{"product_id":"gm-rival-original-cricket-bat-2026-short-handle","title":"GM Rival Original Cricket Bat 2026 – Short Handle","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrime Willow. Serious Intent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGM Rival Original Cricket Bat 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e brings together premium Grade 1 English Willow, a powerful modern profile and the outstanding craftsmanship Gunn \u0026amp; Moore is renowned for. Finished in the striking \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2026 Rival graphics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this is a serious performance bat designed for players who want exceptional willow, balance and power at the crease.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Rival range is associated with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTeam GM players Wihan Lubbe and James Coles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, bringing player-level inspiration to one of GM's standout profiles for the 2026 season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Rival Profile – Built for the All-Round Shot-Maker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Rival is designed for batters who want the freedom to score all around the ground.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuilt around GM's traditional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eL555 blade length\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the Rival features a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emid-to-low swell position\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with sweeping contours and an impressively deep toe. This puts plenty of willow through the lower hitting area, making it particularly effective for players who like to drive powerfully, attack straight and take the aerial option when required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDespite its substantial lower profile, careful shaping and weight distribution help maintain an excellent pickup, making the Rival equally comfortable when batting for extended periods or accelerating the scoring rate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePowerarc Bow Face\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Rival features GM's \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePowerarc bow face\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, helping create the distinctive shape and feel of the bat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCombined with the mid-to-low swell and generous toe depth, the profile delivers an imposing hitting area with plenty of wood positioned where modern batters want it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is a versatile cricket bat capable of complementing both traditional stroke play and aggressive modern batting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrime Grade 1 English Willow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRival Original\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is manufactured from carefully selected \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrime, unbleached Grade 1 English Willow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe willow is selected to provide the quality, performance and appearance expected from one of GM's premium specifications. For serious club, representative, Premier and First Grade cricketers, the Original provides an excellent balance between premium willow quality and high-performance construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePremium Treble-Spring Cane Handle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA premium blade deserves an equally impressive handle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Rival Original is fitted with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003etop-quality treble-spring multi-piece cane handle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, engineered to provide an excellent combination of feel, flex and control.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe construction helps manage vibration through impact while maintaining the responsiveness serious batters want when timing the ball.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGM NOW! – Prepared for Play\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Rival Original features \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGM NOW! preparation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, reducing the amount of preparation required before taking your new bat into the nets or onto the field.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile appropriate care should always be taken with a premium English Willow cricket bat, GM NOW! means significantly less traditional knocking-in is required compared with an untreated blade, helping you get your new bat match-ready sooner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDXM Toughsheet \u0026amp; ToeTek Protection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor additional protection and durability, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2026 Rival Original comes fitted with DXM Toughsheet facing and a ToeTek toe guard as standard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Toughsheet provides additional protection to the face of the blade, while ToeTek helps protect the vulnerable toe area against moisture and everyday wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTogether, they provide valuable protection for a premium English Willow cricket bat throughout a demanding cricket season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandmade in Nottingham, England\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGM Rival Original 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is proudly manufactured by Gunn \u0026amp; Moore in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNottingham, England\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, combining advanced bat-making technology with generations of English cricket bat manufacturing expertise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom willow selection and precision shaping through to finishing and preparation, the Rival Original represents the quality and attention to detail expected from a premium GM cricket bat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2026 GM Rival Original Cricket Bat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ePremium \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrime Grade 1 English Willow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnbleached English Willow construction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTraditional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eL555 blade profile\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ePowerful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emid-to-low swell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSweeping profile contours\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eImpressive \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003etoe depth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePowerarc bow face\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned for the all-round shot-maker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent combination of power and pickup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePremium treble-spring multi-piece cane handle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGM NOW!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e prepared for reduced knocking-in requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDXM Toughsheet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e facing fitted as standard\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToeTek toe guard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e fitted as standard\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShort Handle (SH)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eHandmade by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGunn \u0026amp; Moore in Nottingham, England\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned for serious club, representative, Premier and First Grade cricketers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrand:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Gunn \u0026amp; Moore (GM)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rival Original\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeason:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWillow Grade:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Prime Grade 1 English Willow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWillow Finish:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Unbleached\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Short Handle (SH)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e L555\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSwell:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Mid-to-Low\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Extra Deep Profile\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFace:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Powerarc Bow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Premium Treble-Spring Multi-Piece Cane\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFacing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e DXM Toughsheet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToe Protection:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ToeTek\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e GM NOW!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade In:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Nottingham, England\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhere Does the Original Sit in the GM Rival Range?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e sits towards the very top of GM's 2026 grading structure, offering Prime Grade English Willow for players looking for a premium-quality blade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWithin the Rival range, the Original sits \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eabove the 909, 808, Signature, 606 and 404 specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with only the prestigious \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLimited Edition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e positioned above it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis makes the Rival Original an excellent option for serious players who want premium willow and high-level performance without stepping all the way up to GM's Limited Edition specification.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWho Is It For?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGM Rival Original 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is particularly suited to serious batters who want a versatile profile capable of covering virtually every scoring option.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts mid-to-low sweet spot and substantial toe provide plenty of power through the lower portion of the blade, while the balanced construction keeps the bat responsive enough for quick hands and controlled stroke play.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhether you're looking to build a long innings, dominate through the covers or clear the boundary when the field goes back, the Rival Original provides the profile and premium willow quality to play with confidence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Weight Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAny bat weight displayed in this listing is measured WITHOUT an Extratec protective sheet and WITHOUT a toe guard fitted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease note that adding an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExtratec sheet and\/or toe guard will slightly increase the finished weight of the cricket bat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"GM","offers":[{"title":"SH \/ 2.7-2.8","offer_id":45829723095219,"sku":null,"price":1199.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0597\/8914\/8339\/files\/Rival_bat_emboss_26.jpg?v=1786690947","url":"https:\/\/wizsports.com.au\/products\/gm-rival-original-cricket-bat-2026-short-handle","provider":"Wiz Sports","version":"1.0","type":"link"}