Get your cricket bat professionally knocked in and prepared for hard-ball use in New Zealand, or shop bat-care products for DIY preparation and maintenance. NZ Cricket Store offers a dedicated knocking-in service alongside bat oil and knocking mallets.

Professional cricket bat knocking-in

Our Bat Knocking-In with Clear Bat Facing service is designed for new natural willow cricket bats. Current options include 2-hour, 3-hour, 4-hour and 7+ hour preparation, with clear protective facing included in the service listing.

Workshop demand can vary, so please allow approximately 8-12 working days for preparation before dispatch.

Why does a cricket bat need knocking in?

Knocking-in progressively conditions the bat face and edges before repeated impact from a hard cricket ball. The amount of preparation required can vary depending on how the bat has been supplied, so always check the manufacturer's care instructions for your specific bat.

Knocking-in can reduce the risk of avoidable early damage, but cricket bats are made from natural willow and preparation cannot guarantee that a bat will never crack or mark during use.

Professional service or DIY?

Players can prepare a bat themselves using suitable cricket bat oil and a bat knocking mallet. DIY preparation should be gradual and controlled rather than rushed. Our professional service is available for players who would prefer the preparation completed before the bat is dispatched.

Bat repair and refurbishment

Knocking-in is primarily preparation for a new bat. If you already have a used bat that needs workshop attention, see our Full Cricket Bat Refurbishment service. For maintenance and DIY repair products, browse the Cricket Bat Repair Kit collection.

Buying a new cricket bat?

Browse all cricket bats, compare English willow cricket bats, or read our Best Cricket Bats NZ Guide before choosing your bat and preparation option.