bradburycricket.com

Care & Repair

As soon as the bat leaves the workshop, it will be subject to wear and tear.  To minimise the rigorous effects of cricket, Bradbury have developed a Bat Care Kit to prolong the life of your bat.  Bats will also be supplied ready play in Australia, to lessen the possibility of damage due to inappropriate preparation. These bats should still be knocked in.

All staff at Bradbury have played cricket long enough to make an accurate assessment of what has happened to a cricket bat.

Willow is by its very nature, a soft wood, that when pressed, provides the rebound qualities required to strike the ball.  Some small cracks are bound to occur on the bat, due to wear and tear, these will not effect its performance.



 

 

   CHEAP BALLS are less resilient than well made, reputable brands. To use them is false economy. Basically, cheap balls will damage your bat in a very short time.

USE PROTECTIVE FACING. This is a prime example where modern technology provides an exceptional solution to an old problem. In the OLD days, oiling with linseed oil over a prolonged period of time, married with countless hours of knocking in was required to prepare and season the willow prior to match play. We do not recommend more than one very light coat of oil. When this is dry, apply a protective facing. Then begin the knocking in process.

Bat willow is soft and light, but hardens when subjected to pressing with rollers, or hand hammering. The knocking in process aims to gradually stretch and press the fibres of the willow- like wearing in a pair of new leather boots.

 

 

To ensure a long lasting future, the bat should be gradually knocked in with soft, old balls- with controlled hitting. Gradually progress to newer balls. Avoid bowling machine practice until the bat is well knocked in. If seam marks are visable, knocking in is not complete. An accurate time frame cannot be put on this process, however, the greater time spent on knocking in, the greater the likelihood of a longer lasting bat.

A guarantee is honoured against the workmanship and materials, when the bat is used in a proper and responsible manner, within the first season.  Water damage to toes causes cracking, yorkers and edges will cause additional damage that is not covered under warranty.  A toe guard fitted will go a long way towards protecting against severe water damage- though best action is to keep the toe dry. Despite the elements- the most major cause of excessive damage is cheap cricket balls that are so hard, no bat maker can protect against them. Proof of purchase (receipt) must be provided to the original place of purchase before any warranty work is considered.

If the ball strikes the edge of the bat with sufficient force, heavy impact damage may occur. Water penetrating the toe may cause the pressing to lift and if action is not taken immediately, the toe can be easily damaged by striking the ball or simply by heavy tapping at the crease.

All warranty claims MUST be returned to the place of purchase, it is here where the first assessment will be made.