Batty about bamboo

Ben Tinkler-Davies (Tyson’s 2009-16) University of Cambridge engineer, alongside colleague, Dr Darshil Shah has researched and produced what looks to be a winning alternative to the traditional willow cricket bat . In conjunction with bat manufacturers, Garrard & Flack, they designed and tested a full-size bamboo prototype and found the bamboo bats to be 3 times stronger. The bats are also stiffer having the effect of increasing the velocity of the ball once hit. Despite being significantly heavier than willow, the bamboo’s inherent strength means bats could be made lighter whilst still hitting the ball as hard and as fast.  Their tests showed that bamboo bats are not just a viable alternative to willow but in all likelihood, superior: stronger, stiffer, more sustainable, with a bigger sweet-spot. They are also cheaper.

Impressive results indeed. The only question left to ask is, does it still make the same lovely sound?