If you’re buying a cricket bat in the UK, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between English willow and Kashmir willow. Both types of willow are used to make cricket bats, but they differ in performance, feel, durability, and price.
Whether you're a parent buying for your child or a club player upgrading your bat, this guide will help you choose the right option.
What Is English Willow?
English willow is grown in the UK and is considered the premium material for cricket bats.
It is used by professional and club-level players because of its performance and responsiveness.
Benefits of English Willow:
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Lighter weight
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Better ping and rebound
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Superior grain structure
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Ideal for match play
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Preferred by advanced players
English willow bats are graded (Grade 1, 2, 3, etc.), with higher grades offering cleaner grains and better aesthetics.
They are more expensive, but they deliver excellent performance.
What Is Kashmir Willow?
Kashmir willow is grown in India and is more affordable than English willow.
It is slightly denser and heavier, making it very durable and ideal for beginners or casual players.
Benefits of Kashmir Willow:
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More affordable
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Strong and durable
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Great for training
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Ideal for beginners
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Lower maintenance
While it doesn’t offer the same “ping” as English willow, it still performs very well for junior and recreational cricket.
Performance Comparison
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Feature | English Willow | Kashmir Willow |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier |
| Performance | Higher | Moderate |
| Price | Premium | Budget-friendly |
| Durability | Good | Very durable |
| Best For | Club & match play | Beginners & training |
If performance is your priority, English willow is the better choice.
If affordability and durability matter most, Kashmir willow is excellent value.
Which Bat Is Best for Juniors?
For younger players and school cricket, Kashmir willow is often perfect.
For competitive junior club players in the UK, English willow can help improve shot power and confidence.
The most important factor is ensuring the bat is:
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The correct size
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Comfortable to hold
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Lightweight enough to control
Never choose a heavier bat just for power — technique matters more.
When Should You Upgrade to English Willow?
Consider upgrading if:
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Your child plays regular club cricket
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They face faster bowlers
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They want better match performance
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They are serious about improving
An English willow bat offers better rebound and feel off the blade.
Where to Buy Cricket Bats in the UK
When buying a cricket bat, choose a specialist retailer that:
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Stocks both English and Kashmir willow
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Offers junior and senior sizes
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Provides secure checkout
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Delivers quickly within the UK
At Cricket Flow, we stock a wide range of cricket bats to suit beginners, juniors and club players.
👉 Browse our full range of cricket bats here:
https://www.cricketflow.co.uk/collections/cricket-bats
Final Verdict
There is no “one size fits all” answer.
Choose English willow if you want premium match performance.
Choose Kashmir willow if you want durability and value.
Both options can perform brilliantly when sized correctly.
If you're unsure which bat is right for you or your child, the team at Cricket Flow is always happy to help.