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Featured product
English willow cricket bats, from Grade 4 to Player Edition
English willow is the wood used for serious leather-ball cricket. It is softer and lighter than Kashmir willow, so a bat of the same weight can carry bigger edges and a fuller profile, and the ball comes off the middle with the ping every batter looks for. Every CBP English willow bat is handcrafted, fitted with a Sarawak cane handle, and most models are offered in five profiles, so you can pick the pick-up and sweet spot that suit your game. Looking for a season bat and not sure where to start? See our guide to leather ball cricket bats.
The CBP English willow range
Our senior bats are grouped by willow grade. Higher grades use better clefts, with straighter grains and fewer marks, and usually feel a little more responsive. Choose the grade that fits your level and budget:
| Bat | Willow grade | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Saber G4 | Grade 4 | First English willow bat, nets and club practice |
| Saber Spark G3 | Grade 3 | Regular club and school cricket |
| Attack G2 | Grade 2 | Club and academy players who bat every week |
| Force G1 and Force G1+ | Grade 1 | Competitive match cricket |
| Force Classic | Premium Grade 1 | Serious players who want a top-end bat |
| Force Player Edition | Player grade | Tournament and high-level cricket |
| Force CBP Choice | Grade 1+, top 10 percent of clefts | The best willow we make, hand-picked |
Senior bats come in Harrow, Short Handle (SH), Long Handle (LH), Long Blade (LB) and LB/LH sizes, and most models let you choose a weight between 1050g and 1190g. For players under about 5'5", see our junior cricket bats, which come in Size 1 to Size 6.
What do English willow grades mean?
Grade is about the cleft of wood the blade is cut from. Grade 1 and above have more straight, evenly spaced grains and a cleaner face. Lower grades may show more blemishes, butterfly stains or wider grains. A lower grade bat still plays well, and many club players use Grade 3 or Grade 2 happily. Higher grades are for players who want the best feel and are ready to look after the bat properly.
How to choose the right English willow bat
Size first. Most adults use Short Handle. Tall players, usually over about 6'2", may prefer a Long Handle or Long Blade. Harrow suits smaller adults and older teenagers.
Then weight. A bat you can control is worth more than a heavy bat with big edges. If you are not sure, go lighter. Pick up matters as much as dead weight, which is why the profile matters.
Then profile. Most CBP bats come in five profiles. VK and HLS have a mid sweet spot and a lighter pick-up. TTS is balanced with an extended sweet spot. CBP and SRT sit lower and suit front-foot drivers on good pitches. Each product page has a full profile table with edge and spine sizes.
English willow vs Kashmir willow
English willow is lighter, performs better and is made for leather-ball cricket, but it needs a bit more care. Kashmir willow is harder, heavier and more durable, and is the better choice for tennis ball cricket and beginners. If you mostly play tennis ball or gully cricket, see our Kashmir willow cricket bats.
Knocking in and care
Every CBP English willow bat is pressed and pre-knocked in our workshop before it ships. Like any English willow bat, it is still worth a short top-up knock-in with a mallet or an old ball, or a few net sessions with older balls, before it faces a brand-new hard ball. Keep the bat dry, apply a light coat of raw linseed oil to the bare face if it is not already finished, and avoid using a new English willow bat with cheap, hard practice balls.
Complete your kit
Pair your bat with cricket batting pads and batting gloves from the same range. Want a bat built to your own spec? Take a look at our custom cricket bat service.
English willow bat FAQs
1. Which grade of English willow bat should I buy?
Grade 3 or Grade 2 suits most club and school players. Choose Grade 1 or above if you play competitive leather-ball cricket regularly and want the best feel.
2. Can I use an English willow bat with a tennis ball?
You can, but it is not the best use of the bat. A Kashmir willow bat is more durable and better value for tennis ball cricket.
3. Do CBP English willow bats need knocking in?
Every CBP English willow bat arrives pre-knocked. A short top-up knock-in, or a few net sessions with older balls before you face a new hard ball, is still a good idea.
4. What size bat do I need?
Most adults use Short Handle. Tall players may prefer Long Handle or Long Blade, and players under about 5'5" should look at junior sizes.
5. Do you ship English willow bats across India?
Yes, we ship across India with free shipping.
