The two most preferred types of wood chosen to manufacture the modern cricket bats are English and Kashmiri willow. Cricketers got acquainted with the willow wood right from the start of their careers.
These types of woods are generally growing in the colder regions of Europe, Canada, Russia, and Kashmir the northernmost state in India. The Salix alba willow tree is the one that gives us wilows, which have been used by many cultures to remedy colds, fevers, and joint problems for thousands of years.
These trees can grow very tall and their height can go up to 60 to 80 feet. The English willows are the ones that give the bats with the highest quality a little bit of charisma. Kashmir willows can also make very good bats. Let us see the i.e. main difference between them:
The Difference Between Kashmir Willow and English Willow
1. Color
In general, the color of the wood is determined by the type of soil and the weather. The English willows are slightly more white than the Kashmiri ones, which are somewhat darker.
This difference makes it easy for an expert to quickly understand the distinction between the two types of wood. Nevertheless, it does not always help because not all can use this argument consistently to differentiate.
2. Grain Texture
It is quite a factor while selecting a cricket bat. Good quality Kashmiri and English Willows both possess clearly visible and rightly arranged grains in the bat. Some of the best quality Kashmiri willows have even finer grains than English willows of lower quality.
3. Dimension and inclination
Generally, the weight of Kashmir is more than that of the English willows. The Kashmir willow is that way due to its greater density and water content. English willows are less able to absorb the weight.
The premium willow of any type has the same perfect weight that a cricketer searches for in his/her bat. They have vertical fiber orientation and Kashmir willows have horizontal orientation.
4. Durability
Since both kinds of willow trees are the same, there is little difference in the strength of a Kashmir and an English willow. The two varieties of willow have about the same odds. But the English Willow is the more delicate one.
5. Longevity
The English willow is more prone to splitting and less durable than the Kashmir willow, especially in case of improper breaking. With the right treatment, the lifespan of Kashmir can be extended to 5 years longer than that of English.
6. Price
Kashmir willow bats are pricier compared to English willow bats. The price of English willow bats varies from 3,000 to 100,000 Indian rupees. On the other hand, Kashmir willow bats are priced between INR 1,000 and INR 4,000. A variety of factors including your age, financial circumstances, and cricket playing level will determine the decision.
Which one is better besides: Kashmir Willow or the English Willow?
When the price is considered, high-grade Kashmiri willows will be just slightly more expensive than the English ones. They can be bought for kids just when they start their careers. They may use them up to a point in their careers. Then, a player can easily switch to the latter and even enhance his performance. English willows are more manageable and give better ping off the bat because of their less weight.
