Graphite bats withdrawn from first-class cricket

The ICC have confirmed that Kookaburra, the bat manufacturer, has decided to voluntarily withdraw its graphite-reinforced bat from all first-class cricket by October 1.

Kookaburra's decision to withdraw the bat from first-class cricket and limited overs competitions played by first-class teams follows its withdrawal of the bat from international cricket earlier this month.

The earlier decision was made after the ICC advised Kookaburra that it had received an opinion from MCC, the guardian of the laws of cricket, that the bat does not comply with Law 6.

Kookaburra's proposal has been supported by the ICC member countries who have agreed to allow the use of the bats at levels below first-class domestic competition for the duration of the natural lifespan of the bats. Kookaburra has also decided to end the production and distribution of graphite-reinforced bats.

There was controversy during England's recent Test against India at Mumbai when Owais Shah, who was making his debut, used one of the reinforced bats during his innings of 88 and 38.