<P> The bat generally recognised as the oldest bat still in existence is dated 1729 and is on display in the Sandham Room at The Oval in London . </P> <P> When first purchased, most bats are not ready for immediate use and require knocking - in to allow the soft fibres to strike a hard new cricket ball without causing damage to the bat, and allowing full power to be transferred to the shot . Knocking - in involves striking the surface with an old cricket ball or a special mallet . This compacts the soft fibres within the bat and reduces the risk of the bat snapping . The bat may also need raw linseed oil, which fills in the gaps between the fibres . </P> <P> Law 5 of the Laws of Cricket, as the rules of the game are known, state that the length of the bat may be no more than 38 in (965 mm), the width no more than 4.25 in (108 mm), the overall depth no more than 2.64 in (67 mm) and edge no more than 1.56 in (40 mm). Bats typically weigh from 2 lb 7 oz to 3 lb (1.2 to 1.4 kg) though there is no standard . Appendix B of the Laws of Cricket set out more precise specifications . This rule was introduced following the Monster Bat Incident of 1771 . </P> <P> Bats are available in a range of sizes, with some manufacturers offering unique variations . Commonly found are children's sizes 0 to 6, youth size Harrow and adult sizes . SH (Short Handle) is the most common adult size, whilst long handle and long blade options are also available . Children's sizes increase in length and width as the size increase . Although most adult bats will be the maximum width permitted (4.25 inches), no generally available cricket bat is the maximum length of 38 inches, indeed very few exceed 35 inches . </P>

What is the size of the cricket bat
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