After a player decides on the height and weight of the cricket bat, he wants to decide on the Cricket Bat Willow Grading before making the final purchase call. But what is grading of a bat, you may ask. Today, we will tell you about bat grading and its types. 

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What is Cricket Bat Grading?

It is a measurable ‘Standard’ property of a cricket bat based on the size of the willow (wood) grain. The bat willow, which has narrow sized/more grains, is softer and has excellent performance qualities. But they have a shorter lifespan on the field. And the willow with broader/fewer grains is harder and durable but is slow in performance. 

Grading tells you about the quality level of the bat. And Grade 1, being the best one, is suitable for professional players. But the other grades too are good enough for use. 

What are English and Kashmiri Willows?

A Kashmiri Willow is affordable and makes a good bat for local cricket matches. But it’s not that it is a mere mediocre. Ace players like Sachin Tendulkar and Sir Vivian Richards have used Grade 1 of Kashmiri Willows. The wood is harder and denser than English Willow.

An English Willow wears the Golden Crown among willows. It costs a small fortune as this wood is not readily available. This bat has a ‘ping’ to it, making it easy for the batsman to hit a century. 

Grades in Detail-

Grade 1– This most prized cricket bat willow is the most expensive and handsome looking, with 7-10 straight grains on the surface. It has a blemish and discoloration free face.

Features-

  • Limited bat due to willow unavailability
  • Best unbleached bat willow
  • Straight grains
  • Bats are tested for high performance
  • Used by International cricket professional players

Grade 2 The blade is of high quality with 6 straight grains. The only difference with the grade 1 is that it has visible red wood on the edges. But it doesn’t affect the performance ability of this willow.

Features-

  • Has excellent quality butterfly blades
  • Seasoned unbleached English Willow
  • Has minor blemishes, pink knots and specks

Grade 3- is the most sold bat willow in the market as it has a ‘ping’ that helps score more runs. It costs lower than the grades above because it has a blemish tint and 5 grains on its face. There are tiny knots too. But this doesn’t affect its playing abilities. 

Features

  • High-quality bleached English Willow
  • Most produced and sold in the market
  • Minor blemishes in red
  • Minor knots and specks

Grade 4– This willow type is discolored more than half of its length with just 4 straight grains on the surface. It has many butterfly stains, making it more robust than other willows.

Features– 

  • White Polycoat Surface Finish
  • Butterfly specks

Grade 5– This cricket Bat Willow is full of stains and discolored appearance. It is best for practice sessions.

The above information will help you choose the right willow bat for yourself to score a century.

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