Troft English Willow vs. Kashmir Willow – Which One Should You Choose?

Your cricket bat is more than just a piece of wood — it’s your trusted partner on the pitch. Whether you're playing with a top-grade English willow or a beginner-level Kashmir willow, proper bat maintenance can extend its life , preserve its power , and keep you match-ready all season . At SaleonSports , we believe every player should know how to take care of their bat the right way. Here’s a simple yet effective guide to help you maintain your cricket bat like a pro. 1. Knock It In – The First Step That Matters Knocking in a bat helps compress the fibers and prepare it for high-speed impact from the ball. Use a wooden mallet or an old leather ball . Start with gentle knocks on the face and edges. Avoid hitting the toe or back. Knock for 6–8 hours unless your bat is pre-knocked . Pro Tip : Bats from SaleonSports like the Heega Stallion or Sword come pre-knocked with 10,000+ knocks , so you can head straight to the nets.  2. Oil the Willow (But Don’t Overdo I...

 Buying a cricket bat online can feel like a risk — you can’t hold it, feel its weight, or check the balance. But with the right knowledge and a trustworthy seller, you can confidently make the perfect online bat purchase without stepping out of your home. At SaleonSports , we specialize in helping players of all levels choose the right gear, and this guide will walk you through everything to consider before buying a cricket bat online .  1. Know the Type of Willow: English vs Kashmir The first and most important decision is the type of willow: English Willow : Lightweight, better rebound, used by professionals. Comes in various grades (1+, 1, 2, 3, etc.). Kashmir Willow : Heavier and more durable, ideal for beginners or tennis ball cricket. Choose English Willow if you're serious about performance. Go for Kashmir Willow if you're playing occasionally or on a budget.  2. Choose the Right Size Cricket bats come in sizes 1 to Full Size (SH or LH) . Here’s...

 A good cricket bat is more than just wood — it’s your companion at the crease, your scoring partner, and sometimes even your lucky charm. But even the best-quality bat won’t last long if it’s not properly cared for. Whether you use a Grade 1 English Willow or a Kashmir Willow bat, the right maintenance routine can extend its life, protect it from damage , and keep it match-ready. At SaleonSports , we’re not just about selling gear — we’re about helping you protect your performance investment . Here’s the ultimate cricket bat care routine every player should follow.  1. Knock-In Your Bat Properly Before you even hit a ball, your bat needs to be knocked in to compress the fibers and prepare it for impact. Use a wooden mallet or gently knock with an old leather ball. Start slowly on the face and edges. Spend at least 6-8 hours on a new bat if it’s not pre-knocked. Avoid hitting the back or toe area hard during knocking-in. 👉 Tip: Many of our bats at Sa...

 Whether you're sprinting between the wickets, diving in the outfield, or delivering your best ball, your shoes can make or break your game . Cricket isn’t just about your bat or gloves — your footwork and foundation start with your footwear . With so many options in the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why at SaleonSports , we’ve created this complete buyer’s guide to cricket shoes , covering the key factors of grip, comfort, and performance .  1. Why Cricket Shoes Matter Cricket is a sport with long hours on your feet. The right shoes: Prevent injuries and blisters Offer grip on turf or matting Improve your stability, speed, and agility Provide the right support for your role – whether you’re batting, bowling, or fielding  2. Types of Cricket Shoes Understanding the types of soles and spikes is key to buying the right pair: Rubber Sole Shoes Ideal for: Practice sessions , tennis ball cricket , or hard ground play Features: Lightw...

 When shopping for a new cricket bat, one of the most confusing parts for any player—especially beginners—is understanding bat grades . You’ll see terms like Grade 1 English Willow , Grade 3 Kashmir Willow , or even Player Edition , and wonder, What do these mean? And more importantly, Why is one bat priced at ₹3,000 while another looks similar but costs ₹20,000 or more? In this guide, we at SaleonSports break down everything you need to know about cricket bat grades , so you can make an informed decision when investing in your next piece of gear. What Are Cricket Bat Grades? Bat grades refer to the quality of the willow used —either English Willow or Kashmir Willow . This grading is based on several factors like: Grain structure Knot presence Color consistency Performance potential Let’s dive deeper.  1. English Willow Grades English Willow is a premium type of willow grown in the UK, known for better performance, lighter pickup, and durability. It’s g...

 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...

 Cricket bats have come a long way from their basic shapes and standard sizes. Today, players at all levels are increasingly looking for ways to customize their bats to suit their playing style. But the question remains — is customizing your cricket bat really worth it? Let’s explore the benefits, risks, and scenarios where customization makes all the difference. What Does “Customizing” a Cricket Bat Mean? Customization goes beyond just selecting a bat off the shelf. It includes: Choosing willow grade (English or Kashmir) Adjusting the weight and balance Modifying the handle shape (oval, round, semi-oval) Relocating the sweet spot to match your shot style Personalizing with grips, stickers, toe guards, or anti-scuff sheets Even changing the blade length or width for specific formats (like T20 or indoor cricket) Why Players Customize – The Key Benefits 1. Tailored to Your Playing Style Fast hands? Front-foot dominant? A customized bat helps enhance y...

 When it comes to cricket, your bat isn't just a piece of equipment — it's an extension of your style, skill, and strategy. But with endless choices on the market, how do you know which bat is truly the perfect one for you? Let's break down the DNA of a perfect cricket bat and explore what really matters when choosing the right willow. 1. The Willow Grade – The Foundation of Performance The heart of every cricket bat lies in the type of willow used: English Willow – Preferred by professionals. It’s lightweight, responsive, and offers outstanding performance with a softer feel. Kashmir Willow – More affordable and durable, suitable for beginners or casual players. Grades range from Grade 1 (Premium) to Grade 5 , depending on grain straightness, color, and blemishes. For serious players, investing in a higher-grade willow is often worth it. 2. The Grain Structure – Clarity & Consistency The number and quality of grains on the face of the bat are major i...

 In the fast-evolving world of online sports shopping, cricketers are often left wondering: Where can I find genuine gear, fair pricing, and expert support—all in one place? The answer is simple: SaleonSports . Whether you're a weekend warrior, school-level player, or gearing up for tournaments, SaleonSports is the smart choice for modern-day cricketers. Here’s what makes the SaleonSports experience stand out. Curated for Cricketers, Not Just Customers At SaleonSports, we don’t just sell cricket gear—we understand it. Our team consists of passionate cricketers who handpick products that deliver on performance, value, and durability . When you shop with us, you’re browsing through gear that we trust ourselves . What Makes Shopping with SaleonSports Smart?  1. Authenticity You Can Count On We source all our equipment directly from manufacturers and certified distributors . No duplicates. No grey-market products. Just 100% original, high-quality gear .  2. Expert ...

 Whether you're a budding cricketer or a parent buying your child's first bat, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. With so many options available—different willows, weights, grains, and profiles—it’s easy to get lost. But don’t worry! In this beginner’s guide from SaleonSports , we’ll help you understand what makes a cricket bat high-quality and how to pick the perfect one for your game. 1. Willow Type: English vs. Kashmir The first sign of a quality bat lies in the wood it’s made from—called willow . There are two main types: English Willow : Lighter, softer, and offers excellent stroke play. It's the preferred choice for professional cricketers. Kashmir Willow : Heavier and more durable. Great for beginners or casual matches, especially in Indian conditions. Pro Tip: For serious play, go with English Willow (even Grade 3 is great for beginners). For practice or street cricket, Kashmir Willow offers solid value. 2. Look at the Grains Grains are vert...

 In the fast-paced world of sports gear and online shopping, SaleonSports stands out not just as a retailer, but as a reliable partner for cricketers . Whether you're gearing up for your very first net session or playing in a competitive league, the quality of your gear matters—and that’s exactly where we come in. Backed by Passion, Driven by Quality At SaleonSports, we’re not just businesspeople—we’re fans and players of the game. Our team understands the highs and lows of cricket. That’s why every product we sell is selected not only for its looks or brand name but for its performance, durability, and real-world reliability . Why SaleonSports Is Trusted by Thousands  100% Genuine Products All our items are sourced directly from verified manufacturers and official brand partners . When you shop with us, you're guaranteed original, high-quality cricket gear —no fakes, no second-cuts, no risks.  Rigorously Checked for Performance Each product is tested and reviewe...