Anthropometric, biomechanical, and isokinetic strength predictors of ball release speed in high-performance cricket fast bowlers

Abstract

Fast bowling is fundamental to all forms of cricket. The purpose of this study was to identify parameters that contribute to high ball release speeds in cricket fast bowlers. We assessed anthropometric dimensions, concentric and eccentric isokinetic strength of selected knee and shoulder muscle groups, and specific aspects of technique from a single delivery in 28 high-performance fast bowlers (age 22.0 ± 3.0 years, ball release speed 34.0 ± 1.3 m · s−1). Six 50-Hz cameras and the Ariel Performance Analysis System software were used to analyse the fast and accurate deliveries. Using Pearson's correlation, parameters that showed significant associations with ball release speed were identified. The findings suggest that greater front leg knee extension at ball release (r = 0.52), shoulder alignment in the transverse plane rotated further away from the batsman at front foot strike (r = 0.47), greater ankle height during the delivery stride (r = 0.44), and greater shoulder extension strength (r = 0.39) contribute significantly to higher ball release speeds. Predictor variables failed to allow their incorporation into a multivariate model, which is known to exist in less accomplished bowlers, suggesting that factors that determine ball release speed found in other groups may not apply to high-performance fast bowlers.