A bat specially designed for Twenty20 cricket, called “The Mongoose” and approved by the Marylebone Cricket Club (guardians of the game), has hit the English market on the eve of the World Twenty20 tournament.

This probably is the first time since 1771 that a fundamental alteration in the shape of a cricket bat has been authorised. The willow is described as “an attacking response to the way Twenty20 is played”. The MCC have pronounced it legal. In the Mongoose, the handle is 43 percent longer and the blade 33 percent shorter than a conventional bat. This is said to produce 20 percent more power and 15 percent more bat speed than a regular bat.

It also has no splice or shoulder - the wood around a normal bat’s handle, which has no aggressive potential - which would increase the possibility of productive thick edges and a much bigger sweet spot than otherwise.

It’s claimed, the Mongoose’s resistance to being swung is greater than that of a regular bat - this means that while it is harder to lift, it imparts much greater force on the ball at the point of impact, like a sledge hammer.

The Mongoose, though, is not recommended against shorter, faster bowling. Regular blades provide greater security, the splice and shoulder deadening the pace of the ball. The Mongoose is available at various weights, from 2lb 4oz to 3lb. And has an asking price of Rs 12,000.