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Why did cricket bats change from curved to straight shapes?
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cricket
Jonny Bairstow of England batting during a semifinal match against Australia at the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
The transition from curved to straight cricket bats was driven by the evolution of bowling techniques. Early cricket bats were shaped like tree branches, resembling long, heavy hockey sticks. As "length bowling" developed among cricketers in the village of Hambledon, England, the design of the bat was altered to provide a more effective defense against this style of play.1
To adapt, the bat's handle was shortened, and its blade was straightened and broadened. This design shift allowed for new techniques, including forward play, driving, and cutting, which helped batsmen dominate the game throughout the 18th century.1