A cricket bat is used by the batsmen in the sport of cricket.

This specialised bat is shaped something like a paddle with a flat side and shallow V shaped side, the flat side is used to hit the ball. The bat is traditionally made from willow wood, specifically from the Cricket_bat Willow (Salix alba var. caerulea). This wood is used as it is very tough and shock_resistant, not being significantly dented nor splintering on the impact of a cricket ball at high speed, while also being light in weight. It incorporates a wooden spring design where the handle meets the blade. The rules of the game limit the allowable size for a bat as not more than 38" long and the blade may not be more than 4.25" wide. Bats typically weigh from 2lb 8oz to 3lb though there is no standard. The handle is usually covered with a rubber or cloth sleeve to enhance grip and the face of the bat may have a protective film.

It is reputed that Cricket bats are more damaging than Baseball Bats.

External links

• Cricket law 6 - the bat (http://www.lords.org/cricket/lw_0000000032.asp)
• Growing Willow for Cricket Bats (http://www.rfs.org.uk/thirdlevel.asp?ThirdLevel=168&SecondLevel=33)