How To Knock In, Prepare & Oil Your Cricket Bat

Knocking-in and preparing your cricket bat is vital to maximise the performance of your bat and most importantly prevent any damage from occurring.
In this video, Richard & Neil take a detailed, in-depth look at the knocking in process which includes answering these key questions:
Why knock in your cricket bat?
How to knock in your cricket bat?
How long should you knock in your bat?
Does every bat need knocking in?
When can we start using our bat?
How to oil your cricket bat?
If you would like your bat professionally knocked in, check out our knocking-in service here ► seriouscricket.co.uk/equipmen...
If you purchase your next bat from Serious Cricket, you will benefit from a discounted rate on knocking-in (simply add 'knocking-in' as an extra when purchasing your bat).
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[@abhijitpadalkar7101]

Thank you... was helpful as I am just starting to knock a new bat for my son !!!

[@WONDERCS]

THANK Y’ALL FOR THIS AWESOME INFORMATIVE CONVERSATION.

[@ajaysable8006]

Thanks for your informative videos. Keep up the great work gentlemen!

[@prabhakarkmv5282]

Wow!Nice bat with perfect grains! ❤ 🏏

[@MrWolverine23i]

Very Informative! Good work! and Thanks!!

[@wsportsentertainment5855]

Very helpful and informative video. Thank u

[@ravikumarmula3842]

Thanks a lot sir Very helpful Good work, keep going

[@1972dsrai]

I bought a quality English willow bat when I last visited India in 2015 and apart from a little light oiling I never did much to protect it and it’s still going strong tbf. Probably more down to luck than anything else. Even if you do all the right things bats can still crack or break. You see it in professional cricket from time to time.

[@herbizzzle]

Thank you. Very helpful and informative

[@SeriousCricketTV]

You're welcome!

[@salifechannel225]

Very helpful video Thanks from Ockley cricket club, Surrey

[@Jo91192]

Just what I needed, thank you! I just got a new Kookaburra Ghost Pro 7.1 with extratec already on it and edge guards and toe guard.

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Hi Targuin, glad you enjoyed the video, go well with your new bat!

[@Imran_khan0147]

Great video 🤗

[@pmblackmore]

Hi, very useful video thanks, do you recommend knocking in before oiling?

[@sreekanthdkburra911]

Thanks for the video, nice demonstration and explanation as well. I have bought a new SG triple crown icon-english willow grade 3( vintage 😁 seems to be the trend that all brands are launching here in India). Do you any extra suggestions for the same? Thank you again.

[@bakugo_9487]

I've also baught sg sunny Tonny xtreme grade 2 bat

[@shaikhsahib02]

Good and quite beneficial, keep up the good work guys

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Thank you 👍

[@skaiyum2226]

thanks for the video

[@sushantgamesandsports1241]

Good explanation,now I surely understand

[@SeriousCricketTV]

👍👍👍👍

[@prabhakarkmv4135]

Do u know that one sports shop in Mohali in India has got a special machine for knocking the bat!? Yes, it's an automatic machine.No manual work is needed.It has a meter for counting the knocks. It can give up to 10,000 Knocks at one go.It takes 15to20 minutes per bat&they charge ₹300/- (about 3 to 4 $s!) If u are not aware of this type of machine .You must take look at this

[@dulangaguruge4764]

Thanks

[@mussavirpatel2216]

Educative.. Please share the full process of knocking the bat , there is no clarify on how to knock at the mid section of the bat .. It could have been better had you used the bat for demonstration which is just purchased and ready for use for knocking, rather than a brand new bat , which is not purchased.. Thank you for the edifying , useful and basic information which gives the insight of knocking process..

[@arjeng273]

For a new English willow, do we need to oil or just knocking is enough? Also, should we knock first followed by oiling or vice versa is also ok?

[@cr1cket_sh0rtz47]

Hi i bought a bat from serious cricket and my bat has a scuff sheet on the from and on the back it’s filled with stickers so where do i oil my bat?

[@illusionmayed]

Brilliant

[@bdnnjjjrbhbbskk]

how many hours should i knock a GM Now bat before a real match i got a GM prima premier. it’s brand new..

[@greghuzi7265]

Just bought my son a brand new NB grade 2 willow bat for Christmas. This video is a god send 👍🏻👌🏻 Merry Christmas 🎄🎅🏻🙌

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Thanks Greg! Hope he goes well!

[@humarajab760]

Hi, can we oil and knock a Kashmir willow bat the same way?

[@mainul540]

Beautiful

[@ramu-xf4rt]

Good explanation

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Thanks!

[@prabhakarkmv5282]

But there is a bat press also! Isn't it!? ❤ 🏏

[@infinityuniverse4858]

Informative and well presented... Question: Did he say Kashmir Willow doesn't need oiling? Pls Clarify.

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Thank you 😀 you don't necessarily need to oil Kashmir bats.

[@todayscrickethighlights135]

​​@@SeriousCricketTVReally, but why in English Willow and not in Kashmir Willow?

[@skgowtham2541]

Hes so underatted

[@alexgeorge5299]

amazing video, can’t wait to use my new bat

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Top stuff, what did you go for?

[@kahnucharansahoo263]

Good

[@owaisahmed5265]

Very helpfull

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Thank you!

[@chrisgardiner6771]

Hi. I have removed the stickers from my bat, as I want to put some new ones on (its not a new bat). I have left the anti scuff sheet on the front, so I am only oiling the back. You say about avoiding the splice, so do I just oil everywhere below it, or is it OK the oil either side of the splice, making sure I don't apply any oil directly on it? Also, how long do you recommend I leave the bat after oiling, before applying the new stickers? Thanks 👍

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Hi Chris, oil everywhere below the splice. Leave the bat at least a few days before thinking about applying the stickers. You will be able to feel when the bat has dried out. If you try and apply stickers when the bat isn't fully dry they will just come off. Go well 👍

[@chrisgardiner6771]

@@SeriousCricketTV Thanks for your reply 👍

[@sharocckkkhan7292]

How many hours should the bat be knocked on a knocking in machine?

[@dharmasastha14]

Hi I’m planning to purchase a New Balance TC 360 in H size . I am a 13 year old beginner player. Would I have to knock it in / bat oil ? It’s Kashmir willow and is it suitable for hardball use? And it looks like a bargain on your website or if there are any other affordable beginner friendly hardball bat options let me know ! Thanks

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Hi there, unfortunately we don't stock the TC 360 in Harrow. New Balance cricket bats will need oiling and knocking in and if you are looking to buy kashmir willow, this will not be suitable for hard ball cricket.

[@PraveenKumar-lx5pf]

Can I oil the toe and then put the toe guard or do I need to put the toe guard without oiling? My bat does not have an anti-scuff sheet, so after oiling can I put an anti-scuff sheet?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Hi Praveen, there is no harm in oiling the toe before you apply a toe guard - just make sure it has dried before applying. You can also add the scuff sheet after oiling but again you will need to make sure the bat is dry otherwise the scuff sheet won't stick.

[@civillines]

I just snapped my Kookaburra Rapid on Wednesday. I wish I watched this video prior. Great video!

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Oh no, hopefully, it was within its warranty period. Thank you for your kind words.

[@karthickdamotharan4596]

I bought new dsc, i need to do oiling and knocking. When to do knocking the edges, it's before oiling or after

[@SeriousCricketTV]

We recommend to knock in your bat first then oil 🏏

[@prabhakarkmv5282]

I don't see many using(raw linseed oil!?) oil these days! 🏏

[@abhaypandey7701]

One Question, do we need to knock bat in start of every season, I have 2 of them from last 5 seasons . knocked only when they were brand new. Any suggestions

[@SeriousCricketTV]

You only need to knock in your bat once. Season to season you will need to oil the bat and we would always recommend netting with old soft cricket balls before going straight into matches.

[@shendevishvesh]

My bat was machine knocked then was protected with anti-scruff sheet (in your store). After few nets I notice ball marks and indentation... Do you recommend to remove the anti-scruff sheet and then knock or can I knock on top of it? To be frank was hoping the bat to be ready for use after handed to you guys.

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Hi Vishvesh, you can knock in on top of it. Some bats are softer than others and may still show indentations after thorough knocking-in but rest assured if you've had it run through the machine it will be fit for play 👍

[@harshindublin]

I had the same question. As I recently got a new bat and got it oiled and machine knocked. The shop owner said to try out few balls(50-60) in Nets to get bat ready and then go for actual net session!

[@russelpackard3643]

Hi, I bought a new bat and it arrived with tape down the edges. Is it necessary for me to remove the tape before oiling and knocking in or can I proceed to oil the uncovered portion? Thanks

[@SeriousCricketTV]

The tape will reinforce the edges and we wouldn't advise taking this off. You can oil on the back of the bat where the wood is exposed 👍

[@asifurchoudhury9905]

Should we knock the bat BEFORE or AFTER the oiling? Also how long should we wait until the oil dries, so I can take the bat to the match?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

It doesn't matter either way. You should wait overnight at least to ensure the bat has absorbed all of the oil.

[@SHANTANUKACHARE-AUM]

Hi

[@rishyajayan8708]

How many says we

[@robinsmyth2353]

Just bought a kookaburra shadow bat in a SH. Any chance of a review?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Unfortunately, we have sold out of this bat so are unable to provide a review 👎

[@robinsmyth2353]

Thanks anyway. Keep up the good work.

[@dwarkeshtrivedi7416]

What do you do if in error in you hit the sides lightly with a bat is it done or the bat is usable with nearly all its good qualities. This is a gm bat.

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Difficult to tell without seeing any damage to the bat. Should be find though as long as no severe cracks / splitting.

[@rohanbajaj3493]

How long should I leave the bat for after applying the oil ?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Leave it overnight 👍

[@zainbihnam4218]

Are GM bats already knocked in if not how can I tell of it is knocked in or needs to be?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

GM bats come pre-prepared and are in theory 'match ready' although we recommend another hour or so of knocking-in or netting with an old, soft cricket ball before you use the bat in a match.

[@Noo.nnamee]

Hello instead of using linseed oil to oil a bat can u use the alternatives to linseed oil such as olive oil, mustard oil e.t.c

[@SeriousCricketTV]

we only recommend using linseed oil 🏏

[@Noo.nnamee]

@@SeriousCricketTV okay thanks for h the respond but what would happen if I use mustard oil?

[@alexandrsoch3237]

Just bought a new bat and my question is do I have to oil it? It’s grade 1 and 2 English willow and im looking to knock it in for 4 + hours and apply a anti scuff sheet and tape for edges and toe. So do I have to oil it first or only during off season

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Yes, you will need to oil any new cricket bat. I would oil before putting on the anti-scuff sheet. However you will need to ensure the bat is fully dry before applying the scuff sheet otherwise it won't stick.

[@navdeepmalhotra6592]

Do review SLAZENGER crick bats. .plz👍

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Hi Navdeep, unfortunately, we don't stock Slazenger so are unable to do a review.

[@bumperfps]

do i need to oil before applying a scuff sheet or can i just chuck a scuff sheet on and apply oil from the back of the bat?

[@eeeeaaaa6457]

Before

[@oli-the-turd-8349]

Just a quick question, i am thinking about buying i Gray Nicholls delta english willow, if i didn’t want to buy a bat mallet as i am only 11 could i knock it in with an old ball?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

You can use an old ball in a sock. The benefits of using a mallet is you can be more accurate but a ball in a sock can also work.

[@oli-the-turd-8349]

@@SeriousCricketTV thanks very helpful.

[@yousy92]

I have a bat that I bought before the pandemic, which hasnt been used for 2 and a half years. I have tried using it, didn't feel or sound very nice. Can this be knocked in?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Yes you can still knock the bat in 👍

[@sahajsoni3946]

If my new bat is covered with anti scuff sheet , then should I remove it and oil it or should I just oil the back and edges of the bat?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Just oil the back, don't remove the scuff sheet.

[@Ob1sdarkside]

Just about to knock in a bat!

[@vedanshmittal4810]

hello sir...my father's friend works in hyundai company..so he found one cricket kit of 2011 world cup(hyundai must have sponsored so they gave it...he found it now in some corner)...he gave it to me...so bat was 10 years old...but fully packed in paper and bag...but i doubt the condition and grains...and i am have knocked it for about 1 hour but they edges didnt get round...and how can i test whether the bat is ready or not...can i send dm u the pic on instagram and u can tell me whether it is fit for leather ball and how much knocking it requires

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Hi Vedanash, bounce a brand new cricket ball on the bat - if you see indentations from the seam, it will need knocking in!

[@michielventer3542]

Greetings from South African. So you knock the bat in and then you oil the bat. The you fit a anti scuff sheet a cuppel of days later ???

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Greetings Michiel. That is correct. The anti-scuff will go on last because you will need to ensure the bat has dried out from the oiling, otherwise the scuff sheet won't stick.

[@oce_savage1018]

What order do I do them in. Should I oil it before I put on anti scuff and knock in after ati scuff applied?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Hi there. Oil the bat first and leave it horizontal overnight. I would then knock in the cricket bat first with a bat mallet, and then apply the anti-scuff sheet.

[@oce_savage1018]

@@SeriousCricketTV Thanks for the help. I will do that.

[@abdulameed9484]

Sir your best cricket bat brand??? Tell sit

[@SeriousCricketTV]

We have a wide range of bats - In our opinion no brand is better than another as bats are a personal preference and suit different styles of players 🏏

[@MegaMonu007]

Do we have to first oil our bat or first knock in and the oil it?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

We suggest oiling your bat first then knocking in. You can also apply an additional coat of oil after knocking in.

[@amulyagupta8820]

Which oil is used ? Pls share

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Raw Linseed Oil

[@rishyajayan8708]

Is there any problem if we don't rub the bat with the sand paper before oiling

[@SeriousCricketTV]

No, it should be fine although will depend on the condition of the bat,

[@Dizzyyy8899]

Can you put bat oil over a bat sticker on the back of the bat?

[@sauravsinha8875]

Hi I have a query, after oiling after how many days can we apply an anti scuff sheet

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Not a set time, apply the anti-scuff when the bat has fully dried out.

[@sauravsinha8875]

@@SeriousCricketTV ok

[@sauravsinha8875]

@@SeriousCricketTV thank you for you help

[@sauravsinha8875]

@@SeriousCricketTV also if I get some indentations on my bat from knocking it a little too hard the bat will be fine

[@tahirrafiq12]

I've a bat for knocking in Do you have this facility

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Hi Tahir, we do offer a knocking in service - ecs.page.link/CZhnF

[@tck3466]

How would I know that my bat need oil and how much time I have to oil my bat

[@SeriousCricketTV]

As a guide you should look to oil your bat maybe once or twice a season - if the bat feels dry then give it another coat of oil. If you have an anti-scuff sheet on the face of the bat you only need to oil the back of the bat on the exposed wood areas. Once you have oiled the bat, leave it horizontal overnight to allow the oil to soak into the willow 👍

[@harisbinshahid]

What to do if we over oil somehow ??

[@amolmehlawat8197]

Should we oil first and then knock or knock first and then oil it?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Knock in first and then oil 🙂

[@urmumisleng]

I have a bas vampire bat kashmir willow and i’m using hard ball. Do i need a new bat?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

We would recommend English Willow bats when using hard ball as Kashmir willow is really designed for soft balls 👍

[@urmumisleng]

@@SeriousCricketTV or ok thank you. do you have any recommendations?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

@@urmumisleng it would all depend on what you are willing to spend - obviously the more you spend the better quality willow. You can filter by price on our website under 'cricket bats' which will give you a range of bats that suit your budget.

[@urmumisleng]

@@SeriousCricketTV Ok thank you!

[@Aymbotfn]

Hi guys, thanks for the tips. i was wondering if i should knock in my cricket at first or apply oil first? Please reply.

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Hi ayman, it doesn't really matter, you can do it either way 👍

[@Aymbotfn]

Thanks again guys

[@SeriousCricketTV]

You're welcome 👍

[@SyedInamUlHaqGeelani]

Aslamualaikum😊

[@SyedInamUlHaqGeelani]

It doesn't matter you first either knock or oil your bat

[@noortheladystep9206]

What type of oil we use for bat for knocking

[@todayscrickethighlights135]

Linseed oil

[@civilengineeringworkshortv5147]

Kashmiri willow bat will also be with you and India price

[@ramu-xf4rt]

Before oiling complete knocking is necessary ?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Either before or after but you must make sure you knock the bat in 👍

[@ramu-xf4rt]

@@SeriousCricketTV Thanks A lot for information

[@shahidmalik4281]

Love from kashmir ❤️ india

[@rishyajayan8708]

For how many hours we should leave the bat after oiling

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Leave it overnight 👍🏻

[@rishyajayan8708]

Thanks

[@bengiles5691]

when oiling a new bat, how many coats should it have?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Just one coat is enough - a couple of drops of oil.

[@euanveale-wright4128]

two coats btw one back two front toe and edges

[@yogananda.k8771]

How long i should knock my bat size 7

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Check out our video where we talk about how long you should spend when knocking in a bat 👉 ecs.page.link/nrZWo

[@oat2096]

Hi, im not really sure but my new bat has fibreglass(not sure) edges but not the face, so should i just oil the back od front or both sides

[@SeriousCricketTV]

In this situation we recommend you oil the back and leave it face down to allow it to dry 🏏

[@cubingmakingitfunandeasy3576]

What should we do first knocking or oiling?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Whatever you prefer. Some people like to oil first whereas others prefer to oil after.

[@longdongmilo3358]

is it okay if my bat says GM ready instead of GM now

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Yes 👍

[@bishyfishyvr5245]

I had been knocking the bat in but I noticed some indentation as well as scars in the bat should I be worried that I’m breaking the bat or is that normal.

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Indentations are normal, the willow is most likely soft and you are compressing the fibres 👍

[@zxtrenixx]

Does it harm your bat if you oilled it in the middle of knocking it Like it wasn't fully knocked

[@brokenburst4009]

Always oil your bat before knocking in, other wise your bat will be smudged

[@zxtrenixx]

@@brokenburst4009 but my bat isn't fully knocked and + I knocked it witha sockand ball. sometimes I did with hammer. Can i still oil it now

[@brokenburst4009]

@@zxtrenixx since you already did it you wanna put not much oil on the bat and let it over night and start knocking it in

[@zxtrenixx]

@@brokenburst4009 ok

[@brokenburst4009]

@@zxtrenixx np bro gl

[@willo3620]

What happens if u do it in the wrong order??

[@SeriousCricketTV]

There is no wrong order 👍

[@townend80]

If my bat says GM ready, does that mean oiled too?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Yes, it has been 👍

[@townend80]

@@SeriousCricketTV hmmm I’ve given it a very light oil from the back (it has a scuff guard). Literally a small drop, should that be ok?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

@@townend80 yes that is not a problem. We often advise to give it another little coat of oil anyway 😀

[@townend80]

@@SeriousCricketTV phew. Good news. Thanks for the advice

[@sirenhead1017]

Can I have that gm

[@NoOne-gf3fr]

Can I use a metal mallet

[@SeriousCricketTV]

we advise not to use a metal mallet as this will damage the willow.

[@Ash-yi6qs]

Should I knock in the bat first or oil it first?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

No right or wrong answer here, whatever your preference. Personally, I knock the bat in first then oil after 👍

[@civilengineeringworkshortv5147]

How much will the bat cost

[@SeriousCricketTV]

All bat prices available on our website.

[@trixxdan7057]

How many coats of oil for a new bat?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Just one coat, you don't want to over oil the bat 🏏

[@carewbell7681]

Is it a massive issue to store your bat inside

[@SeriousCricketTV]

It is not ideal but just make sure you oil the bat to avoid it drying out. Don't store it anywhere that is likely to get warm / hot.

[@chrisfennell7594]

Do you have to knock in a bat every year or just a brand new bat?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Just a brand new bat 👍

[@trive8339]

Does it have to be a pecific oil or any oil

[@SeriousCricketTV]

Raw linseed oil

[@elainewatkins946]

Ca

[@trishveersingh5267]

What happens if you over oil a bat

[@rishyajayan8708]

For how many hours in a day we want to knock a cricket bat

[@cricketcycle3951]

2-3 hours for Junior 4-5 hours for adult

[@thejunglegod]

Do i knock before or after oiling?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

always knock in before oiling 🏏

[@TheSirFur]

Should you knock your bat prior to adding a scuff sheet?

[@SeriousCricketTV]

We always suggest to knock in the bat first before applying your scuff sheet - go well 🏏