THE use of traditional materials for bat-making has been enshrined in the Laws -- with the handle joining the blade in the regulations -- to prevent cricket going the way of golf and, to a lesser extent, tennis and football.

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Golfers, certainly the professionals, realise that space age materials have allowed them to hit the ball further than ever before, forcing courses to spend millions of pounds around the world on lengthening holes. In cricket, with introduction of new materials in handles, instead of cane and rubber, bats have become lethal weapons against the ball.

MCC members voted overwhelmingly to rewrite Law 6 (the bat) at a special general meeting held this afternoon at Lord’s. A two-thirds majority was needed to pass the Law, and the final result saw 98.6 per cent vote in favour.

The MCC said that in recognition of the importance of the Law, they had conducted a full consultation. Discussions were held with the International Cricket Council and governing bodies of Test playing nations. Nine different bat manufacturers from across the world gave their views, and technical advice was sought from material scientists. Future supplies of willow for the blades were investigated, as was cane for the bat handles, to ensure they could meet demand.

For the decision, postal voting forms were sent out to all 18,000 full and senior MCC members. John Stephenson, MCC’s head of cricket, explained that the Law aimed to maintain the equilibrium between bat and ball. He said: "In cricket, the battle between bat and ball is key. If one comes to dominate the other, the game will become predictable and less enjoyable to play and watch.

"While cricket pitches, balls and boundaries have changed little in centuries, modern bats have developed to the extent that mis-hits are now sometimes clearing the boundary rope for six. By ensuring that bats are made in the traditional manner, MCC hopes to safeguard the traditional balance of the game.

"We have seen the impact of new technology and materials on other sports. Golfers drive the ball enormous distances, tennis players serve at greater speeds, footballers can dip and swerve the ball extravagantly: if the development of cricket bats is left unchecked the balance could be tipped too far towards batsmen.

"Modern training methods have allowed many batsmen to become stronger and fitter than their predecessors, thus hitting the ball harder and further. MCC is not trying to legislate against those players, but rather the new materials that could give them an unfair advantage."

The new Law stipulates that 90 per cent of the volume of bat handles should consist of cane, wood and/or twine, with the other 10 per cent for the purpose of reducing vibration, for example rubber. It states bat handles (including the splice) must not exceed 52 per cent of the overall length of the bat, and restricts the thickness of materials that can be used to protect and repair bats.

The Law also introduces a grading system for bats - from Grade A to C - which allows for more leeway on the materials used, enabling bats to still be produced cheaply for use in lower levels of the game. All bat manufacturers will be asked to submit their designs to MCC for grading. The MCC will also carry out random tests on bats all over the world to ensure they comply with the new Law.

The new Law will come into effect from Oct 1, 2008. It will not apply retrospectively in amateur cricket so anyone using a bat after October that will be illegal under the new Law will be able to use the bat for its natural lifespan.