Willow Cricket Bats Are Handmade Using Traditional Techniques

CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Tony Sains (r) and John Bowles, cricket bat makers with Warsop Stebbing Bats, construct bats by hand in their small workshop on June 30, 2009 in Chelmsford, England. Warsop Stebbing have been making hand-made cricket bats since being founded in 1870. They receive their willow "clefts", from which the bats are cut, from the local firm of J.S. Wright & Sons. Sales of cricket bats are expected to increase sharply in the coming months due to The Ashes series being played in the UK and commencing on July 8, 2009. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)