Oiling your cricket bat stops the willow from drying out and therefore greatly reduces the risk of cracking. Gray-Nicolls Linseed Oil should be applied to the bat at least once before knocking it in, and further coats should be applied every month or so in order to prolong the life of your cricket bat.
Linseed Oil is less important for cricket bats with an anti-scuff sheet, but should still be applied to the exposed areas of the cricket bat.