The art of evaluation: how we grade cricket bat willow at JS Wright & Sons
For more than 130 years, grading cricket bat willow clefts has been more than just a process at JS Wright & Sons – it’s been a meticulous art, proudly carried out by hand. We often find ourselves discussing our grading process and, given its importance to the industry and the frequent questions we receive, we felt it was time to provide a fresh, in-depth look.
From the smallest junior bats to those wielded by professional cricketers worldwide, our customers trust the consistent quality that defines our grading. This trust was particularly highlighted during a recent trip to India. While visiting retail shops selling bats made from our willow, I was often asked about our grading process and what it truly signifies. It’s a question that gets to the heart of what makes a great bat, and why understanding willow is key.
Precision, twice over: our consistent grading process
We believe in a thorough approach, which is why every cleft is graded twice. The first evaluation happens when the willow is freshly sawn (by Bruce, below left). Then, after the crucial kiln-drying process, each cleft is graded again either by our Director, Jeremy Ruggles (below right), or Daniel, a long-standing employee personally trained by Jeremy. This dual process ensures accuracy and consistency.
Crucially, everyone receives the same meticulous grading. Whether you’re a large, established bat manufacturer or a small, emerging craftsman, there is no difference in the quality you receive within any grade. Any variation in finished bats, or player preferences for specific brands, stems purely from what manufacturers do with the clefts after they leave our hands. Our role is to provide a consistent product our customers can trust and rely on.
Beyond appearance: understanding willow’s natural charms
It’s important to understand many features in willow that might appear to be “faults” are, in fact, purely cosmetic. ‘Speck’, for example (which you can learn more about in our dedicated blog post), is one such feature. These natural characteristics, along with others, have no detrimental effect on the finished bat’s performance or playability.
Also, the ongoing debate over wide grain versus narrow grain. As a natural product, we’re seeing more wide grain as our climate changes with milder winters and wetter springs/summers leading to faster tree growth. This is simply nature at work. Similarly, differences in weight are unrelated to wood quality. Some trees are naturally denser than others, making inherently heavier clefts. Again, it’s just the natural variation you find in a living product.
The grain count myth: performance vs. preference
During my trip, I was reminded of how perception can sometimes outweigh performance. Sachin Tendulkar, for example, publicly stated during a factory tour in Kashmir that his best bat only had five grains. I also know a current top Indian player prefers no more than six grains in his bat. These anecdotes highlight a key point: while some players develop a preference for a certain number of grains, it is not an indicator of bat quality or performance. It’s a personal preference, much like the purely cosmetic features of speck or grain width.
These anecdotes highlight a key point: while some players develop a distinct preference for a certain number of grains, this is not an indicator of bat quality or performance. It’s a personal choice, of course, but we wonder if it borders on superstition, like a lucky charm. After all, the world of sport is rife with such rituals and beliefs – from lucky socks to pre-game routines. Who are we to argue with what brings a player confidence at the crease?
JS Wright & Sons: your assurance of quality
Everything we do is designed to preserve the English Cricket Bat Willow industry and ensure willow cricket bats continue to be used. That’s why we’re trusted by landowners across the UK and leading cricket bat manufacturers throughout the world – because we pride ourselves on consistent, honest grading and a deep understanding of this incredible natural material.
