Kashmir Willow and English Willow Bats | The Difference

Kashmir Willow and English Willow are two of the most famous willows that are utilised in the cricketing circuit to manufacture cricket bats. Every cricketer selects a willow that suits his style of play, physique, and technique.

English Willow and Kashmir Willow woods are found in regions that are cold, like Russia, Canada, Europe, and in northern parts of India, like Kashmir.

The willow plant Salix alba, which is used for treating fever, cold, and joint pains, is utilised to make willows. These trees grow up to 60-80 feet, and they grow very rapidly.

English Willow bats are used by professional cricketers due to their shine and supreme quality, but nowadays even Kashmir Willow bats possess the same quality. So what is the difference between Kashmir Willow and English Willow cricket bats?

We take a look at it in detail:

1. Colour

Colour is the main feature of both woods, which depends on the weather and nature of the soil. English Willows possess white colour, while the Kashmir Willows are dark, due to which the English Willows possess more shine. Only a professional or an expert can identify the difference between the two, as not everyone can identify this difference.

2. Texture of the Grain

The quality of the grains in the English Willow is of supreme quality, which is another difference between the two. These grains are thin black/brown lines that are on the surface of the bat, but this doesn’t state that Kashmir Willows are of inferior quality.

Some Kashmir Willows are of good quality and possess familiar grains that are of superior quality than some below-par quality English Willows. Any individual who wants to buy a professional willow should note the quality of the grain texture before he/she chooses the willow.

Also Read | Difference between Red, White & Pink Cricket Balls

3. Weight and Orientation

Bat’s weight and orientation are another feature of the two willows. Kashmir Willows are heavier as compared to the English Willows.

One of the reasons for this is that the Kashmir Willows possess more density and moisture, which makes them heavier. Good quality Kashmir Willows have an accurate balance, as the bat speed and its bottom side won’t deteriorate quickly.

When it comes to the orientation, the fibre orientations of the Kashmir Willows are horizontal while those of the English Willows are vertical. Due to these, the grains in the English Willow are of better quality than those of a Kashmir Willow.

4. Which Willow Should be Preferred?

A good quality English Willow is more costly than a good quality Kashmir Willow. The ping off the bat of an English Willow is light as compared to that of a Kashmir Willow, which helps in a comfortable bat speed.

If a child is starting his/her professional career, then a good quality Kashmir Willow would be a better option to start with than an English Willow.

A good quality Kashmir Willow bat can also be a good choice for professional cricket, but it should possess the above-mentioned features, and the buyer should also consider them. Nevertheless, lightweight English Willows aid in better strokeplay.

Read Next | All Types of Cricket Shots – A Complete Guide