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Watto wields heavier willow in T20s

Shane Watson is one of a handful of players in Australia's World Twenty20 squad who adopt a heavier bat for the format.

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Source: AAP


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It may seem like simple slogging but there is science behind the sixes that Australia will slam in the World Twenty20.

The heavier the bat, the further the hits go.

It's not exactly the most complicated physics lesson and one that Shane Watson and some of his teammates have embraced at the World T20.

"My bats are a little bit heavier definitely in T20 cricket," Watson said.

"So when you swing hard, which you have to in Twenty20 cricket, even if I'm unfortunate enough that I don't totally get it there's still a chance of it still going over the fence.

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"Especially in smaller grounds."

Watson noted others in Australia's 15-man squad had slightly different sizes and shapes of willow for different formats.

"Dave Warner can't because his bats can't get any bigger," Watson laughed.

"I know some guys, Steve Smith and Jimmy Faulkner and a lot of the different guys, play with the weight a little bit.

"Especially ... when you've got a good block of Twenty20 cricket.

"But everyone is a little bit different."

Watson added that pitches were also a factor when weighing up his weapon of choice.

"Especially coming to Indian conditions," he said.

"Where the wickets at times can be a bit slower and a bit lower, having a slightly heavier bat ... it's making sure I give myself the best chance.

"You need a little bit more behind your swing to be able to hopefully clear the fence."

The International Cricket contemplated a crackdown on bat sizes last year, suggesting the balance between bat and ball may have shifted too much.

They ultimately backed down but the issue continues to prove divisive.

Warner rejected the debate in his News Corp Australia column during the past summer, saying "I honestly don't see what the big deal is".

"We've got larger bats these days but that's because technology advances over time and I think we should be embracing this natural evolution," Australia's vice-captain wrote.

"Look at modern-day houses compared to the 1920s. Look at the improvements in tennis racquets and soccer balls.

"I don't see why we should go backwards ... I don't believe my bat gives me any extra advantage at all.

"If world cricket wants to create a better balance between bat and ball ... they should be looking at other areas."


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