Cricket bat: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Cricketbatparts.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The front of a cricket bat, showing the names for the different parts of the bat]] |
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A '''cricket bat''' is used by the [[batsman|batsmen]] in the sport of [[cricket]]. |
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This specialised bat is shaped something like a paddle, consisting of a padded ''handle'' similar to - but sturdier than - that of a tennis racquet, which is usually cylindrical in shape. This widens into the ''blade'' of the bat, a wider wooden block flat on one side and with a V-shaped ridge on the other to provide greater strength. The flat side (the front of the bat) is used to hit the [[cricket ball|ball]]. The point at which the handle widens into the blade is known as the ''shoulder'' of the bat, and the bottom of the blade is known as the ''toe'' of the bat. |
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The bat is traditionally made from [[willow]] [[wood]], specifically from the [[White Willow|Cricket-bat Willow]] (''Salix alba'' var. ''caerulea''), treated with [[linseed oil]]. This wood is used as it is very tough and shock-resistant, not being significantly dented nor splintering on the impact of a cricket ball at high speed, while also being light in weight. It incorporates a wooden spring design where the handle meets the blade. The rules of the game limit the allowable size for a bat as not more than 38 in (965 mm) long and the blade may not be more than 4.25 in (108 mm) wide. Bats typically weigh from 2 lb 8 oz to 3 lb (1.1 to 1.4 kg) though there is no standard. The handle is usually covered with a rubber or cloth sleeve to enhance grip and the face of the bat may have a protective film. |
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Modern cricket bats are usually machine made, however a few specialists still make hand-made bats. These people delight in the archaic name of ''podshavers''. |
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==History== |
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[[Image:Cricket_Bat2.jpg|150px|thumb|left|A modern cricket bat]] |
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Bats were not always this shape. Before the 18th century bats tended to be shaped similarly to how field-hockey sticks are currently shaped. This may well have been a legacy of the games reputed origins. Although the first forms of cricket are lost in the mists of time, it is quite likely that the game was first played using shepherds' [[Staff (stick)|crooks]] (hence its name). |
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[[Image:Oldest_cricket_bat.JPG|350px|thumb|right|The oldest cricket bat still in existence dates from [[1729]]. Note its shape, which is somewhat different from modern-day bats.]] |
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Until the rules of cricket were formalised in the 19th century, the game usually had lower stumps, the ball was bowled underarm (whereas now it is always bowled overarm), and batsmen did not wear protective pads, as they do nowadays. As the game changed, so it was found that a differently shaped bat was better. The bat which is generally recognised as the oldest cricket bat still in existence is dated [[1729]] and is on display in the Sandham Room at [[the Oval]] in [[London]]. |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.lords.org/laws-and-spirit/laws-of-cricket/laws/law-6-the-bat,32,AR.html Cricket law 6: Bats] |
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*[http://www.rfs.org.uk/thirdlevel.asp?ThirdLevel=168&SecondLevel=33 Growing Willow for Cricket Bats] |
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[[Category:Cricket equipment]] |
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[[Category:Sporting goods]] |
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[[nl:Cricket bat]] |
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