Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Cricket Bat in Australia
Published by PS Cricket & Sports Australia — your trusted Sydney-based cricket specialists.
Cricket runs in the Australian summer like sunlight through a SCG afternoon. Whether you're playing weekend grade cricket, lining up for your local club's Saturday fixture, or watching your child step up from juniors to seniors, one thing is universally true: a quality cricket bat changes everything. The problem? A brand-new top-tier English willow bat can set you back $800 to $1,500 — and for many junior cricketers, club players, and parents, that's a steep ask.
That's where used cricket bats in Australia come in. A well-chosen second-hand bat can give you premium English willow performance at a fraction of the price — often already knocked-in and ready for the middle. But buying used isn't as simple as scrolling Facebook Marketplace. A bad purchase means a cracked toe by round three or a bat that sounds like a wet broom when it hits leather.
This guide is everything we've learned from years of running a cricket shop in Australia and helping hundreds of players find the right pre-owned bat. We'll walk you through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make sure your money goes into a willow that performs.
Why Buy a Used Cricket Bat in Australia?
Buying second-hand has gone from being something parents did quietly to a serious strategy embraced by club cricketers, premier league players, and even state-level juniors. Here's why.
Significant Cost Savings
A new Grade 1 English willow bat from a top brand can cost upwards of $1,000 in Australia. The same bat, two or three seasons old and well-cared-for, can often be found for $300 to $500. For budget-conscious players — and let's be honest, that's most of us — that difference is the gap between playing with a top-shelf bat and settling for something below your potential.
Pre-Knocked and Match-Ready
This is the part most beginners don't realise: a new cricket bat needs 6 to 10 hours of knocking-in before you can confidently face a hard cricket ball. Skip this step and you risk surface cracks, dented edges, and a toe that splits after a single yorker. Buying a used bat means someone else has already done that work. The willow has been properly compressed, the fibres have bonded, and the bat is genuinely ready to play.
Access to Premium English Willow Brands
For the price of a new mid-range bat, you can often own a pre-owned Grade 1 English willow from brands like SS, GM, MRF, or Kookaburra. If you're a club cricketer who wants the feel of a professional-grade bat without the professional-grade price tag, the used market is where you find it.
Sustainability
English willow takes 15 to 20 years to mature. Extending the life of an existing bat — rather than buying new — is a small but real way to reduce waste in a sport that ploughs through equipment.
Kashmir Willow vs English Willow: Understanding the Difference
Before you start hunting for a used bat, you need to understand the most important distinction in cricket: the willow itself.
Kashmir Willow
Kashmir willow is grown in the Kashmir region of India. It's denser, heavier, harder, and significantly cheaper than English willow. Kashmir willow bats are excellent starting points for absolute beginners, backyard cricket, tennis-ball games, and very young juniors who aren't yet playing with a hard ball regularly. The trade-off: less ping, less rebound, less "feel" through the shot.
English Willow
English willow comes from the Salix alba caerulea tree, grown primarily in England. It's lighter, softer, more responsive, and absorbs impact in a way that creates the iconic crisp "tonk" off the middle. Every professional cricketer in the world uses English willow. If you're playing club cricket with a hard leather ball, this is what you want.
Why Upgrading Matters
If you're a junior moving up from under-13s to under-15s, or a club player still using the Kashmir bat your aunt bought you in 2019, the jump to English willow cricket bats is transformative. The ball comes off the face faster, your timing improves, and your confidence at the crease lifts. Buying a used English willow bat is the most affordable way to make that upgrade.
English Willow Grades Explained
Not all English willow is created equal. Bats are graded based on the appearance and quality of the willow — grain count, colour, evenness, and the presence of imperfections.
Grade 1 English Willow
The top tier. Straight, evenly spaced grains (usually 6 to 12 visible on the face), minimal blemishes, clean unbleached white willow. Best performance, best feel, best price. Used Grade 1 English willow bats are the gold standard of the second-hand market.
Grade 2 English Willow
Slightly fewer grains or some minor red wood or specks. Performance is still excellent — many professionals actually prefer Grade 2 because the slight imperfections often correlate with denser, more resilient willow.
Grade 3 and Grade 4 English Willow
More red wood, fewer grains, often bleached to improve appearance. Still proper English willow, still great performance, but typically more affordable. For club cricketers who care about runs more than aesthetics, a used Grade 3 bat can be the smartest buy on the market.
What About Cricket Bat Grains?
A common myth: more grains = better bat. Not always true. Cricket bat grains indicate the age of the willow when it was harvested — more grains usually means older, drier willow that pings beautifully but can be more brittle. Fewer grains often means younger, more durable willow that takes longer to "open up" but lasts longer. For a used bat, 6 to 10 straight grains is the sweet spot.
Best Cricket Bat Brands to Look For (Used)
Some brands hold their performance and resale value far better than others. Here are the ones we recommend hunting down on the used market.
SS (Sareen Sports) — Used SS Ton Bats
Used SS Ton bats are some of the most sought-after pre-owned bats in Australia. The SS Ton range — including the Master, Player, and Gladiator series — uses high-quality English willow and is famous for big edges, a strong spine, and a generous sweet spot. SS bats are favoured by international stars like David Warner and Brendon McCullum (historically), and they age well.
GM (Gunn & Moore) — Used GM Cricket Bats
Used GM cricket bats are another excellent choice. GM's DXM (Design, Xtraction, Manufacture) selection process means even their lower grades perform above their price point. The GM Diamond, Mythos, and Hypa ranges are particularly popular. Look for GM bats with the original "ToeTek" intact — it's a sign the previous owner cared for the bat.
MRF — Used MRF Bats
MRF bats — made famous by Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli — are premium English willow bats with a distinctly Indian-subcontinent design philosophy: thick edges, big sweet spots, and a slightly bottom-heavy feel that suits front-foot players. Used MRF bats in good condition are increasingly rare in Australia, which makes them a great long-term investment if you find one.
Kookaburra Bats Australia
You can't write about cricket in Australia without talking Kookaburra. As the home-grown brand, Kookaburra bats Australia has produced everything from the iconic Kahuna (Ricky Ponting's choice) to the Ghost, Beast, and Big Kahuna ranges. Used Kookaburras are widely available across the Australian second-hand market and tend to suit Australian conditions — bouncy pitches, hard balls, and aggressive stroke play.
Other Brands Worth Considering
- Spartan — popular among aggressive batters, used by MS Dhoni and Chris Gayle
- CA (Cricket Australia / CA Sports) — known for big edges and excellent value
- DSC — modern bats with great pickup
- Newbery — handcrafted English bats, premium feel
- SG — solid mid-range option, popular with juniors
How to Inspect a Used Cricket Bat: 8-Point Checklist
This is the single most important section of this guide. How to inspect a used cricket bat is a skill — and once you learn it, you'll never overpay or get burned again. Use this checklist every time.
1. Examine the Toe
The toe is the most vulnerable part of any cricket bat. Look closely for:
- Cracks or splits at the base
- Excessive wear or mushrooming
- Soft, spongy feel (indicates water damage)
- Missing toe guard
Minor wear is fine and expected. Cricket bat toe damage that's deep or splitting all the way up is a deal-breaker.
2. Check the Edges
Big edges are great in 2026 — most modern bats are made with profiles up to 40mm. Inspect both edges for:
- Surface dents (cosmetic, mostly fine)
- Deep cracks running vertically (serious)
- Crumbling or flaking willow (avoid)
Run your fingernail along the edge. It should feel smooth and consistent.
3. Look for Cracks on the Face
Some surface cracking is normal on a played-in bat — they're called "honeycomb" cracks and indicate the willow has been properly compressed. What you want to avoid:
- Deep cracks longer than 5 cm
- Cracks that run across the grain (rather than along it)
- Cracks that you can fit a fingernail into
4. Inspect the Splice and Handle Join
The splice — where the handle meets the blade — is critical. A failure here is unrepairable. Look for:
- Any visible gap between handle and blade
- Cracks in the V-shape of the splice
- Loose binding or twine coming undone
5. Test the Handle Grip and Twist
Hold the handle firmly and gently twist. There should be zero rotational movement. If the handle twists in the blade, the bat is finished. Also check:
- Grip condition (easily replaced — not a deal-breaker)
- Cane handle for cracks
- Rubber sleeve underneath the grip (peel back if you can)
6. Weight and Pickup
Don't just check the weight on a scale — pick the bat up. A 2lb 10oz bat can feel like a sledgehammer or a feather depending on its balance. The bat should:
- Feel balanced in your hands
- Pick up easily into your stance
- Allow a comfortable shadow swing
For most adult club cricketers, 2lb 8oz to 2lb 10oz is the sweet spot. Lightweight cricket bats (2lb 6oz to 2lb 8oz) suit junior players, batters playing on slow Australian outfields, and anyone who values bat speed over weight.
7. Grain Count and Quality
Look at the face. Count the straight, vertical grains:
- 6 to 8 grains = durable, slightly slower to open up
- 8 to 12 grains = ideal balance of performance and longevity
- 12+ grains = premium feel but more brittle
Check that the grains are straight and run the full length of the blade. Wavy or angled grains can indicate lower-quality willow.
8. Sweet Spot Location
Tap the face of the bat firmly with your knuckle from the toe up to the shoulder. You'll hear the sound change — there's a deeper, hollower "tonk" at the sweet spot. Where is it?
- Low sweet spot (toward the toe) — suits front-foot players on flat decks
- Mid sweet spot — most versatile, best all-rounder
- High sweet spot — suits back-foot players, fast bouncy pitches (very Australian)
Match the sweet spot to your style.
What to Avoid When Buying Second-Hand Cricket Bats
The dark side of the used market. Here's what makes us walk away every time.
- Bats with deep splice cracks — unrepairable, will fail mid-innings
- Loose handles — if it twists, it's done
- Bats that have lost their shape — bowed, warped, or flattened blades
- "Genuine Grade 1" claims with no proof — ask for original purchase receipts or photos
- Sellers without any return policy — reputable cricket shops in Australia will always offer at least a short inspection window
- Bats stored badly — exposed to heat (car boots in Australian summer!), damp garages, or direct sun. Look for any signs of warping or discolouration.
- Suspiciously cheap premium brands — if a "used SS Ton Player" is $150, it's either fake, broken, or stolen
- Bats with heavy oil saturation — over-oiling makes willow soft and dead. The bat should feel firm, not greasy.
Used Cricket Bats for Junior Cricketers
Buying second-hand makes the most sense for junior cricketers, who outgrow bats roughly every 12 to 18 months. Spending $800 on a Grade 1 bat that fits for one season is hard to justify. A $250 used English willow bat in the right size? That's parenting wisdom.
Junior Sizing Guide
| Age | Height | Bat Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4–5 | Up to 120 cm | Size 1 |
| 6–7 | 120–129 cm | Size 2 |
| 8–9 | 129–137 cm | Size 3 |
| 9–11 | 137–144 cm | Size 4 |
| 10–12 | 144–150 cm | Size 5 |
| 11–13 | 150–157 cm | Size 6 |
| 12–14 | 157–163 cm | Harrow |
| 14+ | 163 cm+ | Short Handle (SH) |
When in doubt, size down rather than up. A bat that's too heavy or too long is the single biggest cause of poor technique in junior cricket.
Lightweight Options for Juniors
Look for used bats marked "Light Pick Up" or weighing 2lb 4oz to 2lb 8oz for size 5–6 bats. Brands like Kookaburra Kahuna Pro, GM Diamond, and SS Limited Edition often produce excellent junior English willow bats that show up regularly on the used market.
Caring for Your Used Cricket Bat
You've bought a great pre-owned bat. Now don't ruin it.
Cricket Bat Knocking
Even a used bat may benefit from a top-up knocking session — particularly the edges and toe. Cricket bat knocking with a wooden mallet for 30 to 60 minutes can re-compress the willow and prepare it for a new season. If you bought a bat that has been sitting unused for a year or more, give it some light knocking before facing a hard ball.
Oiling
Apply a thin layer of raw linseed oil (about a teaspoon) to the face, edges, and toe — never the splice or handle. Once or twice per season is plenty for a played-in bat. Over-oiling is one of the most common mistakes new buyers make.
Storage
- Store flat or upright in a cool, dry place
- Never leave in a hot car (Australian summers will warp the willow)
- Don't store in a damp garage or shed
- Use a bat cover when transporting
Toe Guards and Anti-Scuff Sheets
If your used bat doesn't already have one, add a rubber toe guard immediately. Toe damage is the most common reason cricket bats die early. An anti-scuff sheet on the face protects against surface cracks and extends the bat's life by years.
This is essential cricket bat maintenance — and the difference between a used bat lasting one season versus four.
Cracked Cricket Bat Repair and Restoration
Not every crack is a death sentence. Many used bats with minor damage can be restored to full performance.
Surface Cracks
Light surface cracks on the face are usually cosmetic and can be sealed with a fresh anti-scuff sheet. No structural concern.
Toe Damage Repair
A split toe can often be repaired by sanding back the damaged area, applying wood glue, clamping for 24 hours, and finishing with a new toe guard. Most cricket shops in Australia offer cracked cricket bat repair services for around $40 to $80.
Edge Repairs
Cracked edges are trickier. Small chips can be filled with wood filler and sanded smooth. Major edge damage may require professional pressing.
When to Replace vs Repair
Replace the bat if:
- The splice is cracked or separating
- The handle twists in the blade
- Multiple deep cracks run through the spine
- The bat sounds "dead" when struck
Repair the bat if:
- Damage is limited to surface, edges, or toe
- The handle is solid
- The bat still has good pickup and ping
A trusted cricket shop will give you an honest assessment — and at PS Cricket, we don't recommend repairs that aren't worth the money.
Where to Buy Used Cricket Bats in Australia
Here's the hard truth about the second-hand cricket bat market: it's full of risk. Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and random eBay listings can deliver great deals — or expensive disasters. There's no warranty, no inspection, no comeback.
That's why buying from a specialist cricket shop in Australia that hand-inspects every used bat matters.
At PS Cricket & Sports Australia, every pre-owned bat in our store has been:
- Personally inspected by our cricket experts
- Tested for structural integrity (splice, handle, blade)
- Checked for grain quality and pickup
- Refurbished where needed (new grips, toe guards, anti-scuff sheets)
- Graded honestly so you know exactly what you're buying
We stock used English willow bats from SS, GM, MRF, Kookaburra, Spartan, Newbery, and more — across all sizes from juniors to adult short handle. Whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or anywhere across Australia, we ship nationwide.
Browse our current range of used cricket bats Australia — updated weekly.
CTA: Ready to Find Your Next Bat?
Whether you're a junior chasing your first English willow, a club cricketer upgrading from Kashmir, or a parent looking for a smart-money buy for the season ahead — PS Cricket is here to help.
- Shop used cricket bats →
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Visit our Sydney showroom or shop online — we deliver Australia-wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are used cricket bats worth buying?
Absolutely. A good-condition pre-owned cricket bat from a reputable seller can offer 80–90% of the performance of a new bat at 30–50% of the price. Most used bats are also pre-knocked, meaning they're ready to use immediately. The key is buying from a trusted source that inspects and grades each bat honestly.
How can I tell if a used cricket bat is good quality?
Use the 8-point inspection checklist above: check the toe, edges, face, splice, handle, weight, grain count, and sweet spot. The most critical checks are the splice (must be tight, no cracks) and the handle (zero twist or movement). Surface cracks on the face are usually fine; deep cracks in the splice or spine are not.
What's the difference between Kashmir willow and English willow?
Kashmir willow is denser, heavier, and harder — best for beginners, backyard cricket, and tennis-ball games. English willow is lighter, softer, and more responsive — the standard for hard-ball club cricket and used by every professional. Upgrading from Kashmir to English willow makes a transformative difference to your batting feel.
How long does a used cricket bat last?
With good care — proper knocking, light oiling, a toe guard, and an anti-scuff sheet — a quality used English willow bat can last 3 to 5 seasons of club cricket. Cheaper or heavily-used bats might last 1 to 2 seasons. Storage matters too: never leave a bat in a hot car.
Do I need to knock in a used cricket bat?
Usually no, but yes if the bat has been sitting unused for a long time. A light 30-minute mallet session on the edges and toe before the season starts is good insurance. If the bat looks freshly knocked-in and has been recently used, you can take it straight to the nets for a few sessions before facing match-pace bowling.
Are used SS Ton bats good?
Excellent. SS Ton bats are some of the most popular and durable English willow bats on the market. Used SS Ton models — particularly the Master, Player, and Gladiator — hold their performance well and are highly sought after in the Australian second-hand market.
Where can I buy used cricket bats in Sydney?
PS Cricket & Sports Australia is a Sydney-based specialist cricket shop offering hand-inspected used cricket bats from all major brands. We ship Australia-wide. You can browse our full range online or visit our showroom.
Can a cracked cricket bat be repaired?
Many cracks can be repaired — surface cracks, toe splits, edge chips, and minor face damage. Splice cracks and handle failures cannot. A professional cricket shop can assess the damage and quote a repair, typically $40 to $80 for common fixes.
What's the best brand for a budget-conscious cricketer?
For value, look at used Kookaburra, GM, and CA bats — they offer Grade 2 and Grade 3 English willow performance at affordable prices. SS and MRF tend to hold their resale value longer but are still excellent value second-hand.
What weight should a used cricket bat be?
Most adult club cricketers do best with bats between 2lb 8oz and 2lb 10oz. Heavier bats (2lb 11oz+) suit powerful players on slow pitches; lighter bats (2lb 6oz to 2lb 8oz) suit timing players and faster, bouncy Australian pitches. The most important factor is pickup, not raw weight — pick the bat up and see how it feels in your stance.
Final Thoughts
Buying a second hand cricket bat in Australia in 2026 is one of the smartest moves a junior cricketer, club player, or budget-conscious batter can make. You get premium English willow, pre-knocked performance, and a bat that's been tested in real conditions — all at a fraction of the new price.
The key is buying smart: inspect carefully, buy from trusted sellers, and care for your bat properly once it's yours. Do that, and your pre-owned bat won't just survive the season — it'll help you score the runs you've been waiting for.
At PS Cricket & Sports Australia, we've helped thousands of Aussie cricketers find the right bat for their game. From first-time juniors picking up an English willow bat to club veterans hunting a specific used SS Ton, we're here to help you make the right call.
Ready to find your next bat? Browse our hand-inspected range of used cricket bats →
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