Willow Bat Ban Ends: Cricket's New Era

For approximately two hundred years, cricket bats have exclusively been made from English willow. However, this long-standing tradition is set to change as the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) announced last week that the laws of the game will permit the use of laminated bats in open-age recreational cricket beginning in October.

Lamination typically involves backing the English willow face with less expensive willow, such as that from Kashmir. This alteration aims to combat the rising cost of bats, which has seen prices for some top models approach £1,000. Jonny Clarke, director of English Willow, a major supplier, expressed optimism that this move will increase accessibility for aspiring young cricketers by providing a more affordable option.

According to MCC laws manager Fraser Stewart, the law change is specifically for lower levels of the sport and is not intended for professional play. He stated that the decision was made to ensure the game remains affordable without altering its fundamental dynamics, addressing concerns about the scarcity of quality willow. The growing global popularity of cricket has reportedly led to a significant increase in demand.