Bat

Most important is to by one that is the right size and weight for you. They come in all different sizes and handle lengths.
The best way to gauge the right size is by standing upright next to the bat and the top of the handle should reach the top of the thigh.
It is easier for beginners to develop their technique using a lighter bat. A good test though of weight is for you to swing the bat with top hand (left hand fro right handed batters). If you can produce good straight and cross strokes and a controlled backswing then the weight is right for you.
A cricket bat has two main parts, blade and handle. The blade is made of special type of willow, while the handle is mainly made of cane. Willow wood is very stiff, shock resistant, and light weight. Cane is very springy and light.
Width and length
•    Width: The blade can’t exceed 10.8cm at the widest part.
•    Length: The overall can’t be more than 96.5cm in length.
•    Width of Protection layer of the blade: Some type of materials are used for covering the blade of the bat to provide strength, protection, or repair. The thickness of these materials can’t be more than 1.56mm.
Cricket Bat Shape
•    The handle is cylindrical in shape and blade is flat.
•    The handle widens into the blade, a broad wooden block flat on one side and V-shaped on other.
•    The flat part is used to hit the ball.
•    The joint where the handle widens into blade is called the blade of the bat.
•    The bottom part of the blade is known as toe.
Willow Guide
Willows can be of so many types and varieties, but English willow and Kashmir willow are two most in use.
•    English Willow: It is soft and fibrous wood. It offers rebound performance when the ball strikes the middle of the bat. Good for top order batsmen and beginners.
•    Kashmir Willow: It has similar characteristic to English Willow but it’s harder, denser, more brittle, and less responsive when the ball strikes the middle of the bat. Recommended for lower order batsmen and offer excellent value for money

•    English Willow Grades: used is of different grades for players of different levels.
-    Test Grade willow: It is the best, and is usually reserved for Professional Cricketers. This grade is used for manufacturing special edition bats.
-    Grade I willow: It is considered the best willow for producing "high end" retail cricket bats, used by Professional and First Team Club Cricketers.
-    Grade II willow: It is also a high quality willow, used by First and Second Team Club Cricketers.
-    Grade III willow: It is used for manufacturing most retail cricket bats. Less responsive than the higher grade willow bats, used by club cricketers.
-    Grade IV willow: It is normally used for manufacturing budget cricket bats. They are less responsive and generally used by beginners.
Bat Preparation & Maintenance
•    After buying your bat, hit the bat firmly around 45 minutes to an hour with a mallet.
•    After having finished the knocking session, start a net session using an old soft ball, you should bat defensively attempting to hit the ball in the middle of your bat
•    Oiling a bat is essential but over oiling will badly affect the performance, never oil the splice as it may soften the glue.
•    Surface cracking is normal and will not affect the performance of your bat, apply anti-scuff sheet to help minimize any surface damage.
•    During off season, store your bat in a cool dry atmosphere, flat and facing up. Be sure that it is well away from any heat or dampness.