At BB Cricket Bats, we are often asked why English willow remains the gold standard for cricket bats when other timbers are readily available. The answer is simple: no other wood matches it for performance, balance, and feel. Yet despite its reputation, English willow is under threat, with major implications for players, manufacturers, and the cricket industry as a whole.
English willow (Salix alba caerulea) is grown almost exclusively in parts of the UK, particularly Essex. Its fibre structure produces bats that are strong yet lightweight, delivering the crisp “ping” and powerful sweet spot that players crave. When you watch a professional effortlessly time the ball through the covers, chances are they are wielding a blade made from English willow. For more than a century, this wood has defined the way the game is played.
But supply has been in steady decline. Trees take upwards of 15 years to mature before harvesting, which makes the growing cycle long and vulnerable. Climate change, disease, and unpredictable weather have reduced yields, while cricket’s popularity continues to expand globally. Participation is booming not only in England and Australia, but across South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This widening player base has created unprecedented demand that English willow simply cannot keep up with.
Faced with this, many manufacturers have turned to alternatives. Kashmir willow is the most common, especially for more affordable bats. While durable and suitable for beginners, it is heavier and less responsive. Other hardwoods have been trialled as well, but none deliver the same lightweight balance and playability. These alternatives may suit entry-level players, but for serious cricketers the difference is immediate: they want English willow.
That is why, despite challenges, English willow remains the wood of choice at the highest levels. Every bat used in professional Test matches, ODIs, and T20s is made from English willow, and its scarcity has only enhanced its prestige. For bat makers, it continues to be the ultimate material. For players, the feel inspires confidence and elevates performance in a way no other wood can replicate.
At BB Cricket Bats, we work closely with master bat makers in India, Pakistan, and South Africa to ensure players still have access to the finest English willow.
Our bats are hand-finished, fully customisable, and designed to bring out the best in every cricketer. While the market may be flooded with alternatives, we remain committed to offering genuine, high-quality English willow as the cornerstone of our range.
Looking ahead, new materials or engineered woods may play a role, but one truth is clear: English willow is the dream material every aspiring player wants to wield. Its decline is a challenge, but its legacy and desirability are stronger than ever.
Explore our handcrafted range: www.bbcricketbats.com
The Decline of English Willow – What It Means for the Future of Cricket Bats
