Bat Profile: Low/Mid/High Swell

The longitudinal profile of a bat — where the maximum thickness ('swell') sits along the blade.

Bats have been made from English/Kashmir willow since the 18th century; blade dimensions are fixed under MCC Law 5 (max 108 mm wide, 67 mm deep).

Low-swell (toe-heavy) suits front-foot drivers on flat pitches; mid-swell is the all-rounder default; high-swell suits back-foot players (cut, pull) and seamer-friendly conditions.

Modern T20 bats are mid-to-high swell with thick edges; Test bats lean low/mid.

Choosing on appearance — pick up 3-5 profiles and swing each before deciding.