| 1624 |
The first
reference to a cricket bat was during an inquest after a fielder was killed.
The batsman had tried to prevent him catching the ball. Cricket originally
involved the bowler rolling the ball underarm. The bat was therefore shaped
much like a hockey stick. |
| 1770s |
The laws
were changed to allow 'length bowling', which was still performed underarm.
The bat became roughly parallel with a maximum width of 4.25". This is still
the same today. They were very heavy with 'swell' at the bottom. |
| 1820s |
Round arm
bowling was allowed instigating more bounce, so the bat became lighter with
a higher 'swell'. |
| 1830s |
Until this
period all bats were one piece willow. However, because of increased breakages
and shock as the ball traveled faster, bat makers started to 'splice' handles
into bats. The handles were either solid willow or ash. |
| 1835 |
The length
of a bat was restricted to 38", which is still the same today. |
| 1840 |
The first
recorded use of a 'spring' being inserted in handles. These were initially
made from whalebone (as used in ladies' corsets) and some years later India
rubber. |
| 1853
|
Thomas
Nixon, a Notts cricketer, introduced the use of cane in handle making. |
| 1864 |
The laws
were altered to allow overarm bowling, so there was a further lightening
and more refined shaping of the blade. Handles became intricate constructions
and were all made of cane with India rubber grips. |
| 1870s |
The modern
bat shape evolved. |
| 1885 |
Gunn & Moore was founded. |
| |
|
