How to Oil and Knock-In a Cricket Bat at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Buying a new cricket bat, whether it is English willow or Kashmir willow, is only the beginning. To prepare it for matches, you need to oil it and knock it in. If you skip this step, the bat can crack, lose performance or worse, even break in the first few games.

Many players in India rely on local bat makers to do this, but with the right method, you can easily oil and knock-in your cricket bat at home. This DIY tutorial will walk you through every step, complete with simple explanations and diagrams so you can prepare your bat like a pro.

Why Oiling and Knocking-In Bats Are Important?

Before we dive into the process, let’s quickly understand why these steps are crucial:

• Oiling keeps the willow hydrated, preventing it from becoming brittle and splitting.
• Knocking-in compresses the wood fibres, making the bat stronger and more resilient against high-speed cricket balls.
• Together, they ensure your bat lasts longer and performs better.

Step 1: Oiling the Cricket Bat

What You’ll Need:

• Raw linseed oil or specialised bat oil.
  
• Clean cotton cloth
• Flat surface to keep the bat

How to Oil a Cricket Bat? (Step-by-Step):

1. Clean the surface – Ensure your bat is free from dirt and dust.
2. Apply oil sparingly – Pour a few drops of oil on a cloth and rub it evenly over the face, edges, and back of the bat (avoid the splice and handle).
3. Let it absorb – Keep the bat horizontally, face up, in a dry room (not under sunlight or near heat) for 12–24 hours.
4. Repeat the process – Apply 2–3 thin coats over 2–3 days, allowing absorption each time.
5. Check for excess oil – If the surface feels sticky or shiny, wipe off the extra.

Do Not: Soak the bat in oil, apply oil on stickers, or leave it in direct sunlight. Too much oil can make the bat heavy and ruin its balance.

Step 2: How to knock in a cricket bat?

Once the bat has absorbed the oil and dried properly, it’s time for knocking-in. This is the most critical step.

What You’ll Need:

• A wooden mallet (bat mallet)
• Patience (knocking-in takes 6–8 hours in total)

Knocking-In Process (Step-by-Step):

1. Start with gentle tapping – Use the flat side of the mallet to tap the face of the bat lightly for the first 30 minutes.
2. Increase the force gradually – After the wood fibres adjust, hit a little harder, especially on the middle and edges.
3. Focus on the edges – Knock the edges at a 45° angle, not directly on the side, to strengthen them without breaking.
4. Avoid the splice and handle – Never knock these areas. Focus only on the blade.
5. Test with an old ball – After 5–6 hours, start bouncing an old cricket ball on the bat. If no deep marks appear, it’s getting ready.
6. Finish with match simulation – In the final stage, face gentle throwdowns or hit with soft cricket balls before using it in a real match.

How much time does it take to knock in a cricket bat?

• Hand knocking (mallet): 6–8 hours
• Machine knocking (professional): 2–3 hours

Pro Tip: Even if you machine-knock your bat, do some hand knocking-in at home for extra durability.

Step 3: Protective Measures After Knocking-In

Even after oiling and knocking-in, your bat needs protection:

• Apply a protective facing sheet (anti-scuff sheet) to reduce surface cracks.
• Fit a toe guard to protect against moisture and yorker damage.
• Regular maintenance – Re-oil the bat lightly every 3–4 months (especially in dry Indian summers).

Common Mistakes to Avoid while knocking in a cricket bat:

• Using too much oil (the bat becomes spongy and heavy).
• Playing with a brand-new bat without knocking in.
• Using a new bat against hard balls too soon.
• Storing the bat in damp or overly hot places.

How Long Should You Knock-In a Cricket Bat?

• English Willow: Needs more careful knocking-in (7–8 hours).
• Kashmir Willow: Slightly harder wood, so about 5–6 hours may be enough.

DIY vs Professional Knock-In

Visual Guide

Diagram 1: Areas to Oil (Face, Edges, Back – avoid splice/handle)

Diagram 2: Knocking-In Directions (face & angled edges)

Diagram 3: Protective Accessories (anti-scuff sheet, toe guard)

Final Thoughts

Oiling and knocking-in your cricket bat is not just preparation but it’s an investment in performance. With just a little patience and the right method, you can:

• Extend your bat’s lifespan
• Improve its power and stroke play

Prevent cracks and early damage.

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