Print

[Chad]

Right, so I obtained this bat recently, which may or may not have been obtained from an ex-England player. Sorry I don't really have an edge measurement, I forgot to take one and I've left the bat downstairs, but it is around 38-40mm. The weight is the incredible thing, it is 2lb 6.25oz with just 1 grip, and 2lb 7.8oz with the second grip. With minimal concaving, and not a particularly narrow blade, (106mm) the bat is a ridiculous size for its weight, the response is ridiculous for its weight, and the bat feels like an absolute wand.

The original owner is actually quite the bat boffin, and I had a good chat with him about cricket bats and willow. (Absolutely lovely guy, very unassuming chap and gave some excellent tips on how to play a slog sweep) He actually ran his own repairs instead of sending it straight back to his batmaker, who taught him how to run the basic repairs such as gluing the cracks, how to sand well, etc etc.

More on the story during the innings break/batting innings during my game today! I've compared it with a CA KJP, (knocking in for a friend) which weighs in a 2lb 10.75oz with a single grip, just to give a good grasp of what kind of a monster this bat is! (The reason for this specific comparison will become apparent in the pics) Oh, and the Mongoose stickers he applied on his own, but he had no affiliation with the brand at all, just liked the stickers! Turns out pros and us aren't as dissimilar as we may think.


























Anyways, as I said, more will be leaked throughout the day, a la ECB! In the meantime, feel free to speculate.

[leatherseat]

I shall leave others with keener eyes to speculate. It does look a big old chunk of wood. The point I like is the low number of grains - many would not even pick that off the shelf of a shop. The ping and dimensions for the weight give another point of proof, that the grains are not the key to a great performing bat.

Enjoy,

David

[Chad]

I shall leave others with keener eyes to speculate. It does look a big old chunk of wood. The point I like is the low number of grains - many would not even pick that off the shelf of a shop. The ping and dimensions for the weight give another point of proof, that the grains are not the key to a great performing bat.

Enjoy,

David

Cheers, yes, the person of interest had friends in Pakistan, who had ties with CA and picked him out 3 bats. He's not too bothered about looks, but prefers a reasonably clean blade and no heartwood if possible. He was not too fussed about the grade either, but just wanted his bats light. I think he had removed a little bit of weight from this one too just to ensure it felt just right.

But onto the bat itself, it sure does ping! I would say it's not quite as long a sweetspot as the KJP, but I feel it certainly packs a punch in the sweetspot. Also feels a bit nicer when tapping up a ball than the KJP, which was also handpicked from the CA factory. This while weighing a good 4 ounces less is pretty impressive!

He never did use bats made by Asian brands during his major playing days, as he felt his sponsor provided him with excellent bats. (Were made in England) He does feel that bats have been on steroids for the past few years, but said he couldn't make a comment on whether it made a difference or not as he doesn't play as much as he used to.

[smokem]

That bat is much too light for you Chadders...

Looks like a special bat mate. Enjoy!

[mad_abt_cricket]

This is a big piece of willow for it's weight!

[Alvaro]

Is it Gavin Hamilton?

[Chad]

That bat is much too light for you Chadders...

Looks like a special bat mate. Enjoy!

Faarrr too light haha! I'm sure you'd have loved this actually, and may suit those Aus decks you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to bat on!

This is a big piece of willow for it's weight!

Yeah, it is a ridiculous size, feels like an absolute toothpick in the hands, but responds really well. I guess what else would make it a 'pro' bat would be the person using it!

Some of your ones are pretty big for their weights too!

Is it Gavin Hamilton?

Nope, but good guess!