Movement patterns in cricket vary by both position and game format

The physical profile of female cricketers: An investigation between playing standard and position

The primary aim of this study was to present the physical profile of female cricketers. Secondary, was to assess any differences between playing standard (professional vs. non-professional) and position (seam bowler vs. non-seam bowler). Fifty-four female cricketers (professional seam bowler [n = 16]; professional non-seam bowler [n = 17]; non-professional seam bowler [n = 10]; non-professional non-seam bowler [n = 11]) undertook a battery of physical and anthropometric assessments during the off-season period. Participant's physical profile was assessed via the broad jump, countermovement jump, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), 20 m sprint, run-2 cricket specific speed test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 (Yo-Yo-IR1). The sum-of-eight skinfold measurement was also recorded for professional cricketers only. Differences between playing standard and position were assessed with a two-way ANOVA. Seam bowlers possessed a significantly (p < 0.04) greater stature and had a higher body mass than non-seam bowlers. Non-seam bowlers recorded significantly (p < 0.01) further broad jump, higher normalised peak vertical force during the IMTP, and ran greater distances during the Yo-Yo-IR1. Professional cricketers produced significantly further run distances for the Yo-Yo-IR1 and faster run-2 times for the dominant turning side than non-professional cricketers. This study provides valuable insights into the physical profile of female cricketers across playing standards and positions which practitioners can use to direct and enhance training outcomes.

Injury profiles in sub-elite Women's Cricket: Exploring incidence, prevalence, nature, onset and body region

INTRODUCTION

The rise in participation in sports, like women's cricket, is linked with increased injury risk. Providing high-level longitudinal data is the first step in implementing evidence-based injury prevention strategies.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

This cohort study aims to describe the injury profiles in sub-elite women's cricket in South Africa during the 2022/23 season.

METHODS

Injuries were prospectively recorded using injury surveillance questionnaires, injury surveillance database, and logbooks completed by each team's medical staff. Injury rates were investigated for match and training days, body region, player role, nature, and activity at the time of injury.

RESULTS

Three teams with a total of 44 players (20.86 ± 1.6 years) were included in the study. Injury incidence was 85.23 per 1000 player match days, 15.91 for match time-loss and 69.32 for non-time-loss, with 2.95% of players unavailable for match selection on any day. Fast bowlers had the highest injury incidence. Fielding caused 46.67% of all injuries. Injury incidence was higher in training than in matches. The wrist/hand had the highest injury incidence and caused the most match time-loss.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights regarding the current injury rates in sub-elite female cricket players.

Novel Twenty20 batting simulations: a strategy for research and improved practice

Twenty20 cricket and batting in particular have remained vastly understudied to date. To elucidate the effects of batting on the batter, tools which replicate match play in controlled environments are essential. This study describes the development of two Twenty20 batting simulations, for a high and low strike rate innings, generated from retrospective analysis of international and domestic competition. Per delivery analysis of probabilities of run-type and on/off-strike denomination produce ball-by-ball simulations most congruent with retrospective competitive innings. Furthermore, both simulations are matched for duration and dictated through audio files. The `high' strike rate innings requires a batter to score 88 runs from 51 deliveries, whereby 60 runs are from boundaries. Similarly, the `low' strike rate innings requires a batter to score 61 runs from 51 deliveries, where 27 runs are scored from boundaries. Because batting simulations dictate run scoring outcomes, a method of quantifying a batter's performance from bat-ball contact scores is described. Ten elite batters achieved a mean performance score of 72 (SD = 26) and 88 (21) for the low and high strike rate simulations respectively. This study provides sport practitioners with a training technique to improve specific skill acquisition and enables research in understudied Twenty20 batting.

A similar injury profile observed in franchise men's and women's cricket in England and Wales: injury surveillance analysis from the first three 'The Hundred' competitions

Objectives

To describe the injury profile of a novel format cricket competition ('The Hundred') and compare injury incidence and prevalence between the men's and women's competitions.

Methods

Medical staff prospectively collected injury data from the eight men's and women's teams during the 2021-2023 competitions. Injury definitions and incidence calculations followed the international consensus statement.

Results

In the men's competition, 164 injuries were recorded, compared with 127 in the women's competition. Tournament injury incidence was 36.6 (95% CI 31.4 to 42.7) and 32.5 (95% CI 27.3 to 38.7)/100 players/tournament in the men's and women's competition, respectively. Non-time-loss incidence (men's 26.6 (95% CI 22.2 to 31.8), women's 24.6 (95% CI 20.1 to 30.0)/100 players/tournament) was higher than time-loss incidence (men's 10.0 (95% CI 7.5 to 13.5), women's 7.9 (95% CI 5.6 to 11.3)/100 players/tournament). Injury prevalence was 2.9% and 3.6% in the men's and women's competitions, respectively. Match fielding was the most common activity at injury in both competitions. The thigh and hand were the most common body location time-loss injury in the men's and women's competitions, respectively.

Conclusion

A similar injury profile was observed between the men's and women's competition. Preventative strategies targeting thigh injuries in the men's competition and hand injuries in the women's competition would be beneficial. Compared with published injury rates, 'The Hundred' men's presents a greater risk of injury than Twenty20 (T20), but similar to one-day cricket, with 'The Hundred' women's presenting a similar injury risk to T20 and one-day cricket. Additional years of data are required to confirm these findings.

English and Welsh men's domestic cricket injury risk by activity and cricket type: A retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2019

OBJECTIVES

Explore whether injury profiles and mechanisms differ between red (First-Class multi-day) ball cricket and white (One-Day and Twenty20 limited over) ball cricket in elite men's domestic cricket from 2010 to 2019.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis.

METHODS

Injury incidence calculated according to the updated international consensus statement on injury surveillance in cricket, along with seasonal days lost and injury severity descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Across both cricket types, bowling resulted in the most seasonal days lost (mean 1942, 95 % confidence interval: 1799-2096) and highest mean injury severity (30 days, 95 % confidence interval: 28-33), with the lumbar spine the body region with the most seasonal days lost (mean 432 seasonal days; 95 % confidence interval: 355-525) from bowling. Injury incidence was higher in white ball compared to red ball cricket (per unit of time), with bowling (and its various phases) the most frequently occurring mechanism in both cricket types (white ball: 67.0 injuries per 1000 days of play [95 % confidence interval: 59.6-75.3]; red ball: 32.4 injuries per 1000 days of play [95 % confidence interval: 29.1-36.1]). When bowling, the abdomen and thigh were the body regions most injured from white (13.4 injuries per 1000 days of play [95 % confidence interval: 10.3-17.4]), and red ball (6.4 injuries per 1000 days of play [95 % confidence interval: 5.0-8.2]) cricket respectively. Overall, clear differences emerged in the nature and mechanism of injuries between red ball cricket and white ball cricket.

CONCLUSIONS

Bowling presents the highest injury risk (across both cricket types), as well as highlighting the increased risk of injuries from diving during fielding and running between the wickets when batting, in shorter white ball cricket.

Clinical outcomes of 10 years of cardiac screening in elite New Zealand athletes

OBJECTIVES

To report findings from the High Performance Sport New Zealand cardiac screening programme, including comparisons between sexes and ethnicities.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Elite Olympic-sport athletes were screened (2012-2022) with personal/family history, physical examination, resting 12-lead ECG and followed from the date of first screening until July 2022. An audit reviewed screening records, including demographic data, ECGs, follow-up and diagnoses. Flagged/equivocal ECGs were re-reviewed (International Criteria).

RESULTS

2075 ECGs from 1189 athletes (53 % female, mean age 21 years; 83 % European, 9 % Māori, 5 % Pacific Islander, 3 % other) were included. No athletes retired for cardiac reasons; there were no cardiac deaths or major cardiac incidents (mean follow-up from first screening: 6.1 years (range: 0.6-10.9 years)). Diagnoses included Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome (0.7 %) and cardiomyopathies (0.3 %). Overall, 3.5 % of ECGs were abnormal, with ECGs of females more commonly abnormal (4.4 % vs 2.5 %, p = 0.02) and with a higher proportion of ECGs with abnormal T-wave inversion (TWI) (3.1 % vs 0.9 %, p < 0.001) compared to males. Of the abnormal TWI in females (all aged ≥16 years), 47 % was limited to V1-V3 with no other abnormalities. Abnormality rates were similar between Māori, Pacific Islander and European athlete ECGs.

CONCLUSIONS

WPW was the most frequent diagnosis, with very little cardiomyopathy found. The proportion of abnormal ECGs was low overall, but higher in females. This was driven by anterior TWI in V1-V3 which was not associated with diagnoses of conditions associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD). There was no difference in the proportion of abnormal ECGs of Māori or Pacific Island athletes compared to European athletes.

An analysis of specific batting demands in the women's The Hundred competition

Background

No research has investigated the shortest format of the game of cricket, The Hundred competition. Furthermore, women's cricket research is particularly limited, with most focusing on injuries and little literature investigating specific batting demands. These demands are important if training programmes are to mimic the game's movement patterns.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to analyse specific batting demands and variables associated with the women's The Hundred competition.

Methods

Thirty-one matches from the Women's 2021 The Hundred competition were analysed using Hudl Sportscode Elite. Variables analysed included: bowler type (seam or spin), free hits, no ball runs, reason for no ball (height/wide/front foot), run scored (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6), type of key event (fall of wicket, bowling referral, batting referral, umpire referral, bowling time out, rain delay, or injury) as well as time between deliveries and sets, overall and between the power play and non-power play. A total of 6073 deliveries were analysed.

Results

A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed for time between deliveries for spin bowlers (26.90±22.16 s) compared to seam bowlers(31.70±20.37 s) as well as time between sets for the power play (58.00±13.28 s) and non-power play phases (63.70±42.00 s). Additionally, in the power play, most runs were made up of "1's" and "4's". In the non-power play phase, "1's" made up the biggest contribution of runs (as a percentage).

Conclusion

The fact that singles make up a significant portion of a typical match means that strength and conditioning coaches should incorporate high-intensity sprint-type training into training programmes to mimic these demands.

Physical Demands during Official Competitions in Elite Handball: A Systematic Review

An understanding of physical demands during official competitions is essential to achieving the highest performance in handball. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the available scientific evidence associated with physical demands during official competitions in elite handball according to playing positions, competition level and gender. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 17 studies were selected after a systematic search and selection process of three digital databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Sport Discus. The quality of the selected studies was evaluated using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist; the average score was 18.47 points. The sample consisted of 1175 handball players, of whom 1042 were men (88.68%) and 133 were women (11.32%). The results show that an elite handball player covered on average 3664.4 ± 1121.6 m during a match. The average running pace was 84.8 ± 17.2 m∙min-1. The total distance covered was largely greater in national competitions (4506.7 ± 647.9 m) compared with international competitions (2190.3 ± 1950.5 m) (effect size (ES) = 1.2); however, the running pace did not present any significant difference between the international or national level (ES = 0.06). In regard to gender, the total distance covered was moderately greater in female competitions (4549.1 ± 758.6 m) compared with male competitions (3332.6 ± 1257.7 m) (ES = 0.9), and the running pace was largely greater in female competitions (110.5 ± 7.2 m∙min-1) compared with male competitions (78.4 ± 19.7 m∙min-1) (ES = 1.6). In relation to playing position, backs and wings covered a moderately greater total distance (ES = 0.7 and 0.6) and slightly more meters per minute (ES = 0.4 and 0.2) than pivots. Moreover, the technical activity profile differed between playing positions. Backs performed moderately more throws than pivots and wings (ES = 1.2 and 0.9), pivots exhibited largely more body contact than backs and wings, and wings performed moderately more fast breaks (6.7 ± 3.0) than backs (2.2 ± 2.3) (ES = 1.8). Therefore, this research study provides practical applications for handball coaches and strength and conditioning professionals with respect to designing and implementing more individualised training programmes to maximise performance and reduce injury risk.

The effects of bowling lines and lengths on the spatial distribution of successful power-hitting strokes in international men's one-day and T20 cricket

This study examined 503 power-hitting strokes that resulted in the maximum of 6-runs being scored in international men's one-day and T20 cricket. Chi-Squared analyses were conducted to determine if performance and situational variables were associated with the distribution (direction) of aerial power-hitting strokes. Results revealed that bowling length, bowling line, bowler type and powerplays were all significantly (p < 0.001) associated with ball-hitting distribution. Post-hoc analysis of the standardised residuals revealed that greater than expected 6's were scored behind square and were associated with short-pitched bowling, fast bowling and the power-play. Similarly, bowling the half-volley length and the outside off line resulted in greater than expected 6's on the off-side. The results suggest that bowlers should try to avoid offering width outside the off stump as well as bowling the half-volley and short-pitched lengths as these bowling lines and lengths present batters with greater opportunities to score maximum runs. Fast bowling is revealed to be more susceptible to power-hitting strokes than spin bowling. Conversely, batters may wish to target the areas behind square or on the off-side for opportunities to score maximum runs, and they should look to take full advantage of the powerplay field restrictions.

Physical profiling of international cricket players: an investigation between bowlers and batters

This study aimed to develop a physical profile of international cricketers, and investigate if positional differences exist between bowlers and batters. Nineteen, international male cricketers, eleven bowlers (age 24.1 ± 5.2 years; height 179.73 ± 5.27 cm; weight 73.64 ± 6.65 kg), and eight batters (age 22.9 ± 3.8 years; height 180.25 ± 5.57 cm; weight 77.01 ± 8.99 kg) participated in this study. The physical test battery included; power, speed, strength and aerobic fitness tests. Batters demonstrated significantly higher scores for the countermovement jump (p < 0.03; ES = -1.55) and squat jump (p < 0.03; ES = -0.98). Furthermore, batters showed non-significant but small ES for faster 0–5 m (ES = 0.40) and 0–10 m (ES = 0.35) sprint times, superior hand grip strength (ES = -0.20), and higher Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test scores (ES = -0.46). Bowlers showed non-significant but small ES for faster 5 km time trials (ES = -0.51), lower bodyweight (ES = -0.42) and lower body fat percentage (ES = -0.30). However, intra-positional (i.e., seam and spin bowlers) and individual differences amongst players were observed. The physical profiles presented in this study can be used by coaches responsible for the physical development of cricket players to compare their existing data with. Furthermore, it is recommended that practitioners account for individual physical fitness profiles in addition to team profiles, to effectively design and evaluate tailored programs, with the aim of improving both physical and cricket performance.

Prevalence and incidence of injuries among female cricket players: a systematic review and meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the review was to describe the incidence and prevalence of injuries among female cricket players of all ages, participating in all levels of play.

INTRODUCTION

Cricket, a bat-and-ball sport, is becoming popular among women of all ages and abilities worldwide. However, cricket participation carries a risk of injury. Injuries negatively affect sport participation, performance, and short- and long-term health and well-being. Injury prevention, therefore, is the key to safe, long-term cricket participation as a physical activity goal. Epidemiological data are needed to underpin evidence-based injury-prevention strategies.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies reporting incidence and prevalence of injuries in female cricket players of all ages, participating in all levels of play, were included in this review, including studies that report data by sex or by sport. Studies without enough data to calculate prevalence or incidence, that do not distinguish female injury data from males', that focus on athletes participating in other sports, or that focus on case studies were excluded.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted according to the JBI and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), EBSCO MasterFILE Premier, EBSCO CINAHL Complete, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, Scopus, and Science Direct were systematically searched from inception to August 2021. Additionally, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and ClincalTrail.gov were searched. EBSCO MegaFile Premier (EBSCO), OpenGrey (SIGLE), WorldCat, Grey Matters, Grey Literature, and Google Scholar databases were searched for gray literature. Full-text articles that met the inclusion criteria were critically appraised using JBI-tools, and were extracted and synthesized in narrative summary and tabular forms. Three meta-analyses were conducted: injury incidence rate, injury prevalence proportions, and injury incidence proportions. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Of the 7057 studies were identified and only 4256 screened after duplicates removed, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was low for 21 studies. The injury incidence rate for elite cricket was 71.9 (SE 21.3, 95% CI 30.2-113.6) injuries per 1000 player hours, time-loss injury incidence rate was 13.3 (SE 4.4, 95% CI 4.6-22.0) injuries per 1000 player hours, and non-time-loss injury incidence rate was 58.5 (SE 16.9, 95% CI 25.6-91.7) injuries per 1000 player hours. The injury prevalence proportions for community to elite cricket was 65.2% (SE 9.3, 95% CI 45.7-82.3) and injury prevalence proportions for community cricket was 60% (SE 4.5, 95% CI 51.1-68.6). The injury incidence proportions for community cricket was 5.6 (SE 4.4, 95% CI 0.1-18.3) injuries per 10,000 participants. Elite cricket players were more frequently injured than community cricket players. The most prevalent body regions injured were the shoulder and knee, and most were sustained by fast bowlers. Injuries to the hand, wrist, and fingers had the highest incidence and were most sustained by fielders.

CONCLUSIONS

The study's findings can help stakeholders (including players, coaches, clinicians, and policymakers) make informed decisions about cricket participation by informing and implementing strategies to promote cricket as a vehicle for positive public health outcomes. This review also identified gaps in the available evidence base and addressing these through future research would enhance women's cricket as a professional sport.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42020166052.

Injury incidence within male elite New Zealand cricket from the early T20 era: 2009-2015

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the injury epidemiology of domestic and international level male New Zealand cricketers from seasons 2009–2010 to 2014–2015 across all match formats given the increasing popularity of T20 cricket.

Methods

Match exposure and injury surveillance data collected prospectively by New Zealand Cricket was analysed using international consensus recommendations for injury surveillance and reporting in cricket. Relationships between playing level, role and injury were statistically analysed.

Results

A total of 268 elite male New Zealand cricketers from seasons 2009–2010 to 2014–2015 were analysed from the New Zealand Cricket injury surveillance system. Total new match injury incidence rates were 37.0 and 58.0 injuries per 10 000 player hours in domestic and international cricket, respectively. Total new and recurrent match injury incidence in international cricket was approximately 1.7 times higher than domestic cricket (277.6 vs 162.8 injuries per 1000 player days). Injury prevalence rates were 7.6% and 10.0% in domestic and international cricket. The hamstring (8.2%) in domestic cricket and the groin (13.5%) in international cricket were the most injured body sites. Most match days lost in domestic cricket were to the lumbar spine (417 days), and groin in international cricket (152 days). There were statistically significant differences in injury between domestic and international level cricketers (χ²=4.39, p=0.036), and playing role (χ²=42.29, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Total injury incidence rates in elite New Zealand cricket increased in 2009–2015 compared with previous data. International-level players and pace bowlers were the most injured individuals.

Differences in Physical Demands Among Offensive and Defensive Players in Elite Men Bandy

Purpose: This study examined the physiological sport-specific demands (total distance, mean velocity, effective game time, and time in five velocity zones) in elite bandy players of offensive and defensive playing positions. Method: Data were collected with 10 Hz GPS-units in the Swedish Elite League during the season 2015/16. Ten male elite bandy players were examined during 13 matches. Data were analyzed with Independent Samples Test and with descriptive statistics. Result: Analysis showed that defensive positions covered a significantly longer (p < .001) total distance (23.2 ± 2.4 km vs 21.1 ± 3.5 km) compared to the offensive positions. Significantly higher (p < .001) mean velocity was found in offensive positions (17.8 ± 1.0 km/h vs 15.5 ± 1.6 km/h) in relation to defensive positions. In variable effective game time analysis exposed significant differences (p < .001) between offensive positions and defensive positions (90.4 ± 3.5 min vs 71.3 ± 11.9 min). Furthermore, in easy and moderate skating defensive positions spent significantly (p < .001) more time and in fast, very fast, and sprint skating offensive positions spent significantly (p < .001) more time in relation to each other. The descriptive analysis of positions indicates that libero, defender, and half have the longest game time, half skate the longest distance, and forward have the highest mean velocity during the game. Conclusion: From a practical perspective, the result can provide coaches knowledge when planning the setup in training drills. Thus, the training sessions could be more specific to the playing position, which could maximize the player's physiological outcome in order to optimize performance.

Objective assessment of fast bowling delivery intensity in amateur male cricketers

Wearable microtechnology is effective in detecting fast deliveries in cricket, however methods to quantify delivery intensity have not been established. This study aimed to investigate the utility of wearable sensors in quantifying cricket fast bowling intensity.Fifteen sub-elite male fast bowlers performed deliveries at warm-up, match, and maximal intensities. A principal component analysis resulted in the selection of perceived exertion and seven variables of bowling exertion derived from trunk- (PlayerLoad™, trunk flexion velocity, trunk forward rotation velocity) and tibia-mounted (tibial acceleration at back foot contact, front foot contact, back foot re-contact and front foot re-contact) inertial measurement units for further analysis. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to investigate the effect of intensity on outcome variables. Significant main effects of intensity and large effect sizes were identified for all variables (p < .05, n_p² > 0.14). Measures from the match and maximal conditions were significantly larger compared with the warm-up condition (P_holm < .05). No differences were observed between the match and maximal conditions (p > .05). Inertial measurement metrics can distinguish between a warm-up effort and both match and maximal fast bowling delivery intensity. These devices provide a unique, time-efficient approach to cricket fast bowling exertion quantification.

Detecting Injury Risk Factors with Algorithmic Models in Elite Women's Pathway Cricket

This exploratory retrospective cohort analysis aimed to explore how algorithmic models may be able to identify important risk factors that may otherwise not have been apparent. Their association with injury was then assessed with more conventional data models. Participants were players registered on the England and Wales Cricket Board women's international development pathway (n=17) from April 2018 to August 2019 aged between 14-23 years (mean 18.2±1.9) at the start of the study period. Two supervised learning techniques (a decision tree and random forest with traditional and conditional algorithms) and generalised linear mixed effect models explored associations between risk factors and injury. The supervised learning models did not predict injury (decision tree and random forest area under the curve [AUC] of 0.66 and 0.72 for conditional algorithms) but did identify important risk factors. The best-fitting generalised linear mixed effect model for predicting injury (Akaike Information Criteria [AIC]=843.94, conditional r-squared=0.58) contained smoothed differential 7-day load (P<0.001), average broad jump scores (P<0.001) and 20 m speed (P<0.001). Algorithmic models identified novel injury risk factors in this population, which can guide practice and future confirmatory studies can now investigate.

Quantification of the demands of cricket bowling and the relationship to injury risk: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Bowling in cricket is a complex sporting movement which, despite being well characterised, still produces a significant number of injuries each year. Fast bowlers are more likely to be injured than any other playing role. Frequency, duration, intensity and volume of bowling, which have been generalised as measurements of workload, are thought to be risk factors for injuries. Injury rates of fast bowlers have not reduced in recent years despite the implementation of various workload monitoring practices.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the variables used to quantify frequency, intensity, time and volume of bowling; and evaluate relationships between these variables and injury risk.

METHODS

Six online databases were systematically searched for studies on fast bowling that included terms related to workload. Population characteristics, variables relating to demand and their relationship to standardised definitions of physical activity were extracted from all included studies.

RESULTS

Bowling workload is typically quantified through measures of frequency, duration, or indirect intensity, with few studies reporting on bowling volume.

CONCLUSIONS

When reported on, volume was often described using imprecise or insufficient measures of intensity. There is a need to develop more appropriate measures of intensity during bowling and improve the quality of evidence to inform on bowling programme management practices.

Effects of Interlimb Asymmetries on Acceleration and Change of Direction Speed: A Between-Sport Comparison of Professional Soccer and Cricket Athletes

ABSTRACT

Bishop, C, Read, P, Brazier, J, Jarvis, P, Chavda, S, Bromley, T, and Turner, A. Effects of interlimb asymmetries on acceleration and change of direction speed: a between-sport comparison of professional soccer and cricket athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2095-2101, 2021-The first aim of this study was to quantify and compare asymmetries among professional soccer and cricket athletes. The second aim was to examine the association between asymmetries and performance within both groups. Professional soccer (n = 18) and cricket (n = 23) athletes performed single-leg countermovement jumps, single-leg drop jumps (SLDJs), a 10-m sprint, and 505 change of direction speed (CODS) tests. Interlimb asymmetries were calculated as a standard percentage difference, Mann-Whitney U tests conducted to establish systematic bias between groups, and Spearman's r correlations used to establish the relationship between asymmetry scores and speed and CODS performance. Soccer athletes sprinted faster, jumped higher, and had a greater reactive strength index (RSI) score than cricket athletes (p < 0.05). However, cricketers showed reduced ground contact times compared with footballers during the SLDJ (p < 0.05). The cricket group showed significantly greater jump height (asymmetry = 11.49 vs. 6.51%; p = 0.015) and RSI (asymmetry = 10.37 vs. 5.95%; p = 0.014) asymmetries compared with soccer players. These metrics were also associated with slower 505 times in the cricket group only (r = 0.56 -0.74; p < 0.01). These results show that between-limb asymmetries exhibit no association with speed and CODS in elite soccer players but are associated with reduced CODS in elite cricketers. Thus, the reduction of interlimb asymmetries may be of greater consideration when working with cricket vs. soccer athletes.

Can an inertial measurement unit (IMU) in combination with machine learning measure fast bowling speed and perceived intensity in cricket?

This study examined whether an inertial measurement unit (IMU), in combination with machine learning, could accurately predict two indirect measures of bowling intensity through ball release speed (BRS) and perceived intensity zone (PIZ). One IMU was attached to the thoracic back of 44 fast bowlers. Each participant bowled 36 deliveries at two different PIZ zones (Zone 1 = 24 deliveries at 70% to 85% of maximum perceived bowling effort; Zone 2 = 12 deliveries at 100% of maximum perceived bowling effort) in a random order. IMU data (sampling rate = 250 Hz) were downsampled to 125 Hz, 50 Hz, and 25 Hz to determine if model accuracy was affected by the sampling frequency. Data were analysed using four machine learning models. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare the mean absolute error (MAE) and accuracy scores (separately) across the four models and four sampling frequencies. Gradient boosting models were shown to be the most consistent at measuring BRS (MAE = 3.61 km/h) and PIZ (F-score = 88%) across all sampling frequencies. This method could be used to measure BRS and PIZ which may contribute to a better understanding of overall bowling load which may help to reduce injuries.

Development of a Twenty20 Field-Based Simulation for Cricket Fast Bowlers (FBS-T20)

ABSTRACT

Milne, EC, Vickery, WM, Dascombe, BJ, and Borges, NR. Development of a twenty20 field-based simulation for cricket fast bowlers (FBS-T20). J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-This project assessed the validity and reliability of a novel Twenty20 cricket pace bowling simulation (FBS-T20) that could be used to facilitate match-specific testing and training outside of match play. Six recreational pace bowlers completed 3 identical sessions of the FBS-T20. The FBS-T20 consisted of 4 bowling and 16 fielding overs. During the bowling overs, a bowling accuracy test and bowling approach speed were measured, whereas during the fielding overs, 10-m sprint performance was assessed. Distance covered, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also collected throughout the FBS-T20. Validity was determined through comparison with previously reported Twenty20 pace bowling match demands, and intersession reliabilities were assessed. Distances covered in speed zones were valid (p > 0.05) with the exception of significantly lower jog values in the FBS-T20 (957-1,279 vs. 2,195 m; p = 0.04-<0.001). The maximal HR was found to be valid, but the mean HR was significantly higher than previously published data (147-151 bpm vs. 133 bpm; p = 0.014-0.003). Distances covered demonstrated high levels of reliability, with increasing reliability found after additional sessions (coefficient of variation [CV]% = 3.8-14.4). The HR (CV% = 4.8-6.3) and session RPE (CV% = 10.8) demonstrated moderate reliability, whereas approach speed, 10-m sprint, and bowling skills test results possessed low levels of reliability. The FBS-T20 is a practically viable testing and training tool that is valid and reliable for distances covered at high speeds. One full familiarization session is recommended for optimal reliability.

Variability and physical demands of international seam bowlers in one-day and Twenty20 international matches across five years

OBJECTIVES

To quantify and compare the match demands and variability of international One-Day (ODI) with Twenty20 (T20) cricket matches and to compare ODI match demands when competing home and away.

DESIGN

Single cohort, longitudinal observation.

METHODS

Thirteen international male seam bowlers across 204matches (ODI=160; T20=44) were investigated over five-years (2015-2019). Using global positioning sensors and accelerometers, physical demands were quantified using distance covered at different velocities and the number of entries into high and low intensity acceleration and deceleration bands. Variability was quantified using coefficient of variation (CV) and smallest worthwhile change.

RESULTS

Significantly greater (p<0.05) match demands were found for all physical variables relative to minutes played for T20 against ODI matches, except for distance covered 20-25kmh^-1 which was greater for ODI. Distance covered between 0-7km∙h^-1 showed no significance difference (p=0.60). The number of moderate decelerations (2-4m∙s²) were greater (p=0.04) away compared to home in ODI. All other variables showed no significance. Relative to minutes played, decelerations ≤4m∙s² (within-player ODI CV=75.5%. T20=72.0%) accelerations >4m∙s² (within-player ODI CV=79.2%. T20 CV=77.2%. Between-player ODI CV=84.7%. T20=38.8%) and distance covered >25kmh^-1 (within-player ODI CV=65.5%. T20=64.1%) showed the greatest variability.

CONCLUSIONS

Players are exposed to different physical demands in ODI Vs T20 matches, but not for home Vs away ODI matches. Practitioners should be aware of the large variability in high-speed/intensity accelerations and decelerations across matches.

Relationships between Training Loads and Selected Blood Parameters in Professional Soccer Players during a 12-Day Sports Camp

The main purpose of this study is to assess the relations between training loads and selected blood parameters in professional soccer players during a preseason sports camp. Fifteen professional soccer players (age: 24.3 ± 5.25 year; height: 182.6 ± 6.75 cm; weight: 76.4 ± 6.72 kg) participated in the 12-day training camp. All the training sessions and friendly games were accurately analyzed with a GPS system. Blood samples were taken from the players and analyzed before the camp (PRE), in the middle (MID), and one day after the camp (POST). Mean total distance covered by the players during the camp was 85,205 ± 2685 m, high-intensity running 12,454 ± 1873 m, and sprinting 639 ± 219 m. The highest aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and C-reactive protein (CRP) values were observed after six days of the camp. The application of intensive training during a 12-day sports camp can be associated with chronic muscle pain with high activity of some blood enzymes (CK, AST) and a high concentration of myoglobin (Mb). During training camps longer than 10 days, it would be necessary to apply, every second or third day, one day of rest, and the training load should not exceed two units every day.

Get sleep or get stumped: sleep behaviour in elite South African cricket players during competition

Despite evidence supporting the positive affect sleep has on sport performance, there is limited application of sleep research in cricket. This study investigated the sleep behaviours of 26 elite South African cricket players (28.6 ± 4.0 years) during home and away competition. Players completed an altered version of the Core Consensus Sleep Diary every morning post-travel, pre-match and post-match. Linear mixed model regression was used to compare differences in sleep between time-periods, venues and formats. Spearman's correlations (r_s) assessed the relationship of match performance and sleep. Post-match total sleep time (06:31 ± 01:09) was significantly (p < 0.05) shorter compared to post-travel (07:53 ± 01:07; g = 1.19) and pre-match (08:43 ± 01:03; g = 1.98). Post-travel sleep onset latency and sleep efficiency were significantly shorter (-20; g = 1.35) and higher (+10.4%; g = 0.74) at home than away respectively. Longer sleep onset latencies and shorter total sleep times were significantly associated with poorer One-Day International (r_s = -0.57) and Test (r_s = 0.59) batting performances respectively. The poor post-match sleep behaviour, and the sleep and performance correlations, provide motive for future interventions to focus on recovery and the use of sleep monitoring as a competitive advantage.

Variations in cricket players' upper body dynamic balance across different levels of competition

BACKGROUND

Balance ability has been associated with performance and injury prevention in athletes. Previous studies have investigated the differences in lower body dynamic balance abilities among male high school, collegiate and professional soccer players.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the differences on the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT) in school, collegiate and employed cricket players.

SUBJECTS

Dynamic balance data were collected for school (SCH; n = 22), collegiate (COL; n = 19) and employed (EMP; n = 15) cricket players of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India using the UQYBT standardized protocol.

METHODS

For the UQYBT, the participant reached with one hand in the medial, superolateral and inferolateral directions while maintaining three points of contact (other hand and both feet). The test was performed for both non-dominant and dominant hands.

RESULTS

The SCH group had the least medial reach distance than the other two groups (p = 0.010). Also, SCH players tended to exhibit a lower composite reach score than the other groups, but this difference was not significant (p > 0.05). No bilateral differences were observed among the three groups in any of the reach directions.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper body dynamic balance performance varied with the competition level. This may indicate that athletes' movement strategies may be different depending on the competition level and that normative values may need to be established for each competition level.

Fast Bowler's knee - anteromedial articular impingement

PURPOSE

To describe a series of impingement lesions found on the anterior aspect of the medial femoral condyle in international cricketers.

METHODS

Seven international level fast bowlers presented to our clinic with knee pain in the lead leg between 2005 and 2013. The mean age of the patients was 26.7 years (20-29 years). In all patients a careful history and examination was undertaken followed by appropriate investigations. Conservative management and arthroscopic surgery were performed on these cases. We aimed for a pain free quiet knee with resolved oedema on MRI and return to sport.

RESULTS

MRI images showed oedema in the medial femoral condyle in all patients and 4 patients also had associated cartilage loss. These 4 patients underwent arthroscopic surgery whereas the other 3 were less symptomatic and were managed conservatively. All patients returned to international cricket at an average of 6 months in the non-operative group and 8 months in the operative group.

CONCLUSION

Anterior impingement of the anteromedial femoral condyle can be a potentially serious lesion in the fast bowler. A strong index of suspicion regarding this lesion has to be exercised when a fast bowler attends with knee pain and effusion.

Workload Monitoring in Team Sports: Using Elite Cricket as an Example

Workload monitoring is used to assess athlete preparedness to ensure that they are optimally prepared for competition. Although many workload studies have been done, most are delimited to individual sport athletes and endurance athletes. There is also controversy regarding which measures and in what combinations they should be used. There is a paucity of literature on workload monitoring in team sports such as cricket. Cricket is an interesting and complex sport which has dimensions of many other sports (team and individual) and was the focus of this broad, narrative review. The review highlights the unique demands of the sport and why consideration of the sport in question is important. It further identifies that most of the workload research has been done on fast bowlers with debate surrounding optimal workloads. It calls for research in specific areas and importantly on other player positions considering their unique demands and identifies what can be used currently by practitioners in the field.

Injuries in England and Wales elite men's domestic cricket: A nine season review from 2010 to 2018

OBJECTIVES

This study primarily aimed to explore injury incidence rates in the three main domestic competition formats in England and Wales (First-Class, One-Day and Twenty20 [T20]). For the first time, the study also describes the epidemiology of elite men's domestic cricket injuries across nine seasons (2010-2018 inclusive).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort analysis.

METHODS

Injury incidence and prevalence from all injuries calculated according to the updated international consensus statement on injury surveillance in cricket, with statistical process control charts (SPC) used to detect trends in the data.

RESULTS

The average match injury incidence was 102 injuries/1000 days of play, with highest incidence in One-Day (254 injuries/1000 days of play), followed by T20 (136 injuries/1000 days of play) and First-Class Cricket (68 injuries/1000 days of play). Most match injuries were sustained during bowling (41.6 injuries/1000 days of play), followed by fielding (26.8 injuries/1000 days of play) and batting (22.3 injuries/1000 days of play). The thigh was the body area most commonly injured (7.4 injuries/100 players per season), with lumbar spine injuries the most prevalent (1.3% of players unavailable on any given day during the season). On average, 7.5% of players were unavailable on any given day during the domestic season when all injuries were considered (match and training). The SPC charts showed relatively consistent match injury incidence for all competitions, reproduced across all nine seasons.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide a robust empirical base for the extent of the injury problem in domestic cricket played in England and Wales, with similar injury profiles across the three formats.

Relationship Between Physical Fitness and the Physical Demands of 50-Over Cricket in Fast Bowlers

Webster, TM, Comfort, P, and Jones, PA. Relationship between physical fitness and the physical demands of 50-over cricket in fast bowlers. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Professional cricket is constantly evolving and resulting in increased physiological demand placed on players. Fast bowlers experience the greatest physical demand during match-play; despite this, research has overlooked the importance of specific physical attributes to optimizing physical match performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between 50-Over physical match performance and tests of physical qualities in fast bowlers. Fifteen professional male fast bowlers (age = 23.8 ± 4.0 years; height = 183.4 ± 6.7 cm; body mass = 82.9 ± 9.2 kg) participated in the study. Subjects completed the following physical fitness tests; sum of skinfolds, countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprint, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1. Global positioning system data were collected during 6 professional 50-Over fixtures. Moderate correlations were established between CMJ height to total distance covered (r = 0.585; p = 0.022), sprinting distance (ρ = 0.554; p = 0.032), and maximal velocity (r = 0.567; p = 0.027); 20-m sprint time to total distance covered (ρ = -0.519; p = 0.047) and PlayerLoad (ρ = -0.561; p = 0.03); and Yo-Yo distance to total match distance (r = 0.520; p = 0.047) and sprinting distance (ρ = 0.524; p = 0.045). These findings demonstrate the predictive importance of prolonged intermittent running ability, jump, and sprint performance to match running performance of elite fast bowlers in 1-day cricket. Strength and conditioning coaches should use such information to design training to ensure fast bowlers are adequately conditioned to meet the demands of match running performance.

Auto detecting deliveries in elite cricket fast bowlers using microsensors and machine learning

Cricket fast bowlers are at a high risk of injury occurrence, which has previously been shown to be correlated to bowling workloads. This study aimed to develop and test an algorithm that can automatically, reliably and accurately detect bowling deliveries. Inertial sensor data from a Catapult OptimEye S5 wearable device was collected from both national and international level fast bowlers (n = 35) in both training and matches, at various intensities. A machine-learning based approach was used to develop the algorithm. Outputs were compared with over 20,000 manually recorded events. A high Matthews correlation coefficient (r = 0.945) showed very good agreement between the automatically detected bowling deliveries and manually recorded ones. The algorithm was found to be both sensitive and specific in training (96.3%, 98.3%) and matches (99.6%, 96.9%), respectively. Rare falsely classified events were typically warm-up deliveries or throws preceded by a run. Inertial sensors data processed by a machine-learning based algorithm provide a valid tool to automatically detect bowling events, whilst also providing the opportunity to look at performance metrics associated with fast bowling. This offers the possibility to better monitor bowling workloads across a range of intensities to mitigate injury risk potential and maximise performance.

Train Like You Compete? Physical and Physiological Responses on Semi-Professional Soccer Players

Background: Decision-making in soccer has repercussions and depends on the environment of training or competition. The demands on the players can reveal if the decision-making is similar or different from that required during competition. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the physical and physiological responses of players in training matches (TM) and official competition matches (CM) according to the playing position (external defenders, internal defenders, midfielders, and forwards/extremes). Methods: Twenty semi-professional male soccer players and 10 CM (n = 40) and 10 TM (n = 40) were studied using global positioning system technology, and paired and one-way ANOVA tests were carried out to compare physical (distances and number of sprints) and physiological (heart rates) responses with the factors a) match environments (TM and CM) and b) the playing position, respectively. Results: The results revealed that during CM, players covered higher total distance, partial distances, and sprints at different speeds (0–21 km/h) and produced higher physiological responses. Midfielders covered the greatest total distance in both TM (7227.6 m) and CM (11,225.9 m), in comparison to the other playing positions. However, forwards and extremes spent more time (56.8% of the CM [d = 0.78]) at 76% to 84% of their maximal heart rates. Conclusions: First, the physical and physiological responses in TM were significantly lower than in CM. Second, these responses were different according to the playing position, so this study was able to verify the exact amount of variation between the load produced in TM and CM. These results will help the coach and technical staff to design training tasks to complement the responses found in TM.

Audit of a cardiac screening policy for elite Australian cricketers

OBJECTIVES

To report the compliance and results of an electrocardiogram (ECG) cardiac screening program in male and female elite Australian cricketers.

DESIGN

cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Elite cricketers were offered screening in accordance with Cricket Australia policy. Players who consented provided a personal and family history, physical examination and resting 12-lead ECG. An audit (1 February 2019) examined all cardiac screening records for male and female players in all Australian Cricket state squads from 16 years upwards. Data extracted from the Cricket Australia database included the number of players who underwent screening; signed waivers opting out; and had follow-up tests. ECGs were re-reviewed according to the International Criteria.

RESULTS

710 players were included in the cohort (mean age 20.4±4.9 years, 62% male). 692 (97.5%) players underwent recommended cardiac screening or signed a waiver opting out (1.1%). 173 (24.4%) players were screened (or signed a waiver) more than once. Follow-up testing was conducted for 59 (6.9%) cases. No players were excluded from sport due to a cardiac problem and no major cardiac incidents occurred to any player in the audit cohort. Review of 830 ECGs showed benign athlete heart changes, including sinus bradycardia (33.5%), left ventricular hypertrophy (16.3%), and incomplete/partial right bundle branch block (8.4%), were common but abnormal screening ECGs were uncommon (2.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

An audit of a cardiac screening program in elite Australian cricketers found excellent compliance. A small proportion required follow-up testing and no player was excluded from sport due to a cardiac problem. ECG analysis suggested cricket is a sport of moderate cardiac demands, with benign athlete heart changes common.

Joint pain and osteoarthritis in former recreational and elite cricketers

BACKGROUND

Sport participants are at increased risk of joint pain and osteoarthritis. A better understanding of factors associated with joint pain and osteoarthritis in this population could inform the development of strategies to optimise their long-term joint health. The purpose of the study was to describe the prevalence of joint pain and osteoarthritis in former cricketers, and determine whether playing position, playing standard (i.e. elite or recreational standard) and length-of-play are associated with region-specific joint pain.

METHODS

The data were from the Cricket Health and Wellbeing Study (CHWS), a cohort of 2294 current and former cricketers (played ≥1 season) in England and Wales. For this study, eligible individuals had to be aged ≥30 years and be a former cricket participant. Joint pain was defined as region-specific (hip/knee/ankle/shoulder/hand/back) pain on most days of the last month. Osteoarthritis was defined as joint-specific doctor-diagnosed osteoarthritis. Logistic regression was used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted (for history of joint injury resulting in > 4 weeks of reduced activity +/- age) odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

846 individuals from the CHWS were former cricketers aged ≥30 years (3% female, aged median 62(IQR 54-69) years, 62% played cricket recreationally, median 33(IQR 21-41) cricket seasons). One-in-two (48%) reported joint pain and 38% had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Joint pain and OA were most common in the knee (23% pain, 22% osteoarthritis), followed by the back (14% pain, 10% osteoarthritis) and hand (12% pain, 6% osteoarthritis). After adjusting for injury, bowlers had greater odds of shoulder pain (OR (95% CI) 3.1(1.3, 7.4)) and back pain (3.6(1.8, 7.4)), and all-rounders had greater odds of knee (1.7(1.0, 2.7)) and back pain (2.1(1.0, 4.2)), compared to batters. Former elite cricketers had greater odds of hand pain (1.6(1.0, 2.5)) than former recreational cricketers. Playing standard was not related to pain at other sites, and length-of-play was not associated with joint pain in former cricketers.

CONCLUSIONS

Every second former cricketer experienced joint pain on most days of the last month, and more than one in three had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Compared with batters, bowlers had higher odds of shoulder and back pain and all-rounders had higher odds of back and knee pain. Elite cricket participation was only related to higher odds of hand pain compared with recreational cricket participation.

External and internal workload demands of women's twenty 20 cricket competition

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the external and internal workloads of women's Twenty-Twenty (T20) cricket and compare match demands between International, National and Youth level cricket players.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of data collected form T20 matches played by Australian teams (International level, n = 3; National level, n = 12; Youth level, n = 4) during the 2016-17 Australian cricket season.

METHOD

Thirty-four women's T20 cricket players playing for the Australian (International; n = 10), South Australian (National; n = 11) and South Australian Youth (Youth; n = 13) teams participated in the study. Global Positioning System devices captured player movements during matches including distance (metres [m]), PlayerLoad (arbitrary units [AU]), and distance covered at different velocities. A smartphone app was used to capture the sessional rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) for each match Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression was performed for each outcome to evaluate the differences between player level (International, National and Youth). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

International players covered the most total distance per match (International players 5250 ± 1664 m, National players 4113 ± 885 m, Youth players 3436 ± 1026 m, p < 0.003 for main effect) and covered more distance at >21 km/h (i.e. high speed running; International players 73 ± 62 m, National players 31 ± 28 m, Youth players 20 ± 4 m, p < 0.003). PlayerLoad was greatest in International players (426 ± 143 AU) compared to National players (391 ± 84 AU) and Youth players (290 ± 4 0 AU) (p < 0.001). sRPE was lower for International players (352 ± 77 AU) and National players (398 ± 58 AU) compared with Youth players (499 ± 171 AU) (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The external workload of women's T20 cricket matches became greater as the level of competition increased from Youth to National to International, but Youth players perceive the match demands as greater.

The Effects of an Eight over Cricket Bowling Spell upon Pace Bowling Biomechanics and Performance within Different Delivery Lengths

Pace bowlers must often perform extended bowling spells with maximal ball release speed (BRS) while targeting different delivery lengths when playing a multi-day match. This study investigated the effect of an eight over spell upon pace bowling biomechanics and performance at different delivery lengths. Nine male bowlers (age = 18.8 ± 1.7 years) completed an eight over spell, while targeting different lengths (short: 7-10 m, good: 4-7 m, full: 0-4 m from the batter's stumps, respectively) in a randomized order. Trunk, knee and shoulder kinematics and ground reaction forces at front foot contact (FFC), as well as run-up velocity and BRS were measured. Paired sample t-tests (p ≤ 0.01), Hedges' g effect sizes, and statistical parametrical mapping were used to assess differences between mean variables from the first and last three overs. No significant differences (p = 0.05-0.98) were found in any discrete or continuous variables, with the magnitude of difference being trivial-to-medium (g = 0.00-0.73) across all variables. Results suggest pace bowlers sustain BRS through a single eight over spell while tolerating the repeatedly high whole-body biomechanical loads as suggested by maintaining the kinematics or technique at the assessed joints during FFC. Practically, the findings are advantageous for bowling performance and support current bowling load monitoring practices.

Incidence and prevalence of lumbar stress fracture in English County Cricket fast bowlers, association with bowling workload and seasonal variation

OBJECTIVES

Since much of the previous epidemiological research into lumbar stress fracture was conducted, there has been a marked increase in the amount of cricket being played. The aims were to determine the incidence and prevalence of lumbar stress fracture in English County Cricket fast bowlers between 2010 and 2016, determine the association with match bowling workload and observe seasonal variation in workload and injury.

METHODS

Lumbar stress fracture incidence and prevalence rates were calculated using new international methods for epidemiology in 368 professional English fast bowlers from 2010 to 2016. Workload variables were compared between lumbar stress fracture case and non-injured control groups, before entry in a logistic regression.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven lumbar stress fractures (mean age 22.81) were reported. Injury was most common in July and September. Match incidence was 0.16 lumbar stress fractures per 10 000 deliveries, annual incidence was 2.46 lumbar stress fractures per 100 fast bowlers and annual prevalence of lumbar stress fractures was 1.67% of squad days. Significant workload variables were observed between cases and controls. A peak 7-day workload of greater than 234 deliveries significantly increased the odds of sustaining a lumbar stress fracture 11-fold compared with bowling fewer than 197 deliveries.

CONCLUSION

Lumbar stress fractures are common in young fast bowlers possibly due to immaturity of the lumbar spine. The condensed early and late-season schedule may be causing periods of overuse, resulting in an increase in incidence of lumbar stress fracture. Reduction of workload in young fast bowlers is needed to reduce incidence.

The Difference in Neuromuscular Fatigue and Workload During Competition and Training in Elite Cricketers

PURPOSE

First, to assess changes in neuromuscular function via alterations in countermovement-jump strategy after training and 2 forms of competition and second, to compare the relationship between workloads and fatigue in seam bowlers and nonseam bowlers.

METHODS

Twenty-two professional cricketers' neuromuscular function was assessed at baseline, immediately post and +24 h posttraining, and after multiday and 1-day cricket events. In addition, perceptual (rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and soreness) measures and external loads (PlayerLoad™, number of sprints, total distance, and overs) were monitored across all formats.

RESULTS

Seam bowlers covered more distance, completed more sprints, and had a higher RPE in training (P < .05), without any difference in soreness compared with nonseam bowlers. Compared with seam bowlers, the nonseam bowlers' peak force decreased post-24 h compared with baseline only in 1-d cricket (95% CI, 2.1-110.0 N; P < .04). There were no pre-post training or match differences in jump height or alterations in jump strategy (P > .05). Seam bowlers increased their peak jumping force from baseline to immediately posttraining or game (95% CI, 28.8-132.4 N; P < .01) but decreased between postcricket to +24 h (95% CI, 48.89-148.0 N; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Seam bowlers were more accustomed to high workloads than nonseamers and thus more fatigue resistant. Changes in jump height or strategy do not appear to be effective methods of assessing fatigue in professional crickets. More common metrics such as peak force are more sensitive.

Cricket fast bowling detection in a training setting using an inertial measurement unit and machine learning

Fast bowlers are at a high risk of overuse injuries. There are specific bowling frequency ranges known to have negative or protective effects on fast bowlers. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) can classify movements in sports, however, some commercial products can be too expensive for the amateur athlete. As a large number of the world's population has access to an IMU (e.g. smartphones), a system that works on a range of different IMUs may increase the accessibility of automated workload monitoring in sport. Seventeen elite fast bowlers in a training setting were used to train and/or validate five machine learning models by bowling and performing fielding drills. The accuracy of machine learning models trained using data from all three bowling phases (pre-delivery, delivery and post-delivery) were compared to those trained using only the delivery phase at a sampling rate of 250 Hz. Next, models were trained using data down-sampled to 125 Hz, 50 Hz, and 25 Hz to mimic results from lower specification sensors. Models trained using only the delivery phase showed similar accuracy (> 95%) to those trained using all three bowling phases. When delivery-phase data were down-sampled, the accuracy was maintained across all models and sampling frequencies (>96%).

Reliability of Electromyographic Assessment of Biceps Brachii and Triceps Brachii in Cricketers

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine the intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability of electromyographic assessment of biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles in cricketers.

Methods

Sixteen healthy male cricketers (ages 14-35 years) recruited from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India were tested on 2 occasions that were held 1 week apart. On the first occasion, only examiner 1 performed the testing; on the second occasion, examiner 1, examiner 2, and examiner 3 all performed testing. While testing for surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of BB and TB muscles, participants were asked to produce maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), which was to be held for 5 seconds against the resistance provided by an examiner. Participants performed 3 MVICs per muscle per examiner, with a rest interval of 3 minutes between consecutive contractions. Intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and minimum detectable change were calculated to determine the reliability of repeated sEMG measurements.

Results

Nonsignificant differences were observed for the 2 trials completed by examiner 1 (paired t test) and testing done by all 3 examiners (repeated measures analysis of variance) at P < .05 for both BB and TB. Intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from .84 to .86 for BB and .89 to .98 for TB. Standard error of measurement (minimum detectable change) was .052 (.144) mV and .041 (.114) mV for BB intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability testing, respectively, and .018 (.051) mV and .043 (.119) mV for TB intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability testing. Ninety-five percent of the mean differences between almost all of the repeated measurements were found to lie within the agreement intervals estimated by Bland-Altman plots.

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that sEMG is a reliable tool with excellent intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability for assessing the activity of BB and TB muscles in male cricketers. These findings suggest that sEMG can be used to assess MVIC activity of these muscles in clinical settings, as well as in research area.

Injury rate and patterns of Sydney grade cricketers: a prospective study of injuries in 408 cricketers

Background

The grade cricket competition, also known as premier cricket, supplies players to the state and national teams in Australia. The players involved are generally high-performing amateur (subelite) club cricketers. However, to date, there is no study on the injury epidemiology of Australian grade cricket.

Aim

To conduct injury surveillance across all teams playing Sydney Grade Cricket (SGC) competition during the 2015–2016 season.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted to track injuries in 408 male cricketers in 20 teams playing SGC competition. Players were tracked through the MyCricket website’s scorebook every week. Cricket New South Wales physiotherapists were alerted if there were changes to the playing XI from the last game. If any changes were made due to injury, then an injury incident was registered.

Results

During the course of the season, a total of 86 injuries were registered from 65 players, resulting in a loss of 385 weeks of play. The overall injury incidence rate was 35.54 injuries/10 000 playing hours with an average weekly injury prevalence of 4.06%. Lower back injuries (20%) were the most common injuries followed by foot (14%), hand (13.75%), knee (7.5%) and calf (7.5%). Linear regression analysis showed that the likelihood of injury increased as the mean age of the teams increased (R=0.5, p<0.05).

Conclusion

The injury rate in SGC is lower than that reported at elite level. However, the high rate of lower back injuries (20%) highlights an area of concern in this cohort. High workloads or inadequate physical conditioning may contribute to such injuries. This study sets the foundation for understanding injury epidemiology in grade cricket and examines the links between injury and performance, these results may assist coaches and administrators to develop and implement cricket-specific injury prevention programmes.