Weight of an International Cricket Bat, Cricket Bat Weight Chart

What is the normal weight of a cricket bat?

There are different types of bats with different weights.

International players use bats with different weights according to their Convenience.

The average weight of a cricket bat used by international cricketers varies from – 1.3 to 1.45 kg.

It depends upon the size of the bat, the quality of the willow used, etc. The weight of a bat plays a very clinical role in the performance of a player as the player chooses their bat considering various factors.

ICC rules for Cricket Bats

ICC – International Cricket Council. All the rules of international cricket are prescribed by the ICC. Even the weight of the bat, how it should be, what should be the weight of the bat, etc. everything is prescribed by the ICC.

The latest laws amended by the ICC regarding the cricket bat were formulated in October 2017. These are:

• Law 5 of the Laws of Cricket state that the length of the bat may be no more than 38 in (965 mm), the width no more than 4.25 in (108 mm), the overall depth no more than 2.64 in (67 mm) and edge no more than 1.56 in (40 mm).
• Generally, the weight of the bats is from 1.2 to 1.4 kg) though there is no standard. Appendix B of the Laws of Cricket set out more precise specifications. This ICC Rules For Cricket Bat was introduced following the Monster Bat Incident of 1771.
• The 2017 update to the Laws saw no changes to the maximum length of the bat, 38 inches/96.52 cm. Still, a new specification stated that the edge of the bat could not be more than 1.56 inches / 4 cm, while the depth cannot be more than 2.64 inches / 6.7 cm.
• The umpires are now given a bat gauge to check the bat at any time.
• There are various types sizes of a bat starting from 0-6 and then High Size (HS)
• As per ICC rules for cricket bats, only wood, cane, and or twine can be used for making bats. Materials other than this are restricted.
• Another important thing is that for Grade A and Grade B bats, this treatment must not change the color of the blade, but for Grade C, a significant color change is allowed. Toe insert can be used for Grade B and Grade C, but Grade A may not be used. But it cannot be more than 2.5 in/6.35 cm up the blade at any point. Like toe insert Grade
• Grade A bats may not have side inserts, but Grade B and Grade C bats may have side inserts. It cannot be more than 1 in/2.54 cm across the blade at any point. The binding cannot be more than 2.5 in/6.35 cm, and the grip cannot be more than 2.75 in/6.99 cm. The electrical or similar tape can be used to keep the grip more stable.

Types of bats and their weight

There are various types of bats in cricket but generally, it is divided into 2 categories:

1. Light Weight
2. Heavy Weight

1. Light Weight – A lightweight bat is approximately 1150 grams. It generates a speed of around 20-25 kmph and a power of 250-300. Lightweight cricket bats are generally used by youngsters or players who are just starting their careers. The advantage of this type of bat is that since it is light, so it allows the batsman to play a variety of shots and also develop technique. Development of technique is not possible with a heavy bat as it will restrict the arms of the batsman.

• Heavy Weight– A heavy bat is approximately 1600 grams. It generates a speed of around 25-40kmph and a power of 300-400. Heavy bats are often used by bulky players or players with more power however, Sachin Tendulkar is an exception as he used a heavy bat. These bats are used by the batsmen who bat down the order when the ball gets old and timing isn’t enough, then these bats are used. Handling this type of bat is a skill in itself. Not everyone can play with it.

How to Select a Right Cricket Bat

Selecting a cricket bat isn’t as easy as it sounds. So, here are some tips on how to select the right cricket bat:

• The most important factor while buying a bat is the price of the bat and the budget of the purchaser. How much money can the buyer spend on the bat?
• The next factor is to determine the use of the bat. Whether the bat is going to be used regularly or just in matches or just in nets initially.
• The next important factor while buying the bat is its size and the height of the person for whom the bat is being purchased. Here is the chart of the size of the bat with the height of a person:

Height (Feet & Inches)	Recommended Bat Size
4ft and under	0
4ft – 4ft 3 inches	1
4ft 3 – 4ft 6 inches	2
4ft 6 – 4ft 9 inches	3
4ft 9 – 4ft 11 inches	4
4ft 11 – 5ft 2 inches	5
5ft 2 – 5ft 6 inches	6
5ft 6 – 5ft 9 inches	Harrow
5ft 9 – 6ft 2 inches	Short Handle
6ft 2 inches and above	Long Handle

• The next important factor to keep in mind while selecting a bat is its weight. Whether the player likes to play with light weighted bat or heavy weighted bat.
• After that shortlist a few bats which match all the above criteria.
• Then pick each bat, see its grains, blade, and handle, and do a no. of shadows to see the balance of the bat.
• When all the criteria are satisfied then select the new bat.

Impact of Bat Weight on the Player’s Performance

The weight of the bat and the player’s performance is directly or maybe indirectly linked. If a player is not playing with a bat that has an accurate weight that suits him then there is a high chance that the batsman can fail to perform.

The weight of the bat plays a crucial role as timing, accuracy, power, and control of a batsman is depended on the weight. If the batsman is playing with a heavy bat that doesn’t suit him then there, he will be able to hit the ball with more power but at the same time, he’ll be unable to play all the shots because of the heavy bat. That’s why the player’s performance is linked and has an impact because of the weight of the bat.

Bats Used by Famous Cricketers

1. Lance Klusener – A South African batsman used one of the heaviest bats in cricket. The weight of his bat was around 3.375 pounds. He was one of the most dangerous hitters.
2. Sachin Tendulkar -The god of cricket with 100 centuries in international cricket used heavy bats which is shocking. The weight of his bat was around 3.25lb.
3. Chris Gayle – Better known as the ‘Universe Boss’, the man with the most number of sixes. The weight of his bat was around 1.36kg which is almost 3 pounds. The bat surely couldn’t be used by a player other than Gayle’s ability.
4. Virender Sehwag -The opening partner of Sachin Tendulkar also used heavy bats. He opened the test match in the same manner as he used to open it in ODI. The weight of his bat is just short of 3 pounds which is 1.35kg.
5. Ms Dhoni – One of the greatest finishers in the cricket history also uses heavy bats. His bat weighs around 1.25kg. One of the unique features of his bat is it is chopped round from the bottom that helps him to his sixes with ease.
6. Virat Kohli – The greatest cricketer of the modern day and who’s always compared to the legends uses lightweight cricket bats. Since Virat Kohli has the perfect timing and does not believe in power, he uses light weighted bats. The weight of his bat is around 1.13kg.

How to Maintain Proper Weight of the Bat

There are several methods by which the weight of the bat can be maintained, namely:

• Store the bat properly
• Stroke the bat regularly
• Applying oil or wax
• Use of rubber grips
• Avoid using a bat in rain or extreme temperature

Cricket Bats and Injuries

It is true that not using the appropriate weight of a bat can cause several injuries which may further result in rehabilitation or even break from the sport for a long time. Using heavy bats than prescribed may cause injuries to the spine, back, hamstring, forearm, shoulder, or even neck. These injuries can be dangerous as they can cause a sprain, strain, or even fracture.

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