How to Knock In a Bat the Right Way – A Complete Guide

If you’ve just purchased a new cricket bat, especially a premium English Willow one, there’s one crucial step before taking it to the nets or a match: knocking it in . Knocking in is not just a tradition — it's essential for enhancing your bat’s durability, performance, and lifespan . Skipping this step could lead to cracks or even a broken bat with just one mistimed shot. Here’s a complete guide to help you knock in your bat the right way. What is Knocking In? Knocking in is the process of compressing the fibers of the willow in the bat’s face and edges. This prepares the bat to handle the high-speed impact of a cricket ball and reduces the chance of damage. What You Need: A wooden bat mallet (or an old cricket ball in a sock) Raw linseed oil (if not pre-oiled) A clean cloth Optional: Toe guard, anti-scuff sheet, or edge tape Step-by-Step: Knocking In a Cricket Bat Step 1: Apply Oil (If Needed) Lightly apply raw linseed oil to the bat’s face, edges...