In the ever-evolving world of cricket, where new brands spring up every season and players constantly search for that perfect piece of willow, one name has quietly, yet powerfully, stood the test of time — Gunn & Moore, or as we all fondly know it, GM. For over a century, GM has been more than just a cricket equipment manufacturer; it has been a trusted partner, a silent force behind some of cricket’s greatest innings, and a brand that understands the very soul of the game.
When you hold a GM bat in your hands, there’s a sense of connection that transcends the present moment. It’s as if you’re holding a piece of cricketing history, a tool crafted with the wisdom of generations, designed not just to hit cricket balls but to shape careers and build memories.
A Journey That Began in 1885
The GM story began in Nottingham, England, in 1885, when William Gunn, a celebrated England batsman, and Thomas James Moore, a visionary businessman, came together with a shared dream: to create cricket bats of uncompromising quality. Gunn brought his player’s insight — he knew what a bat should feel like, how it should respond to the ball, and what a cricketer truly needed. Moore brought his understanding of woodcraft and business. Together, they built a brand that would soon become synonymous with excellence.
In an age when cricket was still finding its feet as a professional sport, Gunn & Moore revolutionized bat-making by combining traditional craftsmanship with the highest-quality English willow. Their bats quickly earned a reputation among county cricketers for their balance, pick-up, and power. Word spread, and GM’s name became firmly rooted in cricketing folklore.
Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
What has kept GM relevant for over 140 years? It’s their unwavering commitment to innovation while staying true to tradition. The company’s headquarters in Nottingham still houses skilled bat-makers who handcraft each blade using methods passed down through generations. Each GM bat goes through meticulous processes — pressing, shaping, sanding, and polishing — ensuring the willow retains its natural performance.
But GM has never been afraid to innovate. They were pioneers in introducing DXM (Digital eXact Management) technology, which uses advanced 3D modeling to precisely shape bats, ensuring consistent performance across every model. This blend of heritage and technology allows GM to create bats that meet the modern cricketer’s demands — lighter pick-ups, bigger sweet spots, and enhanced power — without sacrificing the soul of the game.
The GM Willow: A Legacy of English Soil
At the heart of every GM bat lies the finest English willow, nurtured in the rich soil of Essex and Suffolk. GM’s relationships with willow growers go back decades, ensuring that only the best clefts make it to the factory floor. Each piece of willow tells its own story — the slow growth rings, the balance of moisture, and the natural resilience that makes a GM bat stand out.
For many players, unwrapping a new GM bat is a ritual. The moment you first knock it in, feeling the rebound off the middle, there’s a quiet understanding: this bat isn’t just wood; it’s a partner that will stand with you through thick and thin.
A Brand Trusted by Legends
Over the years, GM bats have graced the hands of some of cricket’s most iconic names. Think of Michael Vaughan guiding England to Ashes glory in 2005, Steve Waugh epitomizing grit and determination, or Shane Watson unleashing thunderous drives. GM bats have consistently been the weapon of choice for players who value precision, reliability, and craftsmanship.
Even today, rising stars and established professionals continue to trust GM. The brand’s enduring popularity among international and domestic cricketers is a testament to its consistency. For many, playing with a GM bat is a dream come true — a symbol that they’ve arrived on the big stage.
Not Just Bats: A Complete Cricketing Arsenal
While GM is most famous for its bats, the brand has expanded into a full range of cricket gear — gloves, pads, helmets, bags, and even apparel. Every piece carries the same ethos: durability, performance, and a cricketer-first design philosophy. GM’s protective gear, for example, is renowned for its comfort and safety, allowing players to focus entirely on their game.
The brand’s cricket balls, too, have carved a niche in club and professional circuits, further cementing GM’s reputation as a holistic cricketing companion.
Why Cricketers Love GM
Ask any GM loyalist what sets the brand apart, and you’ll hear words like “trust,” “feel,” and “consistency.” There’s something reassuring about picking up a GM bat — the perfect balance in your hands, the effortless swing, the crisp sound of ball on willow. It’s a feeling that transcends statistics and specifications.
For budding cricketers, owning a GM bat often marks a milestone in their journey. For seasoned professionals, it’s about reliability — knowing that when they walk out to bat, their equipment won’t let them down.
A Brand That Adapts Yet Remains Authentic
One of GM’s greatest strengths has been its ability to adapt without losing its identity. As T20 cricket reshaped the game, GM evolved its bat designs to cater to power hitters, introducing bigger profiles and lighter pick-ups. Yet, even as the game’s tempo quickened, the essence of a GM bat remained unchanged: precision, craftsmanship, and that unmistakable “GM feel.”
Their marketing, too, reflects this authenticity. GM doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks or over-the-top branding. Instead, they let their products and the players who use them speak for themselves.
The Emotional Bond Between Player and Bat
Every cricketer, at some point, develops an emotional bond with their bat. It becomes an extension of their personality, a trusted ally in moments of triumph and adversity. GM understands this relationship better than most. Their bats aren’t just manufactured; they’re nurtured into existence, each carrying the care and attention of skilled craftsmen who understand the stakes.
For many young players, a GM bat is a first love — the bat that saw their first fifty, their maiden hundred, or the one that made them believe they belonged on the field. For veterans, it’s a loyal companion that has stood by them through years of competition, travel, and the grind of professional cricket.
GM and the Future of Cricket
As cricket continues to evolve, GM remains committed to staying ahead of the curve. Their research and development team constantly experiments with new materials, designs, and manufacturing techniques to ensure that their equipment meets the demands of the modern game. Sustainability, too, is becoming a key focus, with efforts to reduce waste and source willow responsibly.
Yet, at its core, GM’s mission remains unchanged: to craft equipment that empowers cricketers to perform at their best, no matter the level at which they play.
Why GM Is More Than Just a Brand
For cricket lovers around the world, GM represents more than just a logo on a bat. It’s a symbol of dedication, craftsmanship, and the timeless spirit of the game. Owning a GM bat isn’t merely about having a high-quality piece of equipment; it’s about carrying forward a legacy that stretches back over 140 years.
Every drive, every pull shot, every perfectly timed cover shot played with a GM bat carries a whisper of the brand’s storied history. It’s a reminder that while cricket will always evolve, certain things — like the feel of a GM bat meeting the ball’s sweet spot — are eternal.
A Companion for Cricketers Everywhere
Whether you’re a budding youngster stepping onto the pitch for the first time, an amateur enjoying weekend cricket with friends, or a professional chasing glory on the world stage, GM has something to offer. It’s a brand that understands cricketers because it has been shaped by them — by their needs, their ambitions, and their love for the game.
And that’s what makes GM special. It’s not just about bats, gear, or even cricket itself. It’s about the stories that unfold every time a player takes guard, bat in hand, ready to script the next chapter of their journey.
In Conclusion
In a world where trends come and go, GM remains a constant — a brand rooted in tradition yet unafraid to innovate, a name trusted by legends and loved by everyday cricketers alike. Gunn & Moore isn’t just part of cricket’s past; it’s a vital part of its present and future.
For over 140 years, GM has stood as a beacon of quality, craftsmanship, and trust. And as long as cricket continues to be played, there will always be a place for GM — the timeless companion of cricketers everywhere.