Does bat size matter?

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With run rates increasing in all formats of the game and at all levels there has been alot of discussion about whether this is in part down to the size of the modern cricket bat. 

We believe that size of bat isn't the primary factor, and it is more to do with modern techniques, the strength and fitness of the modern player and a general positive attitude. The standard of pitches from Village green to the first class and test cricket arena have also improved drastically in the past 20 years.

The bigger modern bats do however give most players a positive mind set that they will be able to clear the ropes more so than with a traditional shape cricket bat which would also help in some part to the increase in boundary hitting in recent times.

The modern shaped cricket bat also tends to be pressed a little softer to give grater spring off the blade and also to maximise the profile. Flatter angular faces on the blade of the modern bat and concave shaping to the back of the blade also maximise the profile of the bat without adding extra weight. 

The 'holy grail' for bat makers at present is to produce a large profile bat with 40mm plus edges without taking any weight away from the back of the bat by way of 'concaving' or 'scalloping', but retaining a finished weight of around 2lb 8oz's. This is very much the specification and profile that a pro cricketer would look for and the only way it can be realitically achieved is to remove weight from the toe and shoulder area of the blade and to also dry more moisture than normal from the cleft of willow. This does however leave the bat vulnerable to breakage and isn't always the best specification for a recreational cricketer to look for.

In essence we would suggest that although a large bat will give you a positive mindset for powerful hitting, which is a very important facet, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will hit the ball further than you would with an equivalent traditional style cricket bat.