The International Cricket Council says cricket bat manufacturer Kookaburra has agreed to withdraw its graphite bat from all first-class cricket by October of this year.
The ICC Council announced the move Thursday though the bat was removed from international cricket nearly two months ago. Australian team captain Ricky Ponting has used the bat in international play, but the Marylebone Cricket Club, the guardian of the sport, said it is illegal.
The bat was launched in December of 2004 and a thin strip of carbon fiber strengthens its blade. Australia's Mike Hussey and Brett Lee have used the bat, as has Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.