Cricket bat knocking
I contacted The Cricket Boutique politely, explaining that I was not happy with previous knocking done elsewhere and simply wanted professional advice and assessment. What I received instead was a condescending, dismissive, and rude response that made me feel like I was being treated as if I had no cricket knowledge at all.
Rather than explaining things professionally, the reply came across as patronising, with statements such as:
“The edges and toe are never going to ‘ping’…”
This was not explained respectfully — it was written in a way that felt like I was being mocked for even asking. A proper bat specialist should educate and advise, not speak down to customers.
What’s even more concerning is that they openly admitted they do not have a knocking-in machine and only use a “selection of mallets”. Yet they are offering a bat knocking service. That alone should make any serious cricketer think twice before sending an expensive bat here.
If you value:
• Your cricket bat
• Professional workmanship
• Respectful communication
Then do NOT use this service.
There are far better and more professional bat doctors in the UK who know how to:
• Properly prepare a bat
• Use correct equipment
• Speak to customers with basic respect
I will never use this service again, and I strongly advise others to avoid it completely unless you are happy to risk both your bat and being spoken to rudely.