A number of people were probably watching the test match start against India today and thinking “What bat is Andrew Strauss using?”. Well since his guest starring for Somerset against India and in this first test match, Strauss is using the new Gray Nicolls Powerbow. We are only in July, but Gray Nicolls are already looking to 2012, and this new model is the first to be used in a professional outing.

The Powerbow has been a very successful bat for Gray-Nicolls, but the Powerbow for 2012 will test the attitudes of some traditional Gray Nicolls fans as it is much brighter than in previous years. Some may think it’s almost going as far as Adidas in the ‘flash’ stakes, and although we don’t think it is quite that bright, it certainly is more striking and will generate some debate.

Strauss will be hoping that his move from the Quantum series will spark a return to form, and with some decent scores in the warm up game it does look like he’s got used to the performance of the bat fairly quickly.

What do you think of the bat, is it too flash for Gray-Nicolls or do they need to do this to keep up with the competition? And is July too early to be showcasing the bats for next year given that there is still a long time left in the English summer? Leave your comments in the box below and let us know!

I’ve checked out the recent stats of this blog which have asked the following questions, so I thought I’d answer them here and now!

What is the most expensive cricket bat?
You’ll be after the £1000 Newbury. If this is a bit too much for you, there are lots around the 275 mark – would you spend that much on a bat?

What bat is Stuart Broad using?
Stuart Broad has used the Adidas Libro since his move from Gunn & Moore. But with his place in the test match in jepordy at the moment, do you really want to follow in his footsteps?!

What cricket bat did you use back in the day?
A very personal question for me, thanks! I started off with an “Open Championship” bat (as used by David Gower you know!). From what I remember I then graduated onto a Slazenger V800 that I loved and scored a lot of runs with (even though the first one split and was replaced). Then I went to a Gray-Nicolls Millenium, a lightweight bat that wasn’t my finest hour, and currently I use a Gunn & Moore Catalyst, again that I love!

What cricket players use Slazenger bats?
In the current test squad, quite a few! Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, Tim Bresnan and Jimmy Anderson are all Slazenger users.

What weight bat does Alastair Cook use?
Alastair Cook uses a Gray Nicolls of about 2lb 8oz, sometimes edging towards 2lb 9oz. This sort of weight of bat has become quite well used by professionals and amateurs alike in the past few years as you currently get a lot more wood for your weight with the pressing of the bats very different to times gone by!

The test matches against India start next week, so with that in mind lets have a quick look at who is using what cricket equipment this summer! Obviously some players prefer to have their own custom bats stickered with their sponsors logos, but lets pretend for now that they are using what is stickered up!

Andrew Strauss – Has been using Gray Nicolls bats for a long time now. He currently uses Gray Nicolls cricket equipment, and his bat of choice up until recently was the Quantum series. However he has been spotted using the new Powerbow for 2012.

Alistair Cook – The new ODI captain is another Gray Nicolls cricket equipment user just like his captain. He currently uses the Oblivion cricket bat.

Jonathan Trott – Currently in stunning test match form, Trott is using the Gunn & Moore Icon to great effect right now. The Nottinghamshire based Gunn & Moore are currently getting a lot of tv time with his help!

Kevin Pietersen – Had the big money move to Adidas back in 2008 and has been using the flashy (but not to everyone’s tates) Adidas Pellara ever since.

Ian Bell – Followed KP to Adidas in 2009 after previously using Slazenger cricket equipment. Also currently in good form (like Trott), he uses the Adidas Incurza.

Eoin Morgan – Is currently in the Slazenger stable having switched recently from Kookaburra, using the V200.

Matt Prior – Is another one using Slazenger cricket equipment, using the Slazenger V500, along with all his wicket keeping equipment.

Stuart Broad – Moved from Gunn & Moore to Adidas a while back to cash in on his boyish looks!

Graeme Swann – Has switched around a bit, he used to use Gray Nicolls but is currently using the Gunn & Moore Apex cricket bat.

James Anderson – Was recently using Mongoose cricket equipment, but since their recent financial difficulties, has begun using Slazenger cricket kit. Whether this is a long term thing we wait to see!

Tim Bresnan – Will be hoping for a recall to the test team against India, and is the fourth one in the list to use Slazenger cricket equipment.

Chris Tremlett – Signed a deal year long deal with Woodworm in November 2010 although he hasn’t had much chance to bat with with their kit this past year

Steven Finn – Is another Adidas man in the squad, using the Adidas Libro when he’s required to bat

The surprising thing when looking at the list is the lack of Kookaburra and Puma sponsored players, both brands which in the past have had good exposure in the England team. Puma have interest in the ODI team with Craig Kieswetter and will be hoping that his good performances push him onto bigger and better things in the coming years. Slazenger probably aren’t seen as the most exciting brand of choice when it comes to amateurs forking out on cricket equipment, but with four players in the squad their brand is certainly getting some good exposure.