Child bat advice needed.

[Rick O Shea]

I don't think modern bats need knocking in too much. The old fellas used to roll them with a stump, to try and tighten the grain, but that is all taken care of during manufacture now.

When I was younger I used to knock bats in, and they used to last a season or 2. My latest bat has been going 3 years with a plastic face on and no knocking in.

I actually think the key to longevity is the ball you play against, and the pace of bowling. A new ball from a quick bowler is going to damage a bat. If you bat 6 in the 3rd team your bat could feasibly last 10+ years.

One of our lad's bat is nearly 20 years old - the middle still looks good as new.

The edges, on the other hand.......

 

[Billy Rocket]

Got one, had to get a size 5 in the end, good job I never ordered online. Got him a canny Gray Nicholls which he's buzzing with. Cheers lads.

I still remember my first size 5. Made me feel like a proper man it did.