In the modern era for cricket, there is a constant argument – almost a complaint illustrated by many cricketers – that modern day bats aren’t built to last anymore, almost destined to break – for whatever reason.

But we don’t think for one moment that a bat maker has designed and made a bat with the intention that it will break – that would be a complete and utter waste of their time and resources.

Most modern bats come with a twelve month warranty - meaning that if the bat is to break in an unusual way, such as a manufacturing fault or through storm damage to the willow, the customer is entitled to a free repair or in certain cases, a free replacement.

Nevertheless, many cricketers can kick up a fuss when their newest blade has picked up a minor crack on the edge after an innings or two, or even the slightest surface crack on the face during the knocking-in process, some of which (cracks running vertically down through the grain) are actually a good sign and something we want to see in the bats we knock in!

Needless to say, this sort of damage is considered “general wear and tear” and therefore not covered under the warranty, and any repair, if necessary, would have to be paid for by the customer.

Given below are the various kinds of common breakages faced by bats:

• HANDLE BREAKS

Cause: General wear and tear or a possible manufacturing defect.

Solution: The bat may not be replaceable, however the handle can be replaced. Replacing the handle will not reduce performance or life of the bat.
 

• CRACK ACROSS THE BLADE

Cause: Weak or excessively dry willow.

Solution: Replaceable at manufacturer's discretion depending on the general usage of the bat. Proof of purchase with date is necessary. 
 

• SURFACE CRACK ON THE FACE OF THE BLADE

Cause: General wear and tear, use of hard cheap balls, and no proper knocking in.

Solution: NOT REPLACEABLE, the crack will not affect the performance of the bat. Repairable at the manufacturer's discretion. Fitting of protective tape will reduce the damage.

• CRACKING ON THE EDGE OF THE BLADE

Cause: General wear and tear, mis-timed shots, and no proper knocking in.

Solution:  NOT REPLACEABLE.  Repairable at the manufacturer's discretion. Quite visible cracks can be repaired. Such cracks will not affect the performance of the BAT. Use of fibre tape will prevent such damages.

• SURFACE CRACKING TO THE TOE OF THE BLADE

Cause: General wear and tear. Such damages are caused due hitting hard at the Yorker at the toe end of the bat. 

Solution: NOT REPLACEABLE, Repairable at the manufacturer's discretion.

• SHOULDER CRACK

Cause: Mis-hit or ball hitting full on the shoulder area.

Solution: NOT REPLACEABLE, repairable at the manufacturer's discretion.

• MOISTURE DAMAGE

Cause: Such type of damage occurs as a result of use in wet conditions. It generally leads to swelling of the toe area of the blade, which after drying may well split. Fitting a toe Guard will prevent such damage.

Solution: NOT REPLACEABLE, there is no manufacturing defect in this. The damage may be repairable at the manufacturer's discretion.

• DAMAGES DUE TO USE OF POOR QUALITY CRICKET BALL OR BAD USAGE OF BAT

Cause:

Use of Poor quality or hard cricket balls can cause damage to the blade of the bat. It is highly recommended that only balls made by reputable manufacture be used.

Bad usage: Caused generally by hitting bat against any other hard surface other than the cricket ball.

Solution: Such damages are NOT REPLACEABLE, repairable at manufacturer's discretion.