1720s-1870s: The Evolution of Cricket Bats

1720 – The earliest cricket bat looked more like a hockey stick

1750 - The cricket bat became roughly parallel with a maximum width of 4.25

1750 – 1820 – The cricket bat stayed at the maximum width, but the blade length, shoulder and toe changed over this period

1820’s- The cricket bat was now becoming like the shape we recognise today. At this stage the blade and the handle are made out one piece of willow.

1830’s – Until this period all cricket bats were one-piece willow.Because of increased breakages and shock as the ball travelled faster

1840 – The first recorded use of a “spring” being inserted into the handles of the cricket bat.

1864 - Lightened and more refined shaping of the blade. Handles became intricate constructions and were nearly all made of cane with rubber grips.

1870’s – The shape of today’s cricket bat evolves, and due to the MCC regulatory committee still maintains a similar construction some 147 years later.

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