GM Icon 606 English Willow Bat

Gunn & Moore, commonly known as GM, specialises in cricket accessories and gear. It was founded in 1885 and has covered milestones to reach its current position. As a renowned brand worldwide, they have millions of fans who trust in this brand name. Their bats are used worldwide by renowned cricket players like Mark Boucher, Jonathan Trott, Joe Root, Robin Petersen and many more of the same foray.

Product Details:

What is an English Willow Cricket Bat?

English willow also known as Salix alba 'Caerulea' is the traditional and most commonly used wood. Its combination of being both tough yet lightweight when coupled with a reasonable resistance to splitting means it is an ideal choice for use in cricket bats. English willow is known for its rebound which in turn gives a cricket shot its ping as the ball races away. Finally, its being white willow is an additional advantage as the wood tends to be lighter in colour with a clean finish.

An English willow bat is a perfect bat to deliver nice guaranteed hits with the accurate shots. A quality bat matters a lot when playing a game of cricket. Of course the maintenance of a bat matters too but expect no less from an English willow. A straight strike with an English willow cricket bat will make the ball race the ground 360 degrees.

As the name suggests English willow is largely grown in the UK (true English willow is only grown in the UK), usually in low laying wetland areas, along river banks and in coppices. As it is a fast growing wood, trees can be ready for turning into bats after four years.

Product Highlights:

Trendy shape and style

Made from superior quality English Willow

Handle is made from imported Saravak cane to deliver power and control

New Chevtec grip to give you a superior sense of control

Special toe protector for higher durability and maintain the moisture level

Adjustable strap with a full length padded bat cover

Vital Tips for Bat Care:

Oiling - All natural faced cricket bats must be treated using raw linseed or a special cricket bat oil. The main purpose of oiling is to maintain moisture levels within the blade, and hence reduce the chances of cracking and splitting. Light coats should be applied to the face, edge, toe and back of the blade. Each oil coat must be allowed to dry before a second coat is applied.

Knocking in - All bats are pressed, however 'knocking in' is crucial and vital. This is the process by which the fibres of the willow in the face and edges are compressed together to form a barrier, which protects the bat against the impact of the ball. Effective 'knocking in' will significantly improve the performance and increase the life span of the bat. The bat should be gradually struck with while increasing the strength of the knock. Appropriate attention should be paid to the edges and the angles of a bat; they should not be affected by the hits as that may decrease the quality of a shot.

The next step is to hit short shots with an old but quality cricket ball; this will let anyone know that whether a bat requires further conditioning or is set for matches.

Winter Care:

The ideal place for a bat in winter is in a garage or shed with a sealed floor - this will provide sufficient but not excessive moisture. If the floor is not sealed, support the bat above the floor. Try to store your bat in a bat cover.

Summer Care:

Temperatures in a car, will reach a level that will dry the bat as if it had been left next to a fire or radiator. Wherever possible, remove your bat from the car as soon as possible and store as per 'winter care' above. Every 20 days during the season apply a light coat of oil to preserve the juice in the willow and to keep the fibres of the willow elastic. This will not only prolong the life of the bat but will enhance the ping.

Please note for warranty claims, brand visibility (sticker) should not be damaged.