ENGLISH WILLOW
This is a soft, fibrous timber. This type of willow is the preferred choice for the majority of bat manufacturers due to its high performance affect when striking the ball. Regardless of type however, willow will become damaged and prone to breakages over time. The cricket bat can become scarred, bruised and dented due to the nature of the game and the frequent, high intense impacts of the ball hitting the cricket bat.
KASHMIR WILLOW
Kashmir willow comes from India. This is largely utilised by cricket bat manufacturers as a substitute for English Willow.
The Kashmir willow is regarded as a harder wood and in comparison to English willow does not have the same performance effect i.e. a player will not experience the same "sweet spot" when striking the ball. Kashmir willow will only be used for lower range and priced cricket bats. It is unlikely that a regular adult player, playing at a reasonable standard, would choose to use a Kashmir willow cricket bat.