5 Most controversial bats in cricket history

3. Ricky Ponting | Carbon Graphite Willow

In the 2004/05 season, Ricky Ponting smashed a fabulous double century at Sydney against Pakistan. However, he invited a massive controversy with the willow that he used for this game. There was a thin carbon graphite strip that was attached to the back of this willow.

Concerns were raised immediately and the MCC also took it to the ICC claiming that the strip added extra power to the bat which was advantageous to the batsman. Therefore, this willow was reviewed carefully. Every minute detail about the blade was considered and later it was decided that it was illegal to use such equipment.

They also rejected two other Kookaburra bats, the Beast and the Genesis Hurricane which also had brightly coloured graphite strips. It was claimed that these willows broke the laws of bat enhancements. Thus, Ricky Ponting couldn’t use this special willow anymore.