Fast Bowling Research Articles

Differences in cricket fast bowling kinematics between grass and artificial surface pitches

ABSTRACT Cricket fast bowling training and research are often conducted on artificial turf, while matches are played on natural grass. It is unknown if technique differs between the different surfaces; therefore, the aim of this study was to explore if fast bowling technique differed between surfaces. Shoe slip distance and kinematic and temporal parameters previously associated with ball release velocity and lumbar bone stress injury were determined for eight male sub-elite fast bowlers using three-dimensional motion analysis on grass and artificial surfaces. Paired t-test and statistical parametric mapping were used to identify differences in technique between surfaces. Significantly greater slip distance was observed during back and front foot contact on the artificial surface compared to bowling on the grass surface. No kinematic or temporal parameter significantly differed between surfaces, therefore fast bowling technique is likely similar between grass and artificial surfaces, and previous research utilising artificial surfaces in fast bowling research is likely to be valid.

Functional movement variability to maintain delivery speed in cricket fast bowling

AbstractFast bowling in cricket involves a complex multiarticular action performed at high speed. Functional movement variability plays an important role in helping the performer to maintain the consistency of performance outcomes, although this has not previously been examined in cricket fast bowling in relation to maintaining consistent delivery speed. Therefore, this study investigated how variability of delivery stride movement timings contributes to maintaining consistent bowling speed. Footage of six deliveries from 92 male fast bowlers were analyzed. Delivery speed was recorded, and the time of back foot contact, front foot contact and ball release were identified. The variability of movement timings and the delivery speed were determined using the coefficient of variation. Results showed greater variability in delivery stride movement timings compared to delivery speed. These findings suggest that bowlers may use movement variability to adjust their functional movement coordination pattern during the bowling action to achieve consistent bowling speed.

A comparative analysis of state, university and district cricketers fast bowling performance

A comparative analysis of state, university and district cricketers fast bowling performance

A relationship study between fast bowling velocity and lower body strength

A relationship study between fast bowling velocity and lower body strength

The Effects of a 14-week Physical Preparation Programme on Developing Adolescent Seam Bowlers in Cricket

From a physical demand point of view, fast bowling is reported to be the most demanding position in cricket. Unsurprisingly, physical preparation has been shown to enhance performance and reduce injury risk in adult seam bowlers. However, limited research has been conducted into the effects of physical preparation in youth developing seam bowlers.
 
 Therefore,the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 14-week physical preparation programme on the developing seam bowler.
 
 Six developing academy-level seam bowlers (18.1 ± 1.1 years) completed a 14-week periodised bowling- specific programme. Pre/post tests across various physical qualities (strength, power, muscular endurance, speed and aerobic capacity) and bowling performance (upper arm angular velocity) were recorded. Changes from pre-post testing were measured using a paired sample t-test (p ≤ 0.01) and effect sizes.
 
 Post 14-week intervention, group relative changes showed improvement in strength (+8%), power (+2%), muscular endurance (+45%), speed (-6%) and aerobic capacity (+3). Within participant group there was no significant difference (p = 0.77) in upper arm angular velocity.
 
 Positive improvements in all physical qualities were recorded post intervention. Interestingly, this did not translate into an increase in upper arm angular velocity. Future research should consider the benefits of mixed-methods research approach, where the technical and physical characteristics are closely aligned within developmental programmes, to enhance performance and reduce injury in this population.

Can an inertial measurement unit, combined with machine learning, accurately measure ground reaction forces in cricket fast bowling?

ABSTRACT This study examined whether an inertial measurement unit (IMU) could measure ground reaction force (GRF) during a cricket fast bowling delivery. Eighteen male fast bowlers had IMUs attached to their upper back and bowling wrist. Each participant bowled 36 deliveries, split into three different intensity zones: low = 70% of maximum perceived bowling effort, medium = 85%, and high = 100%. A force plate was embedded into the bowling crease to measure the ground truth GRF. Three machine learning models were used to estimate GRF from the IMU data. The best results from all models showed a mean absolute percentage error of 22.1% body weights (BW) for vertical and horizontal peak force, 24.1% for vertical impulse, 32.6% and 33.6% for vertical and horizontal loading rates, respectively. The linear support vector machine model had the most consistent results. Although results were similar to other papers that have estimated GRF, the error would likely prevent its use in individual monitoring. However, due to the large differences in raw GRFs between participants, researchers may be able to help identify links among GRF, injury, and performance by categorising values into levels (i.e., low and high).

Effect of Indian clubbell exercises on cricket fast bowlers' shoulder kinematics.

The glenohumeral joint's rotational range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength are essential to execute the cricket bowling action. Performing shoulder rotation exercises may increase the rotator cuff muscle strength and rotational ROM. The aim of this study was to test the effect of a six-week exercise programme on shoulder rotational ROM and muscle strength. Twenty-one healthy male cricket fast bowlers were recruited, ranked and pair-matched on initial shoulder rotator muscle strength and assigned to either a shoulder exercise (SE) group or cricket training (CT) only group. The SE group incorporated Indian clubbell exercises in addition to their cricket training. Bowlers in both groups displayed a large increase on the dominant shoulder's internal rotation (IR) ROM, but only the SE group's bowlers displayed ROM improvements (p<0.001) bilaterally for both internal and external rotation. The CT group's fast bowler's non-dominant shoulder IR ROM significantly decreased (p=0.02) during the six weeks. Between groups, only the SE group's bowler's internal rotator muscle strength improved (p<0.001) bilaterally. The observed kinematic changes were statistically significantly greater at a 5% level for the SE group's bowlers (bilateral internal rotators muscle strength, non-dominant shoulder IR ROM and horizontal adduction ROM). Maintenance of the shoulder's rotational ROM and muscle strength is vital for a fast bowler. Cricket bowlers who perform regular clubbell exercises might increase their shoulder's ROM and internal rotator cuffs' muscle strength, which may aid in stabilising their glenohumeral joint while bowling.

Dynamics of Neck Injury and Options for Injury Risk Mitigation for Batsmen Playing Fast Short-pitched Bowling

Dynamics of Neck Injury and Options for Injury Risk Mitigation for Batsmen Playing Fast Short-pitched Bowling

Intrinsic variables associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers in cricket: a systematic review

BackgroundLumbar spine injuries in fast bowlers account for the greatest missed playing time in cricket. A range of extrinsic and intrinsic variables are hypothesised to be associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers, and an improved understanding of intrinsic variables is necessary as these may alter load tolerance and injury risk associated with fast bowling. This review critically evaluated studies reporting intrinsic variables associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers and identified areas for future investigation.MethodsOVID Medline, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases were last searched on 3 June 2022 to identify studies investigating intrinsic variables associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in cricket fast bowlers. Terms relevant to cricket fast bowling, and intrinsic variables associated with lumbar spine injury and low back pain in fast bowlers were searched. 1,503 abstracts were screened, and 118 full‐text articles were appraised to determine whether they met inclusion criteria. Two authors independently screened search results and assessed risk of bias using a modified version of the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool.ResultsTwenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, no included studies demonstrated a low risk of bias, two studies were identified as moderate risk, and twenty-three studies were identified as high risk. Conflicting results were reported amongst studies investigating associations of fast bowling kinematics and kinetics, trunk and lumbar anatomical features, anthropometric traits, age, and neuromuscular characteristics with low back pain and lumbar spine injury.ConclusionInconsistencies in results may be related to differences in study design, injury definitions, participant characteristics, measurement parameters, and statistical analyses. Low back pain and lumbar spine injury occurrence in fast bowlers remain high, and this may be due to an absence of low bias studies that have informed recommendations for their prevention. Future research should employ clearly defined injury outcomes, analyse continuous datasets, utilise models that better represent lumbar kinematics and kinetics during fast bowling, and better quantify previous injury, lumbar anatomical features and lumbar maturation.Trial registrationOpen Science Framework https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ERKZ2.

Optimal initial position and technique for the front foot contact phase of cricket fast bowling: Commonalities between individual-specific simulations of elite bowlers

Group-based and individual-based studies in cricket fast bowling have identified common technique characteristics associated with ball release speed. The applicability of these findings to individual bowlers is often questioned, however, due to research approach limitations. This study aims to identify whether the optimal initial body position at front foot contact and subsequent technique to maximise ball release speed exhibit common characteristics for elite male cricket fast bowlers using individual-specific computer optimisations. A planar 16-segment whole-body torque-driven simulation model of the front foot contact phase of fast bowling was customised, evaluated, and the initial body position and subsequent movement pattern optimised, for ten elite male fast bowlers. The optimised techniques significantly increased ball release speed by 4.8 ± 1.3 ms−1 (13.5 ± 4.1%) and ranged between 37.8 and 42.9 ms−1, and in lower peak ground reaction forces and loading rates. Common characteristics were observed within the optimal initial body position with more extended front knees, as well as more flexion of the front and bowling arm shoulders than in current performances. Delays to the onset of trunk flexion, front arm and bowling arm shoulder extension, and wrist flexion were also common in the subsequent movement during the front foot contact phase. Lower front hip extensor and front shoulder flexor torques, as well as greater bowling shoulder extensor torques were also evident. This is useful knowledge for coach development, talent identification, and coaching practice.

Lumbar Spine Injury in Indian Fast Bowlers: 3D Biomechanical Analysis and Prevention Strategies.

Lumbar spine injuries are among the most common overuse injuries in a fast bowler. Among various causative factors, bowling action technique is a crucial one. Three-dimensional motion analysis has been accepted as a gold standard tool to identify incorrect techniques. Previous studies have identified key biomechanical variables associated with lumbar injury risk in fast bowlers. Despite the large popularity of the sport, there is limited information available on the subject in Indian fast bowlers. This study aims to analyse the lumbar spine injury risk in Indian fast bowlers with respect to key biomechanical variables, using 3D motion analysis. Forty-seven male first class fast bowlers underwent 3D motion analysis in an indoor biomechanics laboratory. Motion capture was done with 3D cameras and 2D video cameras, using a standard marker set. Data processing and analysis was done using proprietary software. Biomechanical variables associated with lumbar spine injury risk including lateral trunk flexion (LTF) and knee angle at front foot contact (KA at FFC) were measured, and peak vertical ground reaction forces (pVGRF) were simultaneously recorded using force plates. Descriptive analysis of the data was done. 26% of bowlers had a high LTF, 29% had low KA at FFC and 43% had high pVGRF. Thus, a large proportion of bowlers in this study were at risk of lumbar spine injury with respect to the assessed variables. This highlights the role of 3D motion analysis in early identification of injurious techniques, which can be modified by coaching and training interventions to prevent injuries. This study thus has implications on coaching and training of fast bowlers in India.

Criterion-Based Rehabilitation and Return to Play in Fast Bowlers Following Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: Recommendations Based on a DetailedClinical Review.

Anterior shoulder instability due to labral tears in the dominant arm of cricket fast bowlers can be particularly disabling and results in significant match time loss. This often follows injuries sustained during fielding and training, although micro-instability following repetitive throwing progressing to overt anterior shoulder instability is also known. To ensure ball release speeds of over 140km/h with different ball variations, these athletes require not only physical fitness and technical skill, but also a completely stable shoulder. A literature search of "MEDLINE", "SPORT DISCUSS", and "GOOGLE SCHOLAR" was done to identify relevant articles published till the year 2023. A treatment approach that involves anatomic restoration of the shoulder via an arthroscopic Bankart capsulo-labral repair, followed by functional and biomechanical restoration via rehabilitation is the most predictable method to ensure a successful return to pre-injury fast-bowling status. A post-operative rehabilitation program that ensures a quick return to fast bowling without disrupting the surgical repair is crucial. Timely integration of exercises to recruit and strengthen the kinetic chain used for bowling and throwing plays a key role in this faster recovery. This current review provides a phase-wise, evidence-based rehabilitation guideline for return to competitive cricket after arthroscopic Bankart repair in a fast bowler. This review also highlights a structured return to bowling, throwing, and fielding program with a clinical decision-making process. Exercise selection at an early stage that does not compromise the healing tissue, and timely integration of workouts to recruit and strengthen the kinetic chain used for bowling and throwing is the key strategy to allow faster recovery. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-023-00931-5.

Lumbar spine bone mineral adaptation: cricket fast bowlers versus controls

Elite adult male fast bowlers have high lumbar spine bone mineral, particularly on the contralateral side to their bowling arm. It is thought that bone possesses its greatest ability to...

Cricket fast bowling: The relationship between range of motion and key performance and injury technique characteristics

ABSTRACT Fast bowling technique characteristics associated with performance and injury have been established; however, the effect of joint range of motion (ROM) on technique remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate ROM and its effect on fast bowling technique. Eighteen ROM measures and thirteen technique parameters were determined for 45 elite male fast bowlers. Twenty-three significant correlations were found between the shoulder, hip, and ankle ROM measures and technique parameters (r = 0.300–0.452; p < 0.05). Shoulder ROM was observed to have the highest number of correlations with fast bowling technique. Increased internal rotation, less external rotation, and greater total arc of rotation were associated with technique characteristics previously linked with increased ball release speed and decreased lumbar stress injury risk. Although hip and ankle ROM were also correlated with technique, their association is yet to be understood. Future research should aim to determine the impact of ROM on fast bowling movement patterns. This knowledge is likely to be useful in enhancing the coaching and rehabilitation of fast bowlers from lumbar stress injuries.

Kinetics of the front-arm technique in cricket fast bowling

The aim of this study was to investigate the kinetics of the front arm in cricket fast bowling. Eighteen male fast bowlers (mean age = 17.2 ± 1.6 years; mean height = 1.89 ± 0.05 m; mean mass = 85.0 ± 10.0 kg) were recruited from NSW grade club level and their bowling actions recorded by a Cortex 2.0 motion analysis system (200 Hz). The interaction between joint power and joint angular velocity data was observed simultaneously for the front shoulder and elbow joints. A joint actuation strategy (active or controlled) was assigned to shoulder flexion–extension, abduction–adduction, and elbow flexion–extension motion to understand whether the joint kinematics followed the time-history of the joint torque. The results only partially agreed with the commonly prescribed coaching maxim of “pulling down” the front arm for faster ball speeds. Active extension and adduction of the front shoulder joint were observed during the delivery phase of the action, whereas the acceleration phase was marked by periods of controlled shoulder extension and active shoulder flexion. At the elbow joint, active elbow flexion was observed at a time when it may reduce the moment of inertia about the thoracic and lumbar spine rotation axes. Overall, combinations of active and controlled joint powers were observed for the front shoulder and elbow joints, implying that this sample of bowlers did not adhere to the traditional notion of “pulling down” the front arm as fast as possible.

Analysis of Front Leg Kinematics of Cricket Bowler Using Wearable Sensors and Machine Learning

A fast bowler in the game of cricket is exposed to high-intensity actions and is more prone to lumbar stress fractures, ankle sprains, and knee, shoulder, and lower back injuries. There are different phases of bowling, from running to ball release, viz., run-up, predelivery stride (PDS), mid-bound (MB), front foot contact (FFC), ball release, and follow through. The front leg motion of the bowler plays a crucial role in delivering the ball efficiently. An improper landing after the jump causes most of the injuries as more strain is induced on the knee, ankle, and groin region. Loss of balance during the follow-through is the other most common reason for injury. A braced front leg at FFC helps the bowler transfer the momentum gained during the run-up into a fast-bowling action. For a refined understanding of the motion of the bowler and the causes of injuries, the identification of bowling phases is crucial. This article proposes the design of a miniature and economical wearable sensor unit using a Bosch BNO055 inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor that the players can comfortably wear during the game. A novel method for calculating knee flexion of bowlers at FFC using quaternion data gathered from sensors is presented. Two wearable units were placed on the bowler’s front leg to collect motion data. Supervised machine-learning algorithms have been evaluated for classifying bowling phases using statistical features extracted from the sensor data to assist coaches and players with data-driven and evidence-based bowlers’ training.

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

ABSTRACT 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 6ʹs 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 6ʹs 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.

Investigating the biomechanical validity of the V-spine angle technique in cricket fast bowling

The effective utilisation of braking ground reaction forces is considered an essential biomechanical characteristic of fast bowling in cricket. The configuration of the trunk and legs during the delivery stride phase has been hypothesised to increase braking forces, causing the upper body segments to increase their angular momentum and thereby increase ball release speed. This study investigated the relationship between V-spine angle, front shank angle (plant angle) and front knee angle with braking ground reaction forces and ball release speed. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analyses were performed for 17 male pace bowlers (17.2 ± 1.7 years) of New South Wales grade club level using data from a Cortex 2.0 motion analysis system (200 Hz) and Kistler force plates (1000 Hz). V-spine angle was strongly and significantly correlated with braking ground reaction force (r = −0.691), plant angle (r = −0.806) and front knee angle (r = −0.606). In addition, stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that front shank angle was the strongest predictor of braking ground reaction force. The data suggests that V-spine angle and plant angle may play an important role in generating high braking ground reaction forces in bowling, with the front knee angle possibly playing a supporting role. Coaches may need to consider these findings when assessing the techniques of pace bowlers.

Does bowling with a fierce pace determines a bowler’s wicket-taking abilities: A brief review

Keeping in mind the research question “does bowling fast really accomplish the very purpose of bowling i.e., getting wickets?”, a study was conducted to reach to a conclusion and factors associated with fast bowling. With the help of online data available on reliable platforms such as cricbuzz.com and ESPN CricInfo, bowlers who have bowled the fastest deliveries were selected. Some delimitations were applied to refine the data. Bowlers’ records including overall wickets taken, matches played, and bowling strike rate were considered for the study. These records were compared against the records of the most successful bowlers in international cricket. Further, a few recommendations for future studies were outlined.

Designing and testing basic protocol for medium fast bowler to increase the speed and accuracy

Background: The skill of medium fast bowlers to consistently maintain their pace and accuracy while bowling , help them to not allow batsman to settle in their inning, and benefit to bowlers to take their wickets. In field of cricket the various parameters like bowling speed and accuracy have been a major area of research. Aim. To study the effect of designed and tested basic protocol on medium fast bowlers speed and accuracy. To study the Kinematic measures in the first four overs of medium fast bowling. To study the effect of a designed based training on, 6RM Squat Test , 6 RM Bench Press Test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 ( YYIRTL1). Material and Methods: 60 State Level Male Medium Fast Cricket Bowlers ( mean age under 19 boys ) were divided into two group one group will going to do subject specific protocol based training for 6 weeks and another will be an control group.