Rule change over 'illegal' cricket bats welcomed

An East Sussex firm has praised recent law changes within the game of cricket to combat the rising cost of English willow.

Gray-Nicolls, based in Robertsbridge, produces tens of thousands of cricket bats made from willow trees, many grown by the River Medway in Kent.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) announced an amendment allowing laminated bats made with up to three wooden pieces to be used in recreational cricket.

Richard Gray, CEO of Gray-Nicolls, said he was delighted with the law change, which would bring "significant savings" and make the bats "more affordable" and greener.