English willow or Kashmir willow? It is the first question every buyer asks, and the answer depends on how, where and how often you play. Here is a clear, honest comparison.
What is the difference?
Both bats are made from willow, but they come from different trees grown in different places. English willow (Salix alba caerulea) is grown in England and is the choice of professional cricketers. Kashmir willow is grown in Kashmir and is the popular, practical choice for everyday cricket.
| English willow | Kashmir willow | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, springy, responsive | Harder, denser |
| Power | Big sweet spot, great ball speed | Good, with a smaller sweet spot |
| Weight | Lighter for the same size | A little heavier |
| Durability | Needs proper care and knocking in | Tougher, forgives rough use |
| Best ball | Hard leather ball | Tape ball, tennis ball, soft practice |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Choose English willow if you
- play club, academy or league cricket with a leather ball,
- want a lighter bat that picks up quickly and hits with more power,
- are ready to look after your bat (knocking in, oil, tape).
Choose Kashmir willow if you
- are a beginner or are buying for a child,
- play tape-ball, tennis-ball or casual street cricket,
- want a tough bat at a friendly price.
One more thing: grade and grains
Within English willow there are different grades. Higher grades have straighter, more even grains and cleaner wood, and they cost more. You do not need the top grade to play well. A good mid-grade bat is often the smart buy.
Find your bat
Browse English and Kashmir willow bats, or have one made to your own specification.