You should oil your new cricket bat using linseed oil before you begin to it knock-in.

Firstly lightly sand the surfaces of the cricket bat with a fine grade of sand paper. Then apply 2-3 light coats of oil to all exposed surfaces of the bat, allowing sufficient time for the bat to dry between coats, usually overnight. It’s best to avoid oiling your cricket bat if it already has an artificial coating. Also don’t stand the bat in oil as this can cause the bat to soften and be more prone to damage.