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This page explains what the Laws of Cricket, governing bodies and standards bodies publish. It is not a substitute for coaching from a qualified coach, and it does not replace medical advice.
Named, not explained
This page names care practices and quotes the rules that limit them. It contains no instructions for knocking-in, oiling, repairing, fitting or maintaining any equipment. The maker's instructions and qualified advice apply.
Bat preparation: the practices named
Two bat preparation practices are commonly named in cricket: knocking-in and oiling. This site names them only. It does not describe how either is done, how long it takes, or whether a particular bat needs it; those are matters for the bat's maker and a qualified person.
What the Laws allow on a bat (2026 edition)
The 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), in force from 1 October 2026, has several clauses that limit what may be put on or done to a bat:
| Clause | What it allows, and the limit |
|---|---|
| Law 5.4 | Non-rigid material on the face, sides and shoulders, only to protect against or repair surface damage |
| Law 5.4.2 | Damage other than surface damage may be repaired only by inserting wood, with the minimum of adhesive needed |
| Appendix B.4.2 | Repair material may extend at most 2.0 cm beyond the damaged area |
| Law 5.7.4 | Blade covering material at most 0.04 in / 0.1 cm thick |
| Law 5.7.5 | Toe protection at most 0.12 in / 0.3 cm thick, and not extending onto the face, back or sides (Law 5.4) |
| Appendix B.3.3 | Types A and B: no blade covering beyond Law 5.4; Types C and D: a cloth covering no thicker than 0.012 in / 0.3 mm before treatment |
| Appendix B.4.1 | Surface treatment with non-solid materials to resist moisture or mask natural blemishes, provided it does not materially change the blade's colour; a treatment that dries into a hard layer thicker than 0.004 in / 0.01 cm is not permitted |
| Law 5.5 | Nothing on the bat may be hard or textured enough to damage the ball beyond the normal wear from an uncovered wooden blade |
Under Law 2.5.3 the umpires are responsible for making sure no player uses equipment other than what is permitted, and new Law 41.17.6 (2026) requires them to act on any item either of them judges unfair or illegal, preventing further use where possible and reporting it in every case. The bat's other rules are on the bat.
Helmets after a blow
The ICC and NZC publish rules on when a helmet should be replaced:
- ICC (helmets page, current 2026): helmets absorb impact energy, which can damage their structure, and any component that takes a severe blow should be replaced even if no damage is visible.
- NZC Helmet Policy 2024-25: a helmet must be replaced after a severe impact from a ball, if any damage can be seen or felt, or after a hard knock or squashing.
Both NZC's 2024-25 policy and the ECB's Head Protector Regulations (2022 edition) say headgear altered against the maker's instructions, or in a way that reduces protection, is not compliant; examples given include removing the chin strap or chin cup and altering the neck protector or its attachment. A blow to the head is a medical matter as well as an equipment one; the bodies' concussion rules are on concussion rules by board.
Pads and kit in international cricket
The ICC Clothing and Equipment Regulations (effective January 2024) say coloured pads in ODIs and T20 internationals must be properly maintained, and that discoloured or faded pads are not permitted. They also bar kit altered in a way that, in a match official's view, falls below elite professional standards, giving items covered with sticking plaster or marker pen and pads with faded or flaking coloured paint as examples.
The ball is the umpires' to look after
Ball condition during a match is not a player's job under the Laws. Law 4.2 (2026 edition) puts all match balls under the umpires' control for the whole match, and Law 4.5 has them replace a ball that becomes unfit through normal use with one of comparable wear. The 3rd Edition (2022) banned using saliva on the ball under Law 41.3, treating it like other unfair ways of changing the ball's condition. In the 2026 edition, Law 41.3.2.1 lets a fielder polish the ball on their clothing only if no artificial substance is used and the only natural substance used is sweat. In international cricket, clause 41.3 of the ICC Men's ODI (October 2026) and Test (June 2025) playing conditions has the bowler's end umpire award five penalty runs and replace the ball if the umpires believe saliva has been applied, unless they believe it was applied deliberately to get the ball changed.
Sources
- MCC, The Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), in force from 1 October 2026
- MCC, announces new code of Laws from 1 October 2022
- ICC, helmets (rules and regulations page, current 2026)
- New Zealand Cricket, NZC Helmet Policy 2024-25
- ECB, Head Protector Regulations (2022 edition)
- ICC Clothing and Equipment Rules and Regulations (effective January 2024)
- ICC Men's One-Day International Playing Conditions (effective October 2026)
- ICC Men's Test Match Playing Conditions (effective June 2025)