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!