We are Gray-Nicolls — an iconic cricket brand with over 150 years of heritage, built on a legacy where craftsmanship meets cutting-edge design.

Our story began in 1942, when two respected names in cricket — HJ Gray and Sons and LJ Nicolls — united to form Gray-Nicolls. HJ Gray and Sons, founded in 1855 in Cambridge, was a renowned maker of rackets and cricket bats, famously supplying the likes of King George VI and Ranjitsinhji. LJ Nicolls, a specialist bat maker based in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, crafted bats for cricketing legends such as WG Grace and CB Fry.

This historic partnership set the stage for Gray-Nicolls to become a global force in cricket, trusted by icons like Wally Hammond, Keith Miller, Ted Dexter, Richie Benaud, and Frank Worrell.

At Gray-Nicolls, craftsmanship isn’t just a process — it’s a promise. One of our greatest points of difference is that we grow our own English willow, giving us complete control over every stage of bat production. The journey begins at our willow plantations, where trees are carefully cultivated and harvested before being transported to our historic home in Robertsbridge, where the transformation from cleft to cricket bat begins.

Each bat is handcrafted by expert bat-makers in our own factories in England, Australia, and India, all proudly under the Gray-Nicolls name. This global production network allows us to meet demand all year round and adapt to the unique playing styles and trends of different regions — all while upholding the consistency and quality that define every Gray-Nicolls bat.

The Salix alba Caerulea willow tree, prized for cricket bat production, thrives in damp environments and naturally flourishes near bodies of water. With its extensive root system and impressive water retention, this species plays a vital ecological role, stabilising floodplains and preserving nutrient-rich topsoils. When properly managed, the willow matures in 15 to 20 years, making it a highly sustainable choice for cricket bat manufacturing. The planting of cuttings and cyclical felling supports environmental health, benefits landowners, and meets the needs of bat makers worldwide. Its fast growth also makes it ideal for coppicing, a process where the tree is trimmed every 2 to 3 years and continues to regrow, creating a renewable source of material.

One remarkable characteristic of the Salix alba is its exceptional ability to capture and store carbon. Its rapid, high-energy growth is powered by efficient carbon dioxide assimilation through photosynthesis, making it an environmentally valuable ally in the global push to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Innovation is woven into the very fabric of Gray-Nicolls. In the 1970s, we led a wave of groundbreaking cricket bat technology that transformed the game. Gray-Nicolls was the first to introduce coloured bat labels, including the iconic red flash that remains instantly recognisable today. We also pioneered the Steel Spring handle, designed to deliver enhanced whip and power through the shot.

Among our many achievements, none stands out more than the legendary Gray-Nicolls Scoop. With its unique “scooped out” spine, this revolutionary bat design redistributed weight for improved pick-up and performance. It became a favourite of cricketing greats such as Ian and Greg Chappell, Clive Lloyd, and Barry Richards. The Scoop’s legacy was reignited in 1994 when Brian Lara used it to score a record-breaking 375* against England — a historic moment that cemented the Scoop’s place in cricketing folklore.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Gray-Nicolls was the trusted brand of choice for England’s cricket captains. Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Sir Andrew Strauss, and Sir Alastair Cook all led their country with a Gray-Nicolls bat in hand. In particular, the partnership between Alastair Cook and Gray-Nicolls was extraordinary — every one of his 13,323 Test runs, a record for any English player, was made using our bat.

Today, Gray-Nicolls continues to make its mark globally through partnerships with elite international cricketers. Modern legends like Kane Williamson, Aaron Finch, and Babar Azam represent the brand across continents, reinforcing our presence at the pinnacle of the game.

Gray-Nicolls has long been a committed supporter of women’s cricket, backing pioneers of the past and championing the stars of today. Trailblazers such as Rachael Heyhoe-Flint and Jan Brittin led victorious teams and helped shape the women’s game, both on and off the field.

That legacy continues as we partner with some of England’s most exciting current talent, including Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, and Alice Capsey — empowering the next generation through performance and purpose.

While our bats shine on the world stage, the heart of Gray-Nicolls beats just as strongly in grassroots cricket. We are proud of our deep connections with the amateur game and our long-standing partnership with Chance to Shine, a charity dedicated to bringing cricket to as many young players as possible.

In the UK alone, we work with over 400 amateur cricket clubs, providing match and leisurewear that supports players at every level. From local grounds to village greens, Gray-Nicolls is proud to play a part in nurturing the next wave of cricketing talent.