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[ch1p]

So we've all seen how bats have changed over the years and some rapid change more recently. I remember only a few years ago having a lighter bat with 35mm edges was a huge bat and nowadays some people would see that as a toothpick.

The question is, what do we see happening in the future of bats? (That is if no restrictions are placed on them) Or what do you want the future to be? Do we all want 2.8's with 50mm edges and huge spines or even 3lb'ers with 70mm edges?

What do we think, am I going to be able to pick up a 2.8 David Warner replica compared to the 2.11ish ones these days,  in just a couple of years?

Or has the development of willow done the most it can? Can the batmakers do any more to make bats bigger?

Just something to think about on a Saturday evening, sorry if something like this has been covered before

[Woodyspin]

I reckon there will be something along the lines of a double sided bat... not sure how or why but it might change things up a bit.

[windyroad]

They will become even more expensive.

[ProCricketer1982]

Cost more

[play-yourself-in]

Whatever happens I'll still look good for 12/15 then get caught in the ring looking to hit over the top...somethings never change.

[Chad]

I think any more significant advances in willow size wise for the weight will mean more returns to the manufacturers. You need moisture in a bat to maintain its structural integrity, which is why I think that overaggressive drying is stupid. Unless manufacturers are going to offer only 3 month warranty, I don't think much will change in terms of size to weight ratio in bats, I just don't see how it is possible.

Looking back over the past couple of decades, I think I read that 2lb 5oz was a standard weight - now 2.9 seems to be the standard. That's 10% more mass, which is significant, since it suggests that players are just getting much stronger. At this rate, 2.10-2.11 will probably be the norm in a decade's time. Size to weight ratio won't change much, but I suspect that if we keep getting stronger and think that more volume means more performance, then your special super low density 40mm edge 65mm spine 2.8 bat will be the standard dimensions for a 2.11 standard bat. (Could be rambling a load of rubbish, hard to see what I type on a phone)

[brokenbat]

People will realize that size doesn't really matter beyond a certain point, and that six hitting is a function of stronger batsmen who practice the art. Andre Russell was using a fairly "average" looking bat (compared to the Warner) and he was smoking them further than Warner could dream of.

This "fad" of oversized clefts will ultimately end IMO.

[ProCricketer1982]

Of course, how many cricket bats will be needed in 10/15 years given the rate of participation dropping ?? Maybe they'll find that actually they have more clefts that are top end about compared to buyers.. Won't stop the price rising though

[Tom]

There will be a release of a 'smart' bat - cricketers will be recording their swing, shot selection and number of balls hit all from their phone.

Bats will continue to get bigger, and the MCC will apply cleft/size limits within the next 10 years

[WalkingWicket37]

I reckon there will be something along the lines of a double sided bat... not sure how or why but it might change things up a bit.

That's already been done
http://www.cricketdepotonline.com/bat-gn-t20-500-dual-face/

[Woodyspin]

That's already been done
http://www.cricketdepotonline.com/bat-gn-t20-500-dual-face/

I thought so but it wasn't well endorsed here.