Different bats for spinners and fast bowlers

[Adarsh]

We all know that playing spinners and fast bowlers requires a different technique, a different style of play and different scoring areas. I've been playing cricket for a while now, and recently I've started using two bats during the course of an innings.

I am an opening batsman, so I use a light bat to start off the innings. This means I have the required back lift and flexibility which allows me to play horizontal bat shots easily.

Against spinners, I use a much heavier bat. This bat obviously has more meat and allows me to hit the ball further. The weight isn't an issue with spinners since 99% of the time you play off the front foot, and when you're pulling or cutting the ball you have a lot of time to play the stroke.

Ignoring the time delay in changing the bat between overs...why do International players not do this or at least think about doing this ? Do you think this is a good idea ?

 

[barmyarmy]

Well I can't see anything in the laws prohibiting it anyway.

 

[sifter132]

I think it's a smart idea, but it's probably not one I'd personally support just because it seems a bit gimmicky, and yeah as you mention it could waste a bit of time if you're swapping bats every over.

I can't remember exactly, but I think some players have mentioned using slightly heavier bats in T20s and lighter bats in Tests. Makes sense in that you'll want to hit harder in T20 and won't get fatigued by swinging the heavier bat because the innings will be shorter.

I think one of the main problems is that international batsmen are generally so fussy with their bats, talking about pickups and feels, that seem excited when they find 1 bat they like, let alone having to find another one a bit heavier/lighter.

I remember when Matthew Hayden started using that Mongoose bat, which was very bottom heavy that he should use it against the spinners and a normal bat vs the pacemen.

 

[Aoun13]

If you are a proper batsman then I guess you'll hate to change your bat once you are settle with it. I personally can't handle two bats at a time.

 

[6ry4nj]

If you are a proper batsman then I guess you'll hate to change your bat once you are settle with it. I personally can't handle two bats at a time.

Sure you can! You just put them next to one another, then it's impossible to get out bowled!!

 

[Fenil]

Sure you can! You just put them next to one another, then it's impossible to get out bowled!!

Good one there JB.

On a serious note, I always check the bat before the innings. I pick them according to the bowlers I'm about to face. If they (bowlers) bowl lot of shot stuff or is slow paced (not spinners), I use lighter bats as they easier to swing it quickly while normally, I use very heavy bat as its suits me more. I've no problems facing spinners from one and a pacer from another with the same bat. So, I usually go with the same bat that I check and pick before the innings unless of course quick runs are needed or I'm some problems getting the ball away or if the bat is broken.

 

[ArcherMcKinley]

I'd not do that. I'm more than comfortable facing pacers/spinners with the same bat. It's a matter of preference, I guess.