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[Gboots]

Over the last few years I have begun purchasing cricket bats just for the fun of it . something I could only have dreamed  of as a child. I don't play any more but I do occasionally use the bats when practicing with a paceman light bowling machine (ie soft light ball)

My general question is does a new bat dry out and "ruin"'over time if not oiled ?I have a few bats that are over three ears old that have never been oiled used. Do they dry out ? Should I be oiling them ? I have considered just "extratecing"  them but I prefer the natural look. Any advice ?

Does an unused bat have a "shelf life" span ?

Note : I store the bats in a wardrobe at home so they are kept in a medium temp environment

[Seniorplayer]

Yes bats do dry out over time. Regardless of useage all bats should be given a light coat of RAW linseed  oil once a year following a light sandpapering with high grit (to avoid scratch marks) as this nourishes the willow.
Also keeping bats in a wardrobe is not ideal storing conditions as willow needs to breathe somewhere light and airyis best and not to hot or cold.           Also keep  bats away from boilers and central heating.
Extract or face sheets are not necessary as the bats are not being used against an hard cricket ball

[Gboots]

Thanks. I do generally take the bats out of the wardrobe every so often .
Maybe I should just not keep them in the bat cover.
I do occasionally test the ping with a mallet and an old ball.
Does extratec seal in the moisture of the face side ?

The interesting thing here is how do bat sellers / distributors / stores maintain moisture in bats that are on the shelf? They also have air conditioning in the stores. Some reputable stores sell old bats (ie previous year stock)

[Seniorplayer]

Yes keep the bats out of there covers.
Extratec would help prevent loss of bat moisture which should be around 10 percent.