Print

[Ryan12]

Hello guys. My first post on here. Been following this forum for a while and finally registered. Thanks to Admin for approval.

I made my return to cricket after few years gap. I am looking at getting a new custom made bat for next season but needed help with the blade length and where to get it from. Chase, Keeley a few recommended any other you guys would recommend.

Last season I had 2 bats. A standard short handle and a long blade bat. I've had pro and cons with both so am bit confused as what to get. Also used a mates shorter blade. I've made runs with all 3.

With standard and shorter blade I tend to be able to play shots all around easily and play shots late which helps playing faster pace bowlers. Only down side with using standard or shorter blade is that the straight balls I sometimes tend to play across too much and times head falls over bit and get bowled. Also I struggle to play bigger shots/aerial  and get under the ball.

With longer blade I tend to be more upright in my stance which helps me playing bigger shots and and go aeria and get under the ball. Also helps on  balls that are straight and tend to play straight balls bit easier and straighter. But then i struggle at times on balls that are wide outside off stump as i try playing straighter. Also I grip the bat handle from the bottom should I consider SSH.

What would you guys recommend and what are the pro and cons of LB and SH. And my height is around 5 10

[Six Sixes Cricket]

Hi @Ryan12

Welcome to the forum.

Where are you based? Are you able to visit a shop or even a bat maker?

[Psi]

I think SH is usually fine for under 6' height. I'm 6'3" and have experimented with LB and LH, but now all my bats are SH which I find fine. Just have to keep the legs a bit bent in case of the low ball.

Interesting idea though that LB makes you bat straighter. Is this well known?

[Ryan12]

Hi @Ryan12

Welcome to the forum.

Where are you based? Are you able to visit a shop or even a bat maker?

Thanks for your reply. I live down Oxford. I don't know any batmakers close by but their is a shop I know of not too far.
Where are you based

[Ryan12]

I think SH is usually fine for under 6' height. I'm 6'3" and have experimented with LB and LH, but now all my bats are SH which I find fine. Just have to keep the legs a bit bent in case of the low ball.

Interesting idea though that LB makes you bat straighter. Is this well known?

Yes I know. After playing handful games last season for me it seemed LB kept me straighter and upright in my stance and straight balls I was playing properly. Whilst with SH I was at times falling across. Just quite confused as with SH my offside game was very strong it was just the straight balls I was struggling against.

[bigblue365]

Go with size that gives you confidence.

[Ryan12]

After a long thought process I got in touch with a coach who i went to and without looking at me bat he checked both bats out and said it was in the handle. As the LB i was using was a proper oval handle and the Standard blade bat was a round. Round handle i was griping it tight with my bottom.

[Red Ink Cricket]

I can make something up for you to match your requirements. Drop me a message if you want to discuss

[Sitonit]

IMO, long blade could be slightly hard to maneuver if you have a high back lift. There could be an extremely small delay but that split second could cost you your wicket.
However, you should borrow a long blade from a friend or something and give it a try in the nets.