The earliest cricket bats looked quite similar to current hockey sticks. There were initially no regulations regarding the shape or size of any bat. Gentlemen would instead make agreements about the size and width. Those bats were light along their lengths, but had heavy bases.
In the eighteenth century, another rule came into being: that the maximum width of a bat was four and a quarter inches. This happened because in 1774, a player named Shock White created a bat that was as wide as the stump itself.
An early bat could easily be shattered or broken. This is because they were were all made from single lengths of wood. Then, in 1830, a separate handle was added to the bat, making it sturdier and stronger. After four years, a new regulation was developed. This limited the length of the bat to thirty-eight inches.
Originally, there was no specific wood used to make a bat. Eventually, however, it was decided that English Willow Wood was best, because it was strong, but still light enough for players to use. A bat made from this wood, however, weighed about 5 lbs.
Another alteration changed the use from heartwood to sapwood. This decreased the weight by more than half. Then, in 1920, something a little heavier was desired again, as it was discovered that they lasted longer and could produce more power than lighter ones.
In modern times, manufacturers have discovered ways to enhance the power of the bat even more. Certain designs create ideal spots on the bat, greatly increasing the power if the ball hits there. In addition, they have found a way to make the shaft heavier, while keeping a light feel. These cricket bats are still able to be swung quickly. The downside is that they only last for about one thousand runs before they need to be replaced.
In the eighteenth century, another rule came into being: that the maximum width of a bat was four and a quarter inches. This happened because in 1774, a player named Shock White created a bat that was as wide as the stump itself.
An early bat could easily be shattered or broken. This is because they were were all made from single lengths of wood. Then, in 1830, a separate handle was added to the bat, making it sturdier and stronger. After four years, a new regulation was developed. This limited the length of the bat to thirty-eight inches.
Originally, there was no specific wood used to make a bat. Eventually, however, it was decided that English Willow Wood was best, because it was strong, but still light enough for players to use. A bat made from this wood, however, weighed about 5 lbs.
Another alteration changed the use from heartwood to sapwood. This decreased the weight by more than half. Then, in 1920, something a little heavier was desired again, as it was discovered that they lasted longer and could produce more power than lighter ones.
In modern times, manufacturers have discovered ways to enhance the power of the bat even more. Certain designs create ideal spots on the bat, greatly increasing the power if the ball hits there. In addition, they have found a way to make the shaft heavier, while keeping a light feel. These cricket bats are still able to be swung quickly. The downside is that they only last for about one thousand runs before they need to be replaced.
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If you want to know more about Cricket Bats and their history, or see some modern examples, visit your local Cricket Shop.
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