Cricket Equipment - Preparation for play

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When it comes to new cricket equipment, there are certain things we need to do before we start playing.

You’ve ordered your new cricket equipment from a trusty online shop. It’s arrived at work and you’re completely unable to contain your excitement. Even though the very first thing you want to do, is crack open the box and start a round of cricket in the office car park, there’s a great deal of preparation needed before your cricket equipment is ready to use. Other than that, your boss may not approve of your spontaneous sporting needs.

As all sports fans will agree, new equipment is extremely exciting. You can ditch that rusty old bat and start upping those game scores. But before you get ahead of yourself with brand new cricket equipment, you’d better be prepared for some oiling, sanding, and some long days of waiting around. Patience is a virtue.

The Complex Cricket Bat

Much like the woman in your life, cricket equipment needs care and attention. The cricket bat is the most high-maintenance of the species - and when it comes to your bat, you need to put in the groundwork!

All cricket bats are made of willow and this means that they will deteriorate over time. It is highly recommended when ordering cricket equipment, that you should consider having bats for practice and bats for competitions. Because of the complex nature which is involved in cricket equipment preparation, hanging onto old, used cricket bats is always a good idea.

Cricket Equipment – Three Stages of Bat Groundwork

1. Oiling – rubbing in linseed oil using an old cloth will seal the wood, preventing it from gaining or losing excess moisture. After oiling, bats are to be left in an upright position to dry.
2. Light sanding – sometimes a light sanding is required to give blades and edges a smoother feel.
3. Knocking in – gently introducing your bat to ball impact will prepare it for games.

Putting in the groundwork for your cricket equipment will reduce the possibility of equipment damage. Oiling is a very important but it is crucial that you don’t over oil. Two or three coats will usually be enough, and the right amount of linseed oil can prevent your bat from cracking and splitting. The bat should never be dipped in oil, but smoothed over with a rag.

Cricket Equipment from Talent Cricket

If you want quality cricket equipment at amazing prices, shop online with Talent Cricket today. Find everything from cricket bats, batting pads, helmets, clothing, footwear, body protection and accessories. Call 01509 266666 for more information.