It’s imperative that you pick the right cricket bat, but there are so many little decisions to make when you’re mulling over your next blade of glory.

Of course, the cost of a cricket bat means it’s an investment you want to get right, but the correct choice will depend on many factors, such as the level you play at, the type of wickets you typically play on, your primary discipline and position in the order, and your strengths as a batsman. Some people opt for power over playability, while others prefer a high swell to a low middle.

[caption id=”attachment_101782″ align=”alignnone” width=”800″] Have you discovered your ideal cricket bat yet?[/caption]

But there is a lot of noise out there, too, and it can all become a bit confusing. Here, Andy Pitt, cricket expert at Pro:Direct, drills it down to six basic tips for choosing the right cricket bat and ensuring it stays at peak performance for longer.

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1. Picking a bat is very subjective. A bat might feel like a wand to one player but an absolute plank to another!
2. The pick-up is key. If you don’t feel comfortable holding it when you first pick it up, you probably aren’t going to feel comfortable using it in a game. You want to walk out to the middle without worrying if your bat is too light or too bottom-heavy
3. Look for an evenly-weighted bat that feels natural in the hands.
4. Preparation is key. If you look after your bat it will look after you. Using a bat mallet, knock your bat in for anything up to six hours, and oil it twice with linseed oil – first at the start of the knocking-in process, and then halfway through.
5. Cricket bats are a natural product, so you’re bound to get surface cracks and slight compressions. Good preparation should help you avoid unnecessary damage.
6. Finally, apply an anti-scuff sheet and leave any yorkers when you’re netting!

[caption id=”attachment_98948″ align=”alignnone” width=”800″] Wisden Cricket Monthly recently showcased the finest cricket gear of 2019[/caption]