This cricket bat is made of superior grade Kashmir willow and is available in grade 5. The provided Kashmir willow cricket bat features a center sweet spot, thick edges, and a curved blade. This item comes with an imported Sarawak cane handle that assures excellent pickup and sturdiness. The maximum height of this bat is 42 inches and its weight is 32 ounces. Kashmir willow is a variety of cottonwood tree native to the Himalayan mountains from India to China. It is widely used for making cricket bats due to its heavy weight and strong structure. The willow tree grows rapidly and produces copious amounts of wood which are ideal for making tools and instruments. Willows are resistant to insects and diseases and they can be harvested every three to five years without killing the tree. Cricket is a popular sport in India and Pakistan where it has been played for hundreds of years. The first recorded match was in 17th century England where willow trees were used to produce cricket bats. The willow ball was made by rubbing hard balls of mud into round leather balls which were then soaked in water to make them more flexible. In 1877, bamboo replaced the willow ball due to its availability and affordability. In Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, wooden bats are used instead. These are usually made out of box elder or maple trees which are much harder than willow.