English Willow
Already decided on English willow? Then the only questions left are grade, pressing and pickup. Every blade here is hand-pressed, checked for ping and balance before it goes on sale, and available pre-knocked if you would rather not spend six to eight hours with a mallet.
Comparing models before you commit? Read our English willow buying guide.
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BAT DIAMOND DXM ORIGINAL TTNOW
£389.99 -
CRICKET BAT - DIAMOND 202 'BS55'
£1,000.00
English willow is the benchmark cricket bat material - lighter, softer and more responsive than Kashmir willow, with the grain structure that produces the "ping" off a well-timed drive. Our English willow cricket bat collection spans every grade from premium Grade 1 (tight straight grain, minimal blemishes) through club-level Grade 2 and 3 pressings, across junior sizes 4 and 5, Harrow, and senior Short Handle. Each bat is pressed in the UK and traditionally shaped, with options for pre-knocked-in delivery if you want to skip the break-in process and take guard straight away.
English Willow Cricket Bats collection
Discover the unparalleled performance and craftsmanship of our English Willow Cricket Bats collection. Each bat in this range is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted from the finest English willow to deliver exceptional power, control, and balance. Designed for both professional players and passionate enthusiasts, these cricket bats provide the edge needed to excel in every game.
Experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation with our bats. The premium willow ensures maximum performance and durability, allowing you to play with confidence and precision. Whether you're facing fast bowlers or playing spin, our bats offer superior response and feel, making every shot count.
These cricket bats are not just sporting equipment; they are an investment in your game. Feel the difference in every stroke as the carefully engineered sweet spot and lightweight design enhance your playing style. The handcrafted quality ensures each bat meets the highest standards, giving you the reliability and consistency you need to dominate on the pitch.
Choose our English Willow Cricket Bats and elevate your game to new heights. Perfect for match-winning performances and memorable innings, these bats are designed to help you achieve your cricketing dreams. Step onto the field with confidence and showcase your skills with the best equipment by your side.
How to choose an English willow cricket bat
Grade determines price and performance, not appearance. Willow is graded by the number and straightness of grains on the face, the tightness of the grain pattern, and the absence of blemishes. Grade 1 willow has 6-12 tight straight grains, minimal butterfly stains, and produces the liveliest response - these are the bats used at first-class level and priced accordingly (£250-500). Grade 2 has 6-10 grains with minor blemishes acceptable (£150-250), Grade 3 has fewer grains and more character marks but performs well for club cricket (£100-150). Grade 4 and below are training-only.
Size the bat to the player's height, not age. A size 6 bat on a 150cm player is too big - they'll drag it through the shot and lose bat speed. Use our size chart below: junior sizes 4-6 cover heights up to around 162cm, Harrow fits players 162-168cm, and Short Handle (SH) is the standard adult size for players 168-185cm. Long Handle (LH) or Long Blade (LB) variants exist for players over 185cm.
Weight and pickup matter more than static weight. A bat might weigh 2lb 10oz on the scale but pick up like 2lb 7oz if the swell is well-positioned and the handle is balanced. Aim for a pickup that feels slightly lighter than the static weight - this is what keeps bat speed up through the arc of the shot. Power-hitters typically prefer 2lb 10oz-2lb 12oz with a mid-low swell; touch players prefer 2lb 8oz-2lb 10oz with a mid swell.
Knocking in is non-negotiable. A new unprepared English willow bat needs 6-8 hours of knocking-in with a mallet before facing a new cricket ball - skip this and the willow compresses unevenly, which causes cracks. Pre-knocked bats are ready for match use; unprepared bats need your time and a proper mallet.
English willow cricket bat size guide
|
Bat size |
Player height |
Typical age |
Blade length |
|
Size 4 |
137-144 cm |
9-11 years |
~66 cm |
|
Size 5 |
144-150 cm |
10-12 years |
~68 cm |
|
Size 6 |
150-157 cm |
11-13 years |
~71 cm |
|
Harrow |
162-168 cm |
13-15 years |
~80 cm |
|
Short Handle (SH) |
168-185 cm |
Adult |
~85 cm |
|
Long Handle / Blade |
185 cm+ |
Adult tall |
~87 cm |
Frequently asked questions
Grade 1 English willow has 6-12 tight straight grains, minimal blemishes and produces the liveliest response - used at first-class level. Grade 2 has slightly fewer grains with minor butterfly marks acceptable. Both perform well; Grade 1 costs roughly 40-60% more.
A Grade 1 English willow bat lasts one to three seasons of regular club play with proper oiling, knocking-in and a toe guard. Grade 2 and 3 bats last similarly with good care. Softer pressings (Grade 1) ping harder but dent more easily than firmer pressings.
Yes - a new unprepared English willow bat needs 6-8 hours of knocking-in with a mallet across multiple sessions before facing a new leather ball. Skipping this causes uneven willow compression and premature cracks. We stock pre-knocked bats that are match-ready.
English willow is lighter, softer and more responsive, producing more power for the same weight. Kashmir willow is denser and harder, which makes it more durable but less lively. English willow is the standard for competitive cricket; Kashmir is common for entry-level and junior bats.
Apply a thin coat of raw linseed oil once every 3-4 months unless the bat is labelled pre-oiled, in which case only re-oil if the face starts to look dry. Over-oiling deadens the willow and adds weight - less is more with bat oil.
For regular club cricket, Grade 2 English willow offers the best balance of performance and value - most of the "ping" of Grade 1 at 60-70% of the price. Grade 3 suits occasional players and juniors; Grade 1 is justified for league batters who play 20+ innings a season.








