FAQs

At Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket, we take pride in supplying quality cricket equipment and helping players get the most from their equipment.

We understand that a cricket bat is an important investment. If a problem occurs with a new bat purchased from us, we will always endeavour to assess the matter fairly and assist the customer wherever reasonably possible.

Cricket bats are manufactured from natural willow and are designed to withstand the impact of cricket. However, no cricket bat is indestructible, and damage can occur through normal use, impact, preparation, playing conditions and general wear and tear.

This policy explains how Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket handles suspected manufacturing defects, warranty claims, breakages and repairs relating to new cricket bats.

This policy applies to:

• New cricket bats purchased directly from Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket;
• New cricket bats supplied by Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket from recognised brands and manufacturers; and
• New cricket bats covered by an applicable manufacturer’s warranty.

This policy does not automatically apply to:

• Pre-owned bats;
• Trade-in bats;
• Refurbished bats;
• Repaired bats;
• Re-handled bats;
• Bats sold as clearance or damaged stock; or
• Bats purchased from another retailer.

Where a pre-owned, refurbished or repaired bat is sold by Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket, its condition and any applicable warranty or return terms will be communicated separately.

English Willow and Kashmir Willow are natural materials.

Every piece of willow is different and can react differently to use.

During normal cricket use, a bat may develop:

• Surface marks;
• Small hairline cracks;
• Grain opening;
• Edge marks;
• Toe wear;
• Minor splitting;
• Compression marks; or
• Other cosmetic signs of use.

These conditions do not automatically indicate a manufacturing defect.

The lifespan of a cricket bat cannot be guaranteed and may vary considerably depending on:

• Willow grade;
• Frequency of use;
• Level of cricket;
• Ball type;
• Pitch conditions;
• Playing style;
• Bat preparation;
• Maintenance;
• Storage; and
• The amount and location of impact.

A new cricket bat must be properly prepared before being subjected to regular match use.

Depending on the manufacturer’s requirements, preparation may include:

• Oiling;
• Knocking-in;
• Edge protection;
• Toe protection;
• Shoulder protection;
• Application of a suitable anti-scuff sheet; and
• Regular inspection and maintenance.

Customers must follow the manufacturer’s preparation and care instructions.

Liam’s 2nd Innings Recommendation

We strongly recommend that customers have new bats professionally prepared before using them with a hard cricket ball.

Where Liam’s 2nd Innings offers a professional bat preparation service, the customer will be advised of the services performed and any additional preparation or care recommended.

Purchasing a new bat does not automatically mean that it is ready for unrestricted match use.

Many of the new bats sold by Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.

Where a manufacturer’s warranty applies, the manufacturer’s terms and conditions may determine whether a particular defect or breakage qualifies for warranty assistance.

Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket will assist the customer with the warranty process where reasonably possible.

Depending on the manufacturer, the process may involve:

• Photographs;
• Videos;
• Proof of purchase;
• Physical inspection;
• Assessment by Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket;
• Assessment by the manufacturer or distributor; or
• Inspection by an authorised repair facility.

A manufacturer’s warranty does not necessarily cover every form of breakage.

Subject to the manufacturer’s warranty and applicable South African consumer law, a claim may be considered where inspection indicates that the problem may have resulted from:

• A manufacturing defect;
• A structural defect;
• A defective handle or component;
• Premature failure inconsistent with reasonable use;
• A defect present at the time of manufacture; or
• Another fault specifically covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

The age of the bat, condition of the bat, preparation, usage and nature of the damage will all be considered.

The following types of damage will generally be regarded as normal wear and tear, misuse, accidental damage, inadequate preparation or damage outside the manufacturer’s warranty.

7.1 Surface Cracks

Small surface or hairline cracks can occur during normal use.

These do not automatically indicate a defective bat.

Customers should monitor any cracks and have significant or developing cracks assessed before continuing to use the bat.

7.2 Edge Damage

Edge damage can occur when the ball strikes the edge of the bat.

Edge damage may result from:

• Mistimed shots;
• Outside edges;
• High-impact deliveries;
• Playing conditions; or
• Repeated impact.

Edge damage is generally considered normal cricket wear and tear unless inspection indicates otherwise.

7.3 Toe Damage

Toe damage can occur through:

• Yorker impact;
• Hard pitches;
• Contact with the ground;
• Moisture;
• Poor toe protection;
• Repeated impact; or
• Normal wear.

Toe damage is generally not regarded as a manufacturing defect.

7.4 Moisture or Water Damage

Damage caused by exposure to:

• Wet pitches;
• Rain;
• Damp storage areas;
• Wet equipment bags;
• Standing water;
• Moisture;
• Incorrect storage; or
• Failure to protect the toe

will generally not be covered.

Customers should never store a cricket bat while it is wet or damp.

7.5 Inappropriate Balls

The bat must only be used with balls appropriate for the bat and the type of cricket being played.

Damage caused by inappropriate or excessively hard balls may not be covered.

This may include, but is not limited to:

• Machine balls;
• Hockey balls;
• Baseballs;
• Golf balls;
• Composite balls;
• Non-leather balls not intended for the relevant form of cricket;
• Training balls not approved for use with the bat; or
• Other inappropriate or excessively hard objects.

Where a manufacturer specifically excludes machine-ball use, any evidence of such use may affect the warranty claim.

Customers should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding ball type and bowling-machine use.

7.6 Impact With Objects Other Than the Ball

Damage caused by intentionally or accidentally striking:

• Stumps;
• The ground;
• Creases;
• Shoes;
• Nets;
• Fences;
• Other bats;
• Equipment;
• Other objects; or
• Any surface or object other than an appropriate cricket ball

will generally not be covered.

The handle is one of the most highly stressed components of a cricket bat.

Handle damage will be assessed separately from willow damage.

A handle failure may potentially indicate a manufacturing or component defect, but not every handle failure is automatically covered.

Damage resulting from:

• Ball impact;
• Excessive use;
• Incorrect grip;
• Poor maintenance;
• Accidental impact;
• Alteration;
• Previous repair; or
• Other external causes

may fall outside warranty coverage.

Where a handle replacement or repair is possible, Liam’s 2nd Innings may offer a repair solution, subject to the applicable warranty and repair costs.

Customers should contact Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket as soon as reasonably possible after discovering the problem.

We may request:

1. Proof of purchase;
2. Date of purchase;
3. Photographs of the complete bat;
4. Close-up photographs of the damage;
5. Video of the damage where appropriate;
6. Details of how the bat was prepared;
7. Details of the balls used;
8. Details of how and where the damage occurred; and
9. Any other information reasonably required to assess the claim.

The bat may need to be physically returned to Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket for inspection.

Every breakage claim is assessed individually.

During an inspection, Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket may consider:

• Location of the break;
• Type of break;
• Willow condition;
• Grain structure;
• Face condition;
• Edge condition;
• Toe condition;
• Shoulder condition;
• Handle and splice;
• Existing cracks;
• Signs of moisture;
• Signs of impact;
• Ball marks;
• Preparation;
• General maintenance;
• Previous repairs; and
• Overall usage.

Photographs may be taken as part of the assessment.

Where necessary, the bat may be referred to the relevant manufacturer, distributor or authorised repair facility.

A. Covered by Warranty

Where the issue is determined to be a manufacturing defect or another issue covered by the applicable warranty, the appropriate remedy will be provided in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty and applicable law.

This may include:

• Repair;
• Replacement;
• Refund;
• Credit; or
• Another appropriate remedy.

B. Not Covered by Warranty

Where the damage is determined to be normal wear and tear, misuse, accidental damage, inadequate preparation, inappropriate use, moisture damage or another excluded cause, the warranty claim may be declined.

However, where reasonably possible, Liam’s 2nd Innings will still endeavour to offer a repair solution at the customer’s cost.

A warranty claim being declined does not necessarily mean the bat cannot be repaired.

Depending on the condition of the bat, Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket may offer:

• Crack repairs;
• Toe repairs;
• Edge repairs;
• Face repairs;
• Handle repairs;
• Re-handling;
• Bat pressing;
• Refurbishment;
• Sticker replacement; or
• Other appropriate bat servicing.

The customer will be advised of the estimated repair cost before chargeable work is undertaken.

Unless otherwise required under applicable law or agreed as part of a specific warranty arrangement:

• The customer may be responsible for getting the bat to Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket for inspection;
• Courier costs may be payable by the customer;
• Return courier costs may be payable by the customer; and
• Any manufacturer-specific courier arrangements will be communicated to the customer.

Where a manufacturer agrees to cover transportation costs, the manufacturer’s terms will apply.

A customer should not have a bat repaired, re-handled, modified or materially altered by another party before a warranty claim has been assessed.

This includes:

• Re-handling;
• Gluing structural cracks;
• Cutting or reshaping the blade;
• Removing the manufacturer’s stickers;
• Applying permanent repairs;
• Using screws or mechanical fasteners;
• Altering the splice; or
• Other structural modifications.

Unauthorised repairs or alterations may make it impossible to determine the original cause of the damage and may affect the manufacturer’s warranty.

Where Liam’s 2nd Innings provides professional preparation, we strongly recommend retaining the service record or proof of preparation.

Professional preparation may include, depending on the service purchased:

• Oiling;
• Knocking-in;
• Edge preparation;
• Shoulder protection;
• Toe protection;
• Anti-scuff protection; and
• Final inspection.

Professional preparation is intended to reduce the risk of premature damage but does not make a bat unbreakable and does not guarantee that a warranty claim will be accepted.

Customers are responsible for taking reasonable care of their cricket bat.

We recommend that customers:

• Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions;
• Properly prepare the bat before match use;
• Use appropriate cricket balls;
• Regularly inspect the bat;
• Repair developing cracks promptly;
• Keep the bat dry;
• Avoid excessive heat;
• Store the bat in a suitable cover;
• Protect the toe;
• Protect vulnerable edges;
• Avoid leaving the bat in a vehicle for extended periods;
• Avoid unnecessary impacts; and
• Have the bat professionally serviced when required.

Proof of purchase may be required when making a warranty claim.

Acceptable proof may include:

• Liam’s 2nd Innings invoice;
• Receipt;
• Order confirmation;
• Other valid proof of purchase.

Where possible, customers should retain their purchase documentation for the life of the bat.

This policy specifically applies to new cricket bats.

Second-hand, trade-in and refurbished bats are sold in accordance with their condition at the time of sale and any specific terms communicated to the customer.

A second-hand or refurbished bat should not be assumed to carry the same manufacturer’s warranty as a new bat.

Different cricket bat manufacturers may have different warranty requirements and exclusions.

Where a manufacturer provides a specific warranty for a particular bat, that manufacturer’s warranty may contain additional requirements.

Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket reserves the right to refer a warranty claim to the relevant manufacturer or authorised distributor where appropriate.

Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket cannot guarantee how long a cricket bat will last.

The lifespan of a bat depends on numerous factors outside the retailer’s control, including:

• Willow;
• Bat grade;
• Playing level;
• Frequency of use;
• Ball type;
• Bowling speed;
• Pitch conditions;
• Bat preparation;
• Player technique;
• Maintenance;
• Storage; and
• Accidental impacts.

A bat breaking after a particular period of use does not, by itself, establish that the bat was defective.

Nothing in this policy is intended to exclude, restrict or waive any rights that a consumer may have under the South African Consumer Protection Act, 2008, or any other applicable law.

Where applicable legislation provides the consumer with rights or remedies, those rights remain unaffected by this policy.

This policy is intended to explain the practical process Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket follows when dealing with new cricket bat warranty and breakage claims.

At Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket, we believe in treating customers fairly.

Our objective is not simply to decide whether a claim is “covered” or “not covered”.

Where a bat cannot be replaced under warranty, we will, wherever reasonably possible, look at whether it can be professionally repaired or restored at a reasonable cost.

We want our customers to enjoy their equipment and to come back to us for their next bat, not leave disappointed.

We will always aim to find a fair and practical solution.

LIAM’S 2ND INNINGS CRICKET
New Gear • Pre-Loved Gear • Trade-Ins • Bat Refurbishment & Servicing
Email: liam@2ndinningscricket.org
Location: Boksburg, Gauteng

This policy should be read together with the applicable manufacturer’s warranty, Liam’s 2nd Innings Cricket’s returns policy and any specific terms provided at the time of purchase.