This is why a little research into things that could possibly be injurious is necessary. Because to the inexperienced eye a cricket bat does resemble some of the larger paddles. But the construction/weight is different.
Respectfully, it all depends on the vigor with which any implement is wielded, Madame... I do know a little something about this, and were I the recipient of such a disciplinary action, I believe I would prefer a couple of modest, controlled "attention getters" from a flat cricket bat than a protracted whuppin' with a birch rod the thickness of a pencil. For some reason, the bat seems to already be in the story.
Its fiction... it's fantasy... if the implement fits the scene, as the OP seems to suggest, ie, the character is a cricket fan and has a souvenir bat, then go with it, just write it so it comes across as erotic, not assault with a deadly weapon.
She held him down on the kitchen counter by his hair, and measuring with the bat carefully, she said, "This is a warning, young man... swat! I'm going very easy on you... swat! Imagine what I will do with this bat if you really make me angry... swat!"
Never published shit, so YMMV...