If you are an aspiring cricketer or a professional player, then you must have gone through a lot of dilemmas choosing the right bat for yourself, especially in the initial phase of your journey.
If you talk about the willows from the cricket bats they are made up of, then the English willow and Kashmir willow are the two most prominent types of willows being used in the cricketing fraternity. If you do not have much idea regarding the basic differences in both of these types of cricket willows. Then we are here with the proper explanations.
Let us have a look at the three key differences between the English willow and Kashmir willow.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Difference Between English Willow and Kashmir Willow
- Colour
- Grain Texture
- Weight and Orientation
Which is Better?
Difference Between English Willow and Kashmir Willow
1) COLOUR
Colour is the main visible difference between the woods of both English willow and Kashmir willow. The shade of English willow is whiter as compared to the ones from Kashmir. This is the reason English willow cricket bats shine more than their Kashmir counterparts.
2) GRAIN TEXTURE
Grain texture is also a major visible factor between both types of willows. In the context of bats, the grain texture is the thin brown/black lines present on the surface of the bat. The grains in the English willow are more pronounced and stand out as well. But this doesn’t prove that the Kashmir willows are not so good. It is just a comparison with the English willow.
Moreover, the Kashmir willow of high quality consists of more similar grains compared to the English willow of low quality. Thus, if you are planning to buy yourself a cricket bat, then you must examine the grain texture of the bats thoroughly.
3) WEIGHT AND ORIENTATION
The composition of bat weight and the orientation of the bat is also one of the major noticeable factors differentiating the English and Kashmir willows. Compared to their English counterparts, the Kashmir cricket bats are typically heavier. The primary reason behind the heaviness of the Kashmir bats is the reason their willow consists of high density and moisture. This leads to its heaviness. In the case of the high-quality top-notch Kashmir bats, it consists of a perfect balance that does not affect the speed of the bat and the ping off the bat.
If we look at the orientation, the fibres of Kashmir willow fibre are slightly horizontally oriented. In the case of the English willow, these are vertically oriented. These orientations are among the main reasons the grains are slightly more pronounced in English willow, than the Kashmir willow.
WHICH IS BETTER?
The above three points are the main parameters differentiating the English willow and Kashmir willow. But the question now comes in front of us is, which among the both is a better pick for cricket bats?
If you compare it from the money perspective, then a high-quality English willow is more expensive than a high-quality Kashmir willow. Further, the ping-off is better in the English willow. In addition to both of the points, these are also lighter compared to the quality Kashmir willow. These qualities lead English willow to have better bat speed and ping off the bat.
In case you or your young kid is commencing their cricket journey and currently is in the initial phase of their career, then it is recommended to go with the Kashmir willow, compared to the English willow. In professional matches as well, the high-quality Kashmir bat can be used by all means, if you are considering the factors while purchasing. If you do not have money constraints, then you should definitely go for the English willow.
Well, there is no doubt in the fact that the English willow is better and of high quality than the Kashmir willows. Moreover, the professionals also prefer an English willow bat over any other type. Thus, English willows are comparatively better than the Kashmir ones. But it is all about your purpose and your purchasing power.
CONCLUSION
While buying a bat, you must check whether the bat you are opting for is made from English willow or Kashmir willow. If you are confused about what to choose, then you may examine the specifications of each willow cricket bat in detail and then make your decision. Additionally, if you are a beginner, or do not have enough experience batting, then Kashmir willow cricket bats can be a good pick for you. On the other hand, being a professional cricketer or an aspiring cricketer with some knowledge and practice, you may prefer to buy the English willow cricket bats. Still, everything depends on your choice and comfort.
