Cricket

How to Knock In a New Cricket Bat: A Step-by-Step Guide for India

A new English willow bat is not ready to face a hard ball straight off the shelf. Here is how to knock in a cricket bat properly so it lasts and middles better.

Instasport Admin

12 Jun 2026 • 3 min read

How to knock in a new cricket bat the right way

A new English willow bat is a beautiful thing, but it is not ready to face a hard leather ball straight off the shelf. Knocking in is the process of compressing and conditioning the willow fibres so the bat resists cracking, lasts longer and develops a bigger, more responsive middle. Skip it, and a brand-new bat can dent or crack on the very first net session. Here is how to knock in a cricket bat properly, step by step.

Step 1: Oil the bat (unless it is pre-prepared)

Most uncovered natural-faced bats benefit from a light coat of raw linseed oil. Apply about a teaspoon to the face, edges and toe with a cloth, leave it to soak in overnight, and repeat two or three times — no more, as too much oil softens the willow. Bats with a pre-applied protective face or anti-scuff sheet usually need little or no oiling; check the maker's guidance. Performance-ready bats like the SG RP Spunk Hybrid-Tec English Willow (₹4,499) still benefit from knocking in even when lightly prepared.

Step 2: Knock in the face with a mallet

Use a hardwood bat mallet — it is far more effective than an old ball in a sock. Start by gently tapping the middle of the blade, gradually increasing force until you can just make a small dent, then work outward to compress the whole face evenly. Hold the bat to the light regularly to check you are levelling the surface rather than leaving pits. This is a patient job, not a one-evening sprint.

Step 3: Round off the edges and protect the toe

The edges are the most vulnerable part of the bat. Strike them at roughly a 45-degree angle so the mallet compresses and rounds the willow, rather than hitting them square-on, which can split the edge. Avoid hammering the toe directly; instead, lightly tap the bottom edges. Many players also add a toe guard and apply a little oil to the toe to guard against moisture, which matters in humid Indian conditions.

How long does knocking in take?

Plan for two to three hours of mallet work spread over several sessions across a week or more. The willow needs time to settle between sessions. After mallet work, graduate to hitting old, soft balls in the nets and inspect the surface: if the bat is picking up deep seam marks, it needs more knocking in before you face a new, hard ball.

Choosing a bat worth the effort

Knocking in rewards a quality blade. Hybrid-tec and grade English willow bats such as the SG HP Impulse Hybrid-Tec (₹3,749) and the lightweight SG RP 150 English Willow, ready to knock-in (₹7,499) are designed to be prepared and will reward the time you invest. The New Balance TC 400i English Willow (₹7,879) is another premium option that performs best once properly conditioned. A well-knocked-in bat can comfortably last a thousand runs.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to knock in a cricket bat?

Plan for around two to three hours of mallet work spread over several sessions across a week or more, giving the willow time to settle between sessions. Then test with old, soft balls before facing a new hard ball.

Do I need to oil a new cricket bat?

Most natural-faced bats need two or three light coats of raw linseed oil, soaking in overnight between coats. Bats with a pre-applied protective face or anti-scuff sheet usually need little or no oil — check the maker's guidance and never over-oil.

Can I knock in a bat without a mallet?

You can use an old cricket ball in a sock, but it is slower and less consistent than a hardwood bat mallet. A mallet compresses the willow more evenly and is strongly recommended for getting the edges and face right.