Aluminium cricket bat, "Dennis Lillee-Combats" cricket bat,... Very fine condition, with elegant display box, 28 x 104 cm overall. In December 1979, one of Lillee's most infamous episodes occurred at the WACA cricket field. Thomas Nixon, a Notts batsman, pioneered the use of cane in the manufacture of cricket bat handles in 1853. 1864: When the regulations were changed to enable over-arm bowling, the blade was further lightened and polished in shape.