<P> A cricket bat is a specialised piece of equipment used by batsmen in the sport of cricket to hit the ball, typically consisting of a cane handle attached to a flat - fronted willow - wood blade . The length of the bat may be no more than 38 inches (965 mm) and the width no more than 4.25 inches (108 mm). Its use is first mentioned in 1624 . Since 1979, the rule change stipulated that bats can only be made from wood . </P> <P> The blade of a cricket bat is a wooden block that is generally flat on the striking face and with a ridge on the reverse (back) which concentrates wood in the middle where the ball is generally hit . The bat is traditionally made from willow wood, specifically from a variety of White Willow called Cricket Bat Willow (Salix alba var . caerulea), treated with raw (unboiled) linseed oil, which has a protective function . This variety of willow is used as it is very tough and shock - resistant, not being significantly dented nor splintering on the impact of a cricket ball at high speed, while also being light in weight . The face of the bat is often covered with a protective film by the user . </P>

What is the size of bat in cricket