Firstly, it is a misconception that oiling your cricket bat will fully weatherproof it, however, it will make the wood fibres softer and more supple, which supports the knocking in process and will enhance the performance of your cricket bat.

Below is a guide on how to correctly oil your cricket bat:

What oil to use on my cricket bat?

‘Raw Linseed Oil’ is the oil you will need to apply to your cricket bat. You can buy this at any cricket retailer but will also find this at DIY stores as it is commonly used on wood furniture.

To oil or not to oil?

You will only need to oil an English willow cricket bat, not a Kashmir willow cricket bat.

If your cricket bat has an anti-scuff sheet to protect the face, you will need to apply your oil to the back of the bat on the exposed wood (avoiding the stickers). If you then leave the bat face down overnight the oil will soak into the willow.

How often should I oil my cricket bat and when?

Best practice is to oil your cricket bat 3 times a year, before, during and after the cricket season.

How to oil my cricket bat?

Put a light coat (two or three drops) of oil on the face of the bat (or back of bat if you have an anti-scuff) and with a piece of kitchen roll, cloth or your fingers spread the oil over the bat covering the face, edges, back of the bat and toe (not on the toe guard if your bat has one). 

A light coat should be applied to the shoulders of the bat but don’t put oil on the splice of the bat or the stickers.

Top Tip – The bat should turn a light colour and not Brown.

Top Tip – If you don’t know where to store your cricket bat throughout the winter, it is best to store it away in the garage as the central heating inside your home will dry out your bat.

For more information on how to correctly prepare your cricket bat, including the knocking-in process, check out our detailed blog, 'How To Knock In, Prepare & Oil Your Cricket Bat'.