This study aimed to determine which training method (net-based sessions or centrewicket simulations) currently used in national level and U19 male players cricket provided a more physical and technical match-specific training response. The heart rate, rating of perceived exertion and movement patterns of 42 male, cricket players were measured across the various training and match formats. Video analysis was coded retrospectively to quantify technical loads based on the cricket skills performed. Magnitude based inferences were based on the standardization of effect and presented with ±90% confidence intervals. Regardless of playing position, differences in physiological demands between training modes and match-play were unclear, with the exception of higher heart rates in fielders during traditional net sessions (mean heart rate: d= -2.7 [-4.7; -0.7]; 75% of maximum heart rate: d= -1. [-3.6; 0.9]). In conclusion, centre-wicket simulations more closely matched the physical demands of a One-Day match within batsmen and spin bowlers, whereas traditional cricket training often exceeded match-specific demands.
The purpose of this study was to highlight the effects of the environment on spin bowling tactics in test match cricket. The speed differences employed by Indian and Australian spin bowlers in home and away test matches were examined over a nine-year period. Eleven test matches played in Australia and 10 test matches played in India from 2007 to 2015 were analysed (3413 spin overs). During this time, 12 spin bowlers represented Australia (mean age 28.0 ± 3.7 years) and 13 represented India (mean age 29.1 ± 4.1 years). In each environment, the home team’s spin bowlers were more successful than the away team’s bowlers. There was no difference in mean delivery speed between the teams when competing in either country’s conditions. However, success in Australia was associated with less variability of delivery speed. In contrast, success in India was associated with greater variability of delivery speed. This would suggest that neither team changed this aspect of their delivery tactics to suit the opposition’s home environment, demonstrating the difficulty that even elite spin bowlers experience in adapting to unfamiliar conditions. These findings highlight the need for diversity in practice conditions by creating representatively designed learning environments to help spin bowlers acquire the adaptive behaviours required in test match cricket.
In the sport of cricket, the pitch is an organic surface that represents an important environmental constraint. While the soil properties of the pitch are known to influence the pace and bounce of medium and fast deliveries, it is unknown how the soil constructs or the seam of the cricket ball affect the pace, bounce, and deviation of a spinning delivery. A specialised spin bowling machine was used to deliver 276 (139 wrist spin, 137 finger spin) spinning deliveries onto two cricket pitches with contrasting soil properties. The pitches included a bespoke international pitch (BIP; higher sand content at 43.28%) and a common Australian pitch (CAP; lower sand content at 7.44%). Results indicated that the BIP showed significantly slower reflection pace and larger deviation, compared to the CAP. Irrespective of the pitch type, when the seam of the ball impacted the pitch, there was a significantly slower reflection pace and larger deviation. The reflection properties of the BIP resembled that of a "spinning pitch" which can be used as a form of representative practice for conditions similar to those that may be experienced in India. The impact of the seam on the pitch surface significantly altered the reflection of the ball and should be considered in future cricket research.
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