Cricket Biomechanics Analysis of Skilled and Amateur Fast Bowling Techniques

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cricket fast bowling action involves complex three-dimensional (3D) motion of the body and poses a high risk of injury more so in schoolboys. It is not known how the bowling technique varies between skilled and less skilled fast bowlers. The aim of this study is to compare the differences in bowling technique between young sub-elite (skilled) and amateur university level cricketers. Twelve players, 6 skilled and six amateur, were attached with 35 retro-reflective markers using the full body Plug-in-Gait marker set and asked to bowl 6 deliveries at a good length. Their bowling action was captured with 12 Vicon 3D cameras and the ground reaction force was measured using AMTI force plates. The best delivery from each bowler was selected. Their bowling action types were classified and parameters like shoulder counter rotation (scr), pelvicshoulder separation angle at back foot contact, trunk lateral flexion, front knee angle, front foot vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and ball release speed were measured. The results were analyzed with Levene's test for Equality of Variances and a t-test for equality of means. The skilled bowlers showed faster ball release speed and experienced larger vGRF while the other parameters did not show any significant differences. How to cite this article Thiagarajan KA, Parikh T, Sayed A, Gnanavel MB, Arumugam S. Cricket Biomechanics Analysis of Skilled and Amateur Fast Bowling Techniques. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2015;49(4):173-181.