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The MCC’s Laws of Cricket will be changed to permit bats made from more than one piece of wood to be used in the recreational game in a move to combat rising prices and more sustainable manufacturing processes. While “laminated” or “Type D” bats have previously been allowed in junior cricket, regulations have insisted that bats used in open-age recreational cricket must be made from a single piece of willow. However amid a shortage of English willow and a surge in prices driven by increased demand, the MCC has moved to change its laws from 1 October 2026 to allow bats made from up to three wooden pieces to be used in open-age cricket. Bat manufacturers will also be allowed to use woods other than willow behind the face of the bat as part of the law change.