Salix Cricket

Overview

Salix Cricket is a UK-based manufacturer of handcrafted cricket bats from English willow, producing all senior bats in-house from cleft to finish. The brand focuses on bespoke fitting and customization for players from grassroots to elite levels, with models tailored to specific playing styles like control, power, or precision.²¹⁶

History

Salix Cricket was founded in 1990 by Andrew Kember and Hugh Betts, initially registered as Nowgoal Limited before renaming to The Salix Cricket Bat Company Limited. Andrew Kember, a master batmaker with nearly 40 years of experience, leads production in Maidstone, Kent. The company has maintained in-house manufacturing for over 25 years, building recognition for craftsmanship.²¹⁷⁶

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Salix produces bats in-house in their workshop in Maidstone, Kent, with all senior models handcrafted from cleft to finish using premium English willow. Some sources mention a Somerset workshop, but primary operations are confirmed in Kent by artisan makers including Andrew Kember.¹⁴⁶

Notable Products

• AJK - Powerful bat with large edge profile and deep bow for explosive hitting, suited to control and technical players.
• Amp - Streamlined bat with mid-low sweet spot for powerplay and boundaries, ideal for dominating with power.
• Air - Lightweight bat with mid-high sweet spot for timing, placement, and refined technique.
• Knife - Slim, elegant bat with mid-low sweet spot for precision stroke-making.
• Acid Nitric Bomb - Profile featuring advanced shaping and finishing for high performance.

Reputation

Salix is recognized by cricketers for superior craftsmanship, balance, and hand-finished quality from English willow. Enthusiasts and professionals value the bespoke fitting service and model variety for different styles, though its small-scale operation limits widespread availability. Some note inconsistencies in workshop location references, but core reputation centers on artisanal production.¹²³⁴