Cricket Bat Warranty Information: Your Rights as a New Zealand Player

 Mike Wood · 20 September, 2025

At Players Sports, we stand behind every cricket bat we sell. Whether you've picked up a Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra, Gunn & Moore, New Balance, DSC, or another top brand from us, it’s important you understand your rights - and the fair expectations - when it comes to cricket bat warranties in New Zealand.

We’re committed to doing the right thing under the NZ Consumer Guarantees Act and Commerce Commission guidelines. If your bat has an issue that’s genuinely a fault and not simply the result of normal use, you’re entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund. However, cricket bats are made from natural materials, and there are some fair limits to warranty coverage, which we’ll explain below.

How Long Is My Cricket Bat Covered For?

At Players Sports, all new cricket bats come with a 12-month warranty against manufacturing faults affecting the blade or handle, provided the bat has been used under normal playing conditions. This aligns with the warranties offered by our trusted brands like Kookaburra, Gray-Nicolls, Gunn & Moore, and more.

Normal use means playing with standard cricket balls (no 'hard centre' or concrete balls) and avoiding heavy bowling machine use unless the bat has appropriate protection.

When a bat is damaged, it will be assessed by the brand (e.g., Kookaburra or Gray-Nicolls) and they will determine whether it should be repaired, replaced, or credited - at their discretion. We fully support and action their decisions, but will always honour your rights under New Zealand law.

Why Buy Your Cricket Bat in New Zealand?

The major cricket brands manufacture their bats overseas, with different divisions managing different countries.

If you buy a cricket bat from an overseas website or retailer, even if it's the same brand, the warranty may not be honoured here in New Zealand.

In these cases, you may be required to ship your bat back to the country of purchase at your own cost - often a slow and expensive process.

When you buy your bat from Players Sports, whether in-store or online, you can shop with confidence knowing that:

• Your bat is covered by New Zealand warranties.

• We’ll manage the entire warranty process locally with our brand partners.

• You’ll have clear, fast support if anything goes wrong.

It’s just one of the ways we work to give New Zealand cricket players peace of mind when they gear up with us.

Knocking In Your Bat Correctly

Every English Willow cricket bat requires a certain level of preparation before it’s ready for match use. Without proper knocking in, even the best quality bats are more vulnerable to cracking, splitting, and other avoidable damage - and this kind of damage may not be covered by warranty.

You have a couple of options when it comes to knocking in your bat:

DIY Knocking In:

You can manually prepare your bat at home using a cricket bat mallet. This process involves gently and progressively striking the face of the bat over a period of around 6 hours to compress the fibres and build durability.

Professional Knock-In Service:

If you’d prefer to have it done professionally, you can add a Players Workshop 'Knock In' when purchasing your new bat online or in-store. Our experienced bat craftsman will expertly prepare your bat using a combination of hand malleting and a customised cricket bat machine press to ensure the willow is perfectly conditioned for the demands of play.

Important:

For best results, we recommend using your newly knocked-in bat in the nets for a few training sessions before match play. Start with gentle throwdowns using high-quality older cricket balls, then gradually progress to facing spin and, eventually, seam bowlers. This gradual introduction helps condition the willow, enhancing both durability and long-term performance.

Also, some bats, particularly from Gray-Nicolls and Gunn & Moore, may come 'Ready to Play' and won’t require a full knock-in. This feature will be clearly stated on our website and/or on the bat itself.

If you’re ever unsure whether your new bat needs knocking in, just ask our friendly team at our Greenlane, Auckland store - we’re always happy to help.

What Is (and Isn’t) Covered by Warranty?

While we and our trusted brands stand behind the quality of every cricket bat we sell, it’s important to understand the difference between a genuine manufacturing fault and general wear and tear or user-related damage.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered - and what’s not:

Covered Under Warranty:

• Manufacturing faults that affect the structural integrity of the bat. This includes issues like internal splitting, handle cracking not caused by impact, loose handles, or defects in the factory pressing or bonding of the bat.

• Damage during transit - If your bat arrives damaged out of the box, including storm damage or visible faults before use, we’ll sort it.

• Unexpected breakage under normal use - If your bat breaks or splits in a way that is inconsistent with how it was used (e.g. cracking across the blade when playing standard shots with regulation balls), we’ll have it assessed and back you if it’s a genuine fault.

• Issues that clearly aren’t your fault - We’ll always look out for you if the bat hasn’t been misused, hasn’t been exposed to excessive elements, and has been looked after.

• Warranty coverage regardless of price - Whether you’ve purchased an entry-level junior bat or a pro-grade senior model, the same fair assessment applies.

Not Covered Under Warranty:

• Excessive bowling machine use - Bowling machine balls are harder and can cause damage to the face or handle, especially at higher speeds. We can quickly identify if a bat has been heavily used with a bowling machine, as the face will often show distinctive dimple marks from the harder machine balls.

• Moisture or water damage - Commonly caused by using the bat on wet synthetic wickets without proper protection or oiling.

• Extreme heat or dry damage - Leaving your bat in a car or garage can dry out the willow, making it more brittle and prone to cracking.

• Insufficient knocking in or preparation - Bats made from English Willow must be properly knocked in before use unless specifically labelled as 'ready to play'. Using a bat before it has been adequately prepared will void the warranty.

• Lack of maintenance - All bats require regular care, including oiling (if not faced), storing in dry but not hot conditions, and general upkeep throughout the season.

Note: Light cracks, small dents, and face marks are a natural part of a bat's life. These signs of use are not considered faults and do not qualify for warranty claims. English Willow is a soft, natural material - signs of play are to be expected and are part of the character of every bat.

Tips to Help Protect Your Bat

• Oil it properly before use (unless covered with a protective facing).

• Fit a toe guard or use ShoeGoo to help protect against moisture.

• Use good quality cricket balls for matches and training.

• Limit bowling machine use or use an older bat if possible.

• Store your bat carefully in a cool, dry place between games.

With the right preparation and care, your bat can perform brilliantly for many seasons. Regular maintenance is key to extending its lifespan and performance. We recommend having your bat professionally serviced at least once per season and addressing any minor cracks or damage as soon as they appear to prevent further issues.

How to Make a Warranty Claim

If you believe the cricket bat you purchased from Players Sports has a manufacturing fault, here’s how the process works:

1. Get in Touch - Bring your bat into one of our stores or contact us online. Please have a proof of purchase ready to help speed things up.

2. Brand Assessment - Your bat will be sent to the brand’s New Zealand agent (e.g., Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra) for a professional assessment. The manufacturer will then make the final decision on whether the bat will be repaired, replaced, credited, or, in some cases, the warranty claim may be declined.

We’re here to support you throughout the process and always handle warranty claims in line with the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act.

Final Word

At Players Sports, we know your cricket bat is a vital part of your game. That’s why we only stock quality brands, and why we make sure your purchase is backed by proper New Zealand warranties - giving you full confidence when you walk out to the crease.

If you have any questions about cricket bat warranties, bat care, or selecting your next bat, get in touch with our team. We’re proud to support players across New Zealand, on and off the field.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Cricket Bat Warranty in New Zealand

How long is a cricket bat covered under warranty in New Zealand?

All new cricket bats purchased from Players Sports come with a 12-month warranty against manufacturing faults affecting the blade or handle, provided the bat has been used under normal playing conditions. This aligns with brand warranties from Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra, Gunn & Moore, New Balance, DSC and other trusted suppliers.

What is considered a manufacturing fault in a cricket bat?

Manufacturing faults may include:

• Internal splitting affecting structural integrity

• Handle cracking not caused by impact

• Loose handles

• Faults in factory pressing or bonding

Each bat is assessed by the brand’s New Zealand agent to determine whether repair, replacement or credit is appropriate.

What is not covered under cricket bat warranty?

Warranty does not cover:

• Excessive bowling machine use

• Damage from hard centre or concrete balls

• Moisture or water damage

• Heat damage from storage in cars or garages

• Insufficient knocking in

• General wear and tear such as surface dents and minor cracks

English Willow is a natural material and signs of use are expected over time.

Does bowling machine use void a cricket bat warranty?

Heavy bowling machine use can affect warranty coverage. Machine balls are harder and leave distinctive dimple marks on the face. Excessive machine use, especially at high speeds, may lead to warranty claims being declined.

If you regularly use a bowling machine, consider using an older bat or ensuring proper preparation and protection.

Do I need to knock in my cricket bat before using it?

Yes, unless the bat is clearly labelled “Ready to Play.” Most English Willow bats require proper knocking in before match use.

Failure to knock in your bat correctly may void the warranty if damage occurs as a result.

What is the best way to knock in a cricket bat?

You can:

• Knock it in yourself using a mallet over approximately six hours

• Add a professional knock-in service through the Players Workshop

Our Greenlane workshop uses hand malleting and a customised press to properly condition the willow for match play.

Is light cracking on a cricket bat normal?

Yes. Small dents, surface cracks and face marks are normal signs of use. English Willow is soft and will show wear over time. These cosmetic signs are not considered manufacturing faults.

What happens if my cricket bat arrives damaged?

If your bat arrives damaged out of the box, contact us immediately. Damage during transit, including visible faults before use, will be addressed promptly.

Why should I buy my cricket bat from a New Zealand retailer?

When you purchase from Players Sports in New Zealand:

• Your bat is covered under NZ warranties

• Warranty claims are handled locally

• You are protected under the NZ Consumer Guarantees Act

Bats purchased from overseas websites may require you to return the bat internationally for warranty support at your own cost.

How do I make a cricket bat warranty claim?

To make a claim:

1. Bring the bat into one of our stores or contact us online

2. Provide proof of purchase

3. The bat will be assessed by the brand’s New Zealand agent

The manufacturer will determine whether the bat is repaired, replaced, credited, or if the claim is declined. We manage the process and support you throughout.

Does the NZ Consumer Guarantees Act apply to cricket bats?

Yes. Your purchase is protected under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act. If a bat has a genuine fault and has been used under normal playing conditions, you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund as appropriate.

How can I extend the life of my cricket bat?

To protect your bat:

• Oil it correctly if not pre-faced

• Fit a toe guard or apply protection to reduce moisture exposure

• Use quality cricket balls

• Store it in a cool, dry environment

• Service it annually and repair minor cracks early

Regular maintenance significantly improves durability and performance.

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Written by Mike Wood
Founder & Managing Director, Players Sports
21+ years across retail and wholesale sporting goods in New Zealand