Our approach
Traditional knocking in for new-age cricket bats.
Bats have changed. Bigger edges, flatter faces and more timber where the ball hits. What gets the best out of them has not changed: hands, a mallet and time. Every bat that comes through our workshop is knocked in by hand.
Why knocking in matters
Stops early cracks
Compresses the soft surface fibres so the first good ball does not split the face or edges.
A bigger sweet spot
Properly prepared willow performs better and comes good sooner.
Longer life
A well knocked-in bat lasts more seasons. A few hours now saves the bat later.
Net ready
Oiled, hand knocked and boned, so you can walk straight out and use it.
Why by hand
What hand knocking does that a machine cannot
The bat gives, just like it does in your hands
A bat is never rigid when you are batting. It twists and gives with every ball, so the willow never takes the full force of the strike. Hand knocking works the bat the same way, so the fibres compress the way real cricket compresses them.
Enough work, and no more
Willow varies from cleft to cleft, so no two bats need the same amount of work. Hands feel when a bat has had enough. Published research found surface hardness climbs to a peak and then falls away as the surface cells get damaged, and in willow that peak comes at around two hours. Read what knocking in actually does to a bat.
Boning where it matters most
The edges and toe are the sharpest curves on a bat, and curves take the worst of an impact. Boning compacts those areas with steady pressure instead of more hitting, which is exactly what they need.
How we knock them in.
Oil first, to soften and condition the willow. Then hand knocking with a specialised heavy mallet, paying particular attention to the edges and toe. Then we bone the edges and toe until they meet our high standards. The same preparation every Cooper gets, and we will do it for any brand of bat you bring us.
Why we say net ready
Net ready first, then match ready.
Could you take it straight into a match? You could, and it would hold up. But every bat has its own feel, even two built to the same spec, and you need time to get used to it. Think of a new car: you do not open it up until the engine is broken in. Give your bat a few sessions in the nets, get to know it, then take it out to the middle.
What is included, and what you can add
Choose your facing, free
Face protection is included at no charge. Pick the facing you want when you add to cart: Clearguard, Clearguard Plus, or Fiberguard. Want it bare? Choose none.
Add toe protection
Choose Shoe Goo (+$25) or a Hard Toe (+$70) when you add your knock-in to the cart. We do not fit rubber toe guards, they tend to fall off.
Where to find us
Drop it in, or post it in.
Drop it in (Brisbane)
Pop into the workshop at 1 Axford Street, Northgate QLD 4013 and we will take it from there. Get directions.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 3pm. Call ahead on 07 3267 0936 if you want to be sure.
Post it in (anywhere in Australia)
Add your knock-in to the cart, then post your bat to Cooper Cricket, 1 Axford Street, Northgate QLD 4013. Pop a note in with your name and number and we will be in touch when it is ready.
Net ready, the right way.
Add your knock-in to the cart, choose any toe protection, and drop your bat in or post it to the Brisbane workshop. We will have it ready to face the new ball.