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[ogroupleader]

Does oiling the back of the bat serve any practical purpose or is it just cosmetic?

[Krs]

Well I do both sides.

I am under the impression that you do the front to prevent moisture leaving the bat......In my head moisture can also leave the bat via the back, so I oil that to.

[mdg20]

Ive always done a light oli on the back - just to protect it from moisture etc

[VKS]

Oiling the back is just as important as the front. Naturally if you have a protective sheet on the face then oiling the back becomes essential.

[sgcricket]

Do apply a light coat to the back as well. Will agree with what Krs and VKS have said.

[Wickets-then-runs]

I always oil the back of the bat as i sweat a lot when taking guard and it drips onto the bat. As i also hit the ball with the back of the bat a lot, it helps with not splitting and the knocking in process... 

[mdg20]

As i also hit the ball with the back of the bat a lot, it helps with not splitting and the knocking in process... 

?? - try holding it the other way round with the flat bit facing the bowler

[mattw]

In short, yes.

Moisture escapes from everywhere on the bat that is not covered with either a sticker, scuff sheet or tape(where the bat is naked willow). So regularly applying an even small coat of all on the areas that are not covered is basically asking as a barrier to prevent the moisture from the willow escaping.