Cricket bat
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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 in (965 mm) long and the blade may not be more than 4.25 in (108 mm) wide. Bats typically weigh from 2 lb 8 oz to 3 lb (1.1 to 1.4 kg) 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)