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GRAY-NICOLLS MATRIX PLUS CRICKET BAT GRIP
BRG509
Cricket Bats
At the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre, we know purchasing a new cricket bat can be an exciting, but sometimes daunting task. That's why we're happy to assist you in any way we can to select and prepare your new cricket bat!
Arguably the most exciting piece of cricket equipment you can buy yourself; here's your guide to selecting that perfect piece of willow.
1. Bat Size - Get It Right From the Start
This is fundamental. Junior bat sizes range from 00 (smallest) to SA (Small Adults)
Size 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Youth/Harrow, Small Adults
For juniors who might be just about to start their cricketing journey, the bat should reach your hip bone comfortably when standing upright with the bat resting on the ground.
Senior size bats are usual:
Short Blade (SB), Short Handle (SH) , Long Blade (LB)
The most common adults size bat is the Short Handle, which suits the vast majority of players. Long Blade bats are available for taller players (typically over 193cm) who prefer a longer hitting area. Short Blades can be perfect for those with a slighter build, this could be an adolescent moving into their first senior bat, or a female cricketer
Always check the manufacturer's size chart and where possible, get a fitting from one of our GCCC Kit Crew – a bat that's too long or too short will throw off your balance and timing.
SIZE GUIDE
2. Bat Weight
This is highly personal.
For Junior bats, the manufacturing will always try to make these as lightweight as they can for the kids.
For Senior cricket bats, they typically range from 2lb 7oz to 3lb+.
Too Heavy: A bat that's too heavy will slow your bat speed, make it difficult to adjust to quick deliveries, and lead to fatigue.
Too Light: A bat that's too light might feel whippy, but it can lack power and sometimes lead to a loss of control if you over-swing.
The "Pick-Up" Test: This is more important than the actual static weight on a scale. Hold the bat by the handle and extend it in front of you. Does it feel balanced? Does it feel lighter than its actual weight? This "pick-up" is critical for comfortable manoeuvring and quick hand-eye coordination. A well-balanced heavier bat can often feel lighter on the pick-up than a poorly balanced lighter bat.
3. Sweet Spot Position
Tailor your sweet spot to your style of play - usually cricket bats will be marked as having a low, mid, or high sweet spot.
Here's a breakdown below:
Low Sweet Spot: Favoured by front-foot players, typically those playing on flatter, slower pitches (less common here, but good for driving).
Mid Sweet Spot: The most common and versatile profile, suitable for all-round players and a good choice for the variety of pitches we encounter.
High Sweet Spot: Preferred by back-foot players, or those playing on bouncier pitches (like some fast wickets). Good for cutting and pulling.
PROFILES
4. English vs Kashmir Willow
This is a BIG one!
So what's the difference?
English Willow: This is the gold standard for cricket bats due to its superior performance, lightness, and responsiveness. It's renowned for its fantastic "ping" (the sound and feel of the ball coming off the bat).
English Willow is typcially graded (Grade 1 being the highest, then 2, 3, etc.). Higher grades typically have more unblemished grains, better performance, and a higher price tag. But Don't be afraid of a few blemishes or a slightly lower grade if the bat feels good – sometimes a Grade 3 bat can outperform a Grade 1!
Kashmir Willow: This is a more affordable and durable alternative. However, it's typically heavier and doesn't offer the same "ping" or feel as English willow.
Kashmir willow is ideal for casual play, beginners, or those on a tighter budget. For serious match play, especially at higher levels, English willow is highly recommended.
5. What does "Ping" mean for a cricket bat?
If you’ve ever picked up a cricket bat in-store, you’ve probably heard someone say: “That bat has great ping.” But what does that actually mean? Fraser explains below -
Still not sure? Don't Be Afraid to Ask!
Our staff at the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre are very knowledgeable and can offer tailored advice.
Remember, once you buy your new English willow bat, it will need knocking in before use.
You can check out our range of GCCC Exclusive Knock in Services here -
Or if you want to give it a crack yourself - check out our DIY Knock In Guide
May your new blade be filled with runs and boundaries!
If you require further expert advice and assistance in hand-selecting your new bat please call us on 1800 469 928 or email us on enquire@cricketcentre.com.au our cricketing experts will be happy to help!
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12 Month Warranty On Your New Bat
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Buy Now, Pay Later - Same Day Approval
Self-tensioning anti-slip rings prevent grip movement.
Ultra lightweight creates perfect balance and feel.
Multi-angled design creates ultimate grip.
Extra-soft feel for superior control.
SWEET SPOT POSITION = Mid
Just bought a brand-new cricket bat and need some help Knocking it in? The Greg Chappell Cricket Centre has you covered!
If you wish to prepare your new bat yourself, we have a How-To guide in the video below -
Alternatively, read on to find out about the Professional In-Store Bat Knocking-In Services offered by the GCCC -
At the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre, we want you to walk out to the crease with complete confidence. English willow is a beautiful, natural, and soft timber designed to strike a hard leather ball—but before your new blade ever faces a bowler, it needs to be properly prepared!
To ensure your bat performs at its peak and your manufacturer warranty remains fully protected, we offer expert, professional In-Store Knocking-In Services across all of our locations nationwide.
Please Note: We have updated our services to focus entirely on precision preparation. The previously offered Match Ready service is not currently available. However, bat knocking-ins are now handled exclusively through our In-Store Service, ensuring your bat receives dedicated, hands-on attention from our expert GCCC Kit Crew & it is ready for you to use faster!
Our In-Store Knocking-In Services
Whether you bought your bat from us or brought in an external favorite, we’ll Knock the bat so it's structurally sound and ready for you to test at the nets.
1. GCCC Standard Knocked-In Service
Our core service to structuralize and harden the willow face, providing the crucial baseline compression your bat needs before facing leather.
This Service includes:
Pressing of Bat
Hand Knocking of Toe
Hand Knocking of Edges
Extratec Applied
GCCC Purchased Bats: $75 (Member Price)
Externally Purchased Bats: $110 (Member Price)
2. GCCC Priority Knocked-In Service
In a rush for am upcoming game or pre-season training? Jump the queue with our fast-tracked turnaround option.
GCCC Purchased Bats: $95 (Member Price)
Externally Purchased Bats: $135 (Member Price)
Cricketers Please Note
- Additional charges may apply for cleaning /repairing bats that have been used, pressed, poorly knocked/oiled or damaged.
- Please be aware, there are strictly no returns once the knocking in service is underway or completed.
- You will still be required to "Play In" your new bat following these services, prior to Match Use. Throw downs & net sessions are required to assess YOUR bat. Some bats are made of softer willow than others & may require additional "Playing In".
Why Choose The GCCC In-Store Service?
Most cricket bat manufacturers will void a warranty if a bat breaks due to insufficient or poor preparation - so not preparing your new cricket bat will jeopardize your warranty.
Our GCCC In-Store service will help you get your bat well on the way to "Match Ready", so that you can get to the "playing-In" stage, faster!
No Commercial "Strapped-In" Machines: GCCC strictly advises against automated commercial machines that strap a bat down and smash it uniformly. These frequently cause deep bruising to the willow or immediate shoulder damage.
Hand-Guided Precision: Our specialised in-store process is carefully monitored by hand, allowing our crew to adjust the impact force and spend extra time on the specific areas your unique willow cleft needs most.
Add Crucial Extra Protection In-Store
While your bat is with us for its knocking-in service, we highly recommend adding these vital defensive features to protect the most vulnerable zones of the blade:
Toe Guard / Toe Goo Application: Protects the bottom of your bat from structural splits caused by damp pitches or digging out lethal yorkers. This is a requirement for warranties as toe damage from damp wickets, tapping, sliding etc is not a manufacturing fault.
Grip Modifications: Ask our team to fit an extra grip or anti-slip additions for ultimate feel at the crease.
Ready to prep your blade?
Simply head into your nearest Greg Chappell Cricket Centre location and our expert Kit Crew will get you sorted.
Have questions about our current turnaround times? Give our national customer service hotline a buzz on 1800 469 928 or email us at enquire@cricketcentre.com.au.
Postage, Delivery and Click + Collects
Shipping Cost
Your Postage costs will vary according to the weight and selected method of delivery. The Greg Chappell Cricket Centre works closely with Australia Post to provide the most cost effective and accurate postage prices. If a combination of items goes above the capped weight (22kg Domestic, 20kg International) you will be contacted by our Customer Service team and quoted a price.
For all ground equipment and other marked items, you will be contacted by our Customer Service team for a freight cost. Please see product descriptions for more information.
DOMESTIC POST PRICE GUIDE
| 0kg - 500g | $12.95 |
| 500g - 1kg | $15.45 |
| 1kg - 3kg | $18.95 |
| 3kg - 5kg | $21.45 |
| 5kg - 10kg | $36.45 |
| 10kg - 15kg | $46.45 |
| 15kg - 21kg | $63.45 |
| 22kg+ | P.O.A |
DOMESTIC EXPRESS POST PRICE GUIDE
| 0kg - 500g | $18.45 |
| 500g - 1kg | $21.95 |
| 1kg - 3kg | $27.95 |
| 3kg - 5kg | $35.95 |
| 5kg - 10kg | $65.45 |
| 10kg - 15kg | $96.95 |
| 15kg - 21kg | $131.45 |
| 22kg+ | P.O.A |
International Order Price and Delivery
Please note: Due to contractual restrictions, we are unable to send Asics products overseas.
Taxes, Duty, Customs: The GCCC takes no responsibility for Taxes, Duty and Customs charges that may be incurred upon arrival of your order at destination country. Please be aware that these additional charges may apply to your order.
Greg Chappell Cricket Centre holds no responsibility for incorrectly provided addresses; please double check you have provided the correct address prior to finalizing your order.
USA Cricketers: Yes, we are shipping to the USA! If you can't see the option for 'Shipping' in your checkout, please email us with the items you wish to order and we can send you a quote for final confirmation and payment.
Please note, your order may be subject to additional import duty costs due to the recent changes in U.S. tariff and import regulations.
PRODUCT WEIGHT GUIDE
This is a guide to give you an indication on your postage charge. The weights can vary from each manufacturer on some goods. If you would like a more accurate total, please call us on 1800 469 928. Weights are shown for individual items not as a combined total.
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BAT/SMALL PERSONAL BAG/SHOES |
1.8KG |
|
PADS/KEEPING PADS/1 DOZ. BALLS |
2.5KG |
|
LARGE PERSONAL BAG/FULL SET OF STUMPS |
3.5KG |
|
TROUSERS /SHIRT /THIGH PADS / BATTING GLOVES / KEEPING GLOVES |
0.5KG |
|
HELMET |
1.2KG |
|
HATS /GRIPS / TAPE/INNERS /SUNGLASSES /GROIN PROTECTORS |
0.25KG |
|
BAT STICKERS |
0.05KG |
Please see the Australia post Express network to find out whether your area is included:
http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/delivery-areas.html?ilink=mm-delivery-areas-1
Delivery Times & Order Delays
The Greg Chappell Cricket Centre will process your order within 1 business day of your payment being processed. However, your order may be delayed for the following reasons:
- Stock availability
- Store Hours/Closures
- Incorrect Address provided
- Postal Delays E.g. Bad weather
- Payment has not been accepted (Check for confirmation email)
- Personal details may need to be confirmed for fraud prevention
- Your order may be coming from different locations and could be under different delivery times.
Standard Post times
Within 5 Working Days for Eastern States & 7-10 Working days for other regions of Australia.
Express Post times
Major capital cities 1 working day in all states, Tasmania and NT 1-3 Working days, Country/Regional Areas in other states 1-3 Working Days.
If you are still unsure as to why your order may have been delayed please send through any questions to: enquire@cricketcentre.com.au
Split Deliveries
The Greg Chappell Cricket Centre will always attempt to deliver your goods from a single location, however, we may need to source goods from multiple locations to finalise the order and have it delivered in the most time efficient manner. Your goods may arrive on different days and possibly via different carriers.
Track My Order
If you have provided a correct and current email address, you will receive your tracking information via email once it has been dispatched. If you have not received your tracking information, check your junk folder before contacting us at: enquire@cricketcentre.com.au with your order number in the subject field.
If you have your tracking number; click this link to get an update: https://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/track.html#/track
We recommend checking tracking after 8pm on the day (next business day for weekends) you receive this email.
Click & Collect
The Greg Chappell Cricket Centre will always attempt to process your order as soon as possible. We ask that you wait to be contacted by GCCC to confirm your order before proceeding to collect instore.
Stock availability in your chosen pickup location may affect processing times or collection times for your order. GCCC will advise you of any delays & notify when your order is ready for collection.
Orders will be held for 30 days after being confirmed as ready for collection. If your order has not been collected by this time, it may be cancelled, and a refund processed.
Further Information
If you are unable to find what you are looking, please feel free to contact us enquire@cricketcentre.com.au or call us on 1800 469 928