How Willow Grains Affect Your Cricket Bat – What You Need to Know

How Willow Grains Affect Your Cricket Bat – What You Need to Know

When choosing an English willow cricket bat, one of the most debated topics is the number of grains on the blade. These vertical lines running down the face of the bat offer some insight into how the bat might perform, but they aren’t the only thing to consider.

🪵 More Grains: Quick Performer, Shorter Lifespan

Bats with more grains (usually 8–12) are cut from older and denser willow. These bats tend to "open up" faster, meaning they’re ready to play with less knocking-in time. They deliver great ping early on, so many professionals choose them when they want immediate performance.

But there’s a trade-off: these bats generally have a shorter lifespan because of the denser structure.

 

🪓 Craftsmanship: Handcrafting the Willow Along the Grains

Every quality cricket bat, especially those made from English willow, is the result of meticulous craftsmanship. After selecting the right cleft of willow, bat makers align their cuts along the natural grain lines. This is crucial—following the grain ensures the maximum strength and stability of the blade.

The process involves:

  • Splitting and shaping the cleft along the grain

  • Drying the willow properly to balance the moisture content

  • Planning and sanding the face so the grains are smooth, straight, and visible

  • Adding the handle, toe, and edges in a way that complements the natural structure of the wood

A good bat isn’t just a product—it’s a handcrafted tool that blends art and science, designed to match the unique performance characteristics suggested by its grains.

🌟 Grading: Quality Beyond the Surface

While grains help tell the story of the willow’s age and density, the grade of the willow is more about aesthetic quality and playability.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Grade 1+ (Pro Grade): The highest quality willow with flawless straight grains (8–12), no blemishes, and even coloring. Reserved for professionals.

  • Grade 1: Excellent willow with minor blemishes, still straight-grained, and consistent performance.

  • Grade 2: Good-quality willow with some marks or knots—ideal for club players. Usually has 6–9 grains.

  • Grade 3: Budget-friendly with more blemishes and fewer grains, suitable for beginners.

  • Grade 4 and Below: Training or net bats—less consistent, but still usable with proper knocking and care.

A higher grade generally means better visual appearance, but don’t be fooled—a Grade 2 bat can still outperform a Grade 1+ if it's well-crafted and suits your style.

 

🏏 More Grains (8–12): Immediate Ping, Shorter Lifespan

These bats are popular among players who want a bat that feels “ready to go” straight away, delivering excellent ping and responsiveness from the start. These bats typically require less knocking-in but may not last as long.

📌 Players who favor more grains:

  • Virat Kohli – Prefers bats with 10–12 grains for fast response and sharp feel.

  • Joe Root – Uses finely balanced bats with 10–12 grains, enhancing control.

  • Steve Smith – Often seen with 9–10 grain bats, offering precision and smooth timing.

  • Babar Azam – A fan of 9–10 grains, ideal for his graceful shot-making.

  • Kane Williamson – Values higher grain counts for responsive touch shots.

  • Shubman Gill – A Young gun who opts for 10–11 grain bats for their lively pickup and performance.

  • Ben Stokes – Uses 10–12 grain bats for aggressive power hitting with fast pickup.

  • David Warner – Favors high-grain bats for explosive top-order batting.

  • Faf du Plessis – Often spotted with 10-grain willows, ideal for crisp strokeplay and fast hands.

 

🕰️ Fewer Grains (5–7): Durability, Long-Term Trust

These bats require a bit more patience—more knocking, more prep—but once ready, they become loyal companions for seasons. Ideal for players who value consistency, durability, and feel.

📌 Players who favor fewer grains:

  • Sachin Tendulkar – Famously preferred bats with 6 grains for longevity.

  • MS Dhoni – Used 5–7 grain bats that matched his strong, durable style.

  • Cheteshwar Pujara – Known for his long innings with 6–7 grain blades.

  • Steve Smith – Occasionally switches to fewer-grain bats for extended use.

  • Hashim Amla – Favored wide-grain bats for their solid and balanced performance.

  • Jacques Kallis – Used 6–7 grain bats, built for powerful yet composed Test batting.

  • Rahul Dravid – Often used bats with 5–6 grains, favoring technique and reliability.

  • Alastair Cook – Classic opener who valued the endurance of fewer grain bats.

  • Ian Bell – Known for his stylish batting and preferred 6-grain bats for control and longevity.

🧩 Factors (Beyond Grains) That Influence Bat Performance

While grain count gets a lot of attention, several other elements play a crucial role in how a cricket bat performs:

  1. Willow Grade: Higher grades (e.g., Grade 1) are more responsive and lighter, but even lower grades (e.g., Grade 2 or 3) can perform well if crafted and prepared properly.

  2. Weight & Pickup: A bat may be 2.9 lbs on the scale but feel lighter or heavier in your hands based on balance. A good “pickup” means the weight is well-distributed.

  3. Sweet Spot Location:

    • Lower sweet spot: Best for front-foot players and low-bounce pitches.

    • Higher sweet spot: Better for back-foot play and bouncy conditions.

    • Mid sweet spot: Balanced for all-rounders.

  4. Handle Type:

    • Oval handle: Offers more control and is preferred by top-hand dominant players.

    • Round handle: Allows more wrist action, great for flicks and bottom-hand play.

  5. Blade Profile:

    • Full profile: More wood behind the ball, great for power hitters.

    • Concaved profile: Lighter weight, better pickup, but slightly less forgiving on off-center shots.

🔨 Knocking-In: More Grains vs Fewer Grains

All English willow bats need knocking-in, but the process varies slightly depending on grain count:

✅ More Grains (8–12):

  • Time Needed: Less (10–12 hours)

  • Why: Older, denser wood is already somewhat compressed and opens up quicker.

  • Tip: Still do a proper job—especially on edges and toes—but the bat will "ping" earlier.

✅ Fewer Grains (5–7):

  • Time Needed: More (12–15+ hours)

  • Why: Younger willow is softer and takes longer to compress and harden.

  • Tip: Focus more on pressing the face and edges. These bats develop performance over time and get better with use.

🏏 Playing Style & Willow Grade Compatibility

Certain playing styles can benefit more from specific grades of willow:

🔥 Aggressive Stroke Makers (e.g., openers or power hitters):

  • Ideal Grade: Grade 1 or 1+

  • Why: Offers maximum response, great ping, and lighter pickup for explosive shots.

  • Examples: Virat Kohli, David Warner

🧠 Technical/Test Players (e.g., patient innings, long stays at the crease):

  • Ideal Grade: Grade 2 or even Grade 3

  • Why: Slightly heavier bats, often more durable, great for soft hands and timing.

  • Examples: Rahul Dravid, Kane Williamson, Pujara

🎯 All-Rounders & Club Players:

  • Ideal Grade: Grade 2–3

  • Why: Great balance of price and performance. They hold up well and don’t require constant replacements.

 

🧠 Final Thoughts: Grains, Grades & Game Sense

Grain count offers helpful insights, but it’s not a dealbreaker. What matters most is:

  • How the bat feels

  • Your preparation and care

  • How well does it match your playing style

A bat with 6 grains can be just as deadly in the middle as one with 12—if it suits you.

 

Back to blog