[text_output]Many hours of work have gone into making your cricket bat and with a few simple procedures and a little time and patience, your bat can be even better for longer. Just follow the guidelines set out below.
Oiling
Knocking In
Recommended Accessories
Anti-scuff facing
A clear self adhesive cover that provides the best possible protection from surface cracking and indentations. We recommend the use of a facing on your bat as it can vastly improve its lifespan. It helps protect the edges of the blade as well as the face by making them a sealed unit, removing the need for sanding down and oiling during the season apart from a light oil on the toe and back.
Toe Guard
Toe guards can help to protect the toe of the bat from feathering during use and stops moisture from being absorbed into the toe area. However, some players prefer the natural “feel” so many of our bats do not have a toe guard applied. We can apply one at a cost of £10. If in doubt, please ask.
General Advice
English Willow
English willow is by nature a soft fibrous timber. In normal usage, willow will become bruised, scarred or dented simply due to the nature of the game. Such marking can occur at any time during the lifetime of the bat, but will not affect its performance. English willow is the preferred timber for all cricket bats.
Surface Cracks
Willow is a natural material and as a bat is used more and more, it is quite normal for the blade or face to develop slight markings. Surface cracking can appear in varying degrees depending on the type of willow, its maturity, and the standard of play it is used at. Superficial markings to the edges can also be expected as your bat will never stay pristine if you are scoring runs, after all that is it’s job! Neither of these blemishes will affect the playing qualities and should not be regarded as a fault in the willow. Should severe indentations occur please contact us as soon as possible for further advice.
Repairs
In the rare event that you need your bat repaired, Phantom Cricket can provide this service. We are able to offer a range of repairs from new handles to repairing splits. Please get in contact for an assessment and price.
Warranty
Phantom Cricket operate a strict policy of inspecting all warranty claims. The claims will be assessed on fair wear and tear. Proof of purchase is required when making a warranty claim. Damage not covered by warranty: – Dampness or swelling of the toe – Edge or toe cracks caused by inaccurate play – Heat damage, dried out willow – Over oiling – Insufficient preparation or under knocking in. Please visit the Warranty section of our website for more information and how to claim.[/text_output]