Sprint acceleration mechanical profiling of international cricketers

Abstract

Sprinting and speed is a fundamental skill and physical attribute crucial in seam bowlers and batters within cricket. The aim of this study was to assess differences in mechanical properties during sprinting between youth and senior international cricketers and between seam bowlers and batters. Retrospective 40 m sprint times and anthropometric measures of 56 international cricketers (19 senior seam bowlers, 7 under-19 seam bowlers, 16 senior batters, 14 under-19 batters) were used to calculate the theoretical maximal force (F0), theoretical maximal velocity (V(0)), theoretical maximal power (Pmax), slope of the force-velocity relationship (F-V slope), maximal ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force (RFmax), decrease in the ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force (DRF) and optimum velocity (Vopt). There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in sprint times nor sprint mechanical profile variables between position or age. However, there was a moderately greater F0 (N/Kg) (ES = 0.78; 90% CI 0.19–1.34) and RFmax (ES = 0.75; 90% CI 0.11–1.35) in senior seam bowlers when compared to batters. Furthermore, FV Slope (ES = 0.79; 90% CI 0.15–1.40) and DRF (ES = 0.75; 90% CI 0.11–1.35) were moderately greater in senior compared to under-19 batters. When expressed relative to body mass, it appears that senior international seam bowlers show trends towards a more force biased profile during sprinting when compared to batters. These findings will help coaches to optimise physical preparation strategies in youth and senior international cricketers.