bats from top brands, including SS, GM, Focus, MRF, SG, SF, Kookaburra, New Balance, BAS, BDM, DSC, Gray Nicolls, SWAR, and SM. We make sure that each bat in our collection is carefully picked by our team to bring you only the best. Check out our selection by visiting www.allaboutcricketstore.com.

About the Company

All About Cricket LLC offers a wide selection of cricket equipment, apparel, and accessories, ensuring that players have access to top-quality gear to enhance their game. From cricket bats and balls to protective gear and training aids, we provide everything needed to excel on the field. Additionally, our extensive range of cricket clothing includes traditional whites, as well as modern and vibrant colored attire, catering to the preferences of every player.