BAT PREPARATION (KNOCKING-IN) POLICY
Cricket + Football Shop
This Bat Preparation Policy applies to all bat preparation services performed by Cricket + Football Shop, operated by Strachan Sports Pty Ltd ATF Strachan Family Trust ("Cricket + Football Shop", "CFS", "we", "our" or "us").
1. Professional Bat Preparation
Purchasing a new cricket bat is an investment, and proper preparation is one of the most important steps in protecting that investment.
At Cricket + Football Shop, we offer a professional bat preparation service designed to help maximise the performance, durability and lifespan of your English Willow bat before it is used in match conditions.
Our preparation process follows recognised industry practices and uses specialised equipment to achieve consistent results while reducing the risk of premature damage.
2. Why Does a Cricket Bat Need Knocking-In?
English Willow is a natural timber.
Although manufacturers press bats during production, factory pressing alone does not fully prepare the willow for use against a hard leather cricket ball.
The pressing process generally compresses only the outer few millimetres of the blade.
Additional preparation helps further compress the fibres of the willow, allowing the bat to better absorb repeated ball impacts.
Without proper preparation, a bat is significantly more susceptible to:
- surface cracking;
- seam marks;
- edge damage;
- toe damage; and
- premature structural failure.
Correct preparation greatly improves the bat's ability to withstand normal cricket use.
3. Our Preparation Process
Cricket + Football Shop uses a purpose-built automated knocking-in machine to prepare bats with a high level of consistency.
Our equipment allows us to apply controlled, repeatable pressure across the entire striking area of the bat, including:
- the blade;
- edges;
- toe; and
- lower striking zone.
Each bat receives approximately 15,000 controlled impacts during the preparation process.
This provides a level of consistency that is difficult to achieve through manual preparation alone.
4. Why We Use Machine Preparation
Traditional hand knocking remains a recognised preparation method and can produce excellent results when completed correctly.
However, it is also:
- labour intensive;
- time consuming;
- dependent upon individual technique; and
- difficult to perform consistently over many hours.
Our automated preparation system delivers controlled and repeatable compression across the bat, helping achieve a professional and consistent result.
This allows us to prepare bats efficiently while maintaining a high standard of workmanship.
5. What Happens After Knocking-In?
Although your bat has been professionally prepared, we recommend a gradual introduction to match play.
Before using your bat in competition, we recommend:
- several net sessions using older leather cricket balls;
- gradually increasing the force of impact;
- regularly inspecting the bat for any signs of damage; and
- avoiding yorkers during the initial use period.
This gradual "playing in" process allows the willow to continue naturally compressing under game conditions.
6. Ongoing Bat Care
Proper maintenance is essential throughout the life of your bat.
To help maximise durability we recommend:
- storing the bat in a cool, dry environment;
- avoiding excessive heat or moisture;
- checking the toe regularly for wear;
- replacing damaged protective coverings where required;
- applying bat oil only where appropriate and in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
Like any natural timber product, every cricket bat will age differently depending on its use and maintenance.
7. Extratec Protection
Following preparation, many customers choose to fit an Extratec protective facing.
An Extratec sheet provides an additional protective barrier across the face of the bat and can help:
- reduce cosmetic surface damage;
- improve durability;
- minimise moisture absorption;
- simplify routine maintenance.
While an Extratec sheet offers additional protection, it does not prevent all forms of damage and should not be considered a substitute for correct bat preparation or responsible use.
8. Preparation Does Not Eliminate Damage
Cricket bats are manufactured from natural willow and are designed to strike a hard leather cricket ball.
As a result, some level of wear is inevitable during normal use.
Professional knocking-in significantly reduces the likelihood of premature damage but cannot eliminate it entirely.
Customers should expect that over time their bat may develop:
- seam marks;
- surface cracking;
- minor indentations;
- cosmetic wear.
These characteristics are considered normal for English Willow bats.
9. Pricing
Current bat preparation pricing is:
- Professional Knocking-In Service — $70
- Complimentary preparation is included with selected Cricket + Football Shop bats where advertised.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Current pricing is always displayed on our website.
10. Turnaround Times
For customers visiting our Bibra Lake store, most bat preparation services can be completed within approximately one hour, subject to workshop demand.
Customers outside the Perth metropolitan area may send their bat to us for preparation.
Once received, preparation is typically completed within one business day before return dispatch.
Delivery times will vary depending on your location and chosen freight service.
11. Customer Responsibilities
To obtain the best performance from your bat, customers should:
- inspect their bat regularly;
- continue the gradual playing-in process after preparation;
- avoid unnecessary impacts on the toe and edges;
- avoid prolonged use with bowling machines;
- maintain the bat in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
Failure to properly care for a cricket bat may reduce its lifespan regardless of the preparation method used.
12. Service Limitations
Our professional preparation service substantially reduces the likelihood of premature damage.
However, because every piece of willow is unique, Cricket + Football Shop cannot guarantee that a bat will never crack, split or sustain damage during use.
Bat performance and longevity are influenced by many factors, including:
- the natural characteristics of the willow;
- shot selection;
- playing conditions;
- frequency of use;
- maintenance practices;
- impact location.
Professional preparation reduces risk but cannot remove it completely.
13. Contact Us
If you'd like to arrange bat preparation or have any questions about caring for your cricket bat, our team is happy to help.
Cricket + Football Shop
Operated by Strachan Sports Pty Ltd ATF Strachan Family Trust
Address
Unit 6, 36 Port Kembla Drive
Bibra Lake WA 6163
Australia
Phone
(08) 9434 2965
info@cricketfootballshop.com.au
This Bat Preparation (Knocking-In) Policy applies to all preparation services provided by Cricket + Football Shop and remains in effect until updated or replaced.
AUSTRALIAN Owned & Operated
