2026 Gray Nicolls Classic Academy Adult Cricket Bat

CLASSIC ENGLISH WILLOW BATS
The bat shape of choice of many international players around the world, featuring big edges and a generous spine, combined with an elongated mid blade sweet spot creating outstanding balance and unbelievable pick up. With a fresh design for 2025, the new range ensures that Classics never go out of style.

Bow: Even - Mid.
Profile: Mid blade profile with exaggerated spine-profile enhances pick up with no compromise on size.
Face: Rounded - Powercurve face.
Pick up: Mid to high balance point creates feather light pick up.
Edges: Large edge profile.
Toe: Classic rounded.
Handle: Semi Oval.
Grip: TRACTION PRO – High Performance maximum grip

Willow Grades:

Gray Nicolls grade their bats by performance but this will give a guide to what can be expected

Pro Performance

– Superior Unbleached Seasoned Grade One English Willow
– Straight Even Grained with Clean Hitting Area
– Some Redwood Maybe Present
– UK Anti-Scuff Sheet Fitted
– Limited to Best 5% of the Available Willow

Players

– Unbleached Seasoned Grade One English Willow
– Predominantly Straight Grained
– Some Redwood Maybe Present
– UK Anti-Scuff Sheet Fitted
– Limited to Best 12% of the Available Willow

5 Star

– Unbleached Seasoned Grade Two English Willow
– Wider Grain Structure
– Minor Blemishes and Pin Marks in Strike Zone Acceptable
– Some Redwood Present
– UK Anti-Scuff Sheet Fitted
– Best 40% of the Available Willow

4 Star

– Superior Grade Three English Willow
– Wider Grain Structure Possibly with Wavy Grains
– Minor Blemishes and Pin Marks in Strike Zone Acceptable
– Some Redwood Present
– UK Anti-Scuff Sheet Fitted