The biomechanics of fast bowling in men's cricket: A review

Abstract

This review concentrates on synthesizing and analysing the biomechanical research which has been carried out on fast bowling in men's cricket. Specifically, it relates to those elements of the bowling technique which contribute towards a fast ball release, the aerodynamics and technique of swing bowling, and the association between fast bowling and lower back injury. With regard to bowling technique, no firm conclusions are drawn on the relationships between elements of the fast bowling technique and ball release speed. Recommendations for future research in this area include intra-player studies to establish the bowler-specific factors which contribute to fast ball release and features of body segment dynamics. There is general agreement that the phenomenon of differential boundary layer separation is the reason for normal and reverse cricket ball swing. Systematic research to establish the essential aspects of the bowling technique which contribute to successful swing bowling is recommended, along with studies of the behaviour of the ball in games to ascertain the effects of ball asymmetries on ball swing. There is sufficient evidence in the literature to establish a strong link between injury to the lower back and the use of the mixed technique. Recommendations are made for screening and intervention to reduce the use of the mixed technique, and for research into other aspects of injury. Fundamental research to develop biomechanical models of the lower back in fast bowling is strongly recommended.

Does maximising ball speed in cricket fast bowling necessitate higher ground reaction forces?

“…It has previously been suggested that bowlers should use a 'flexor-extender' technique (Bartlett et al, 1996). In this study with only small sample sizes in the different knee classifications (9 flexor-extender, 6 flexor, 3 extender and 2 constant brace; Worthington et al, 2013b) it was not possible to make definitive statements about the possible link to ball speed.…”

“…These injuries occur predominantly on the opposite (non-dominant) side to the bowling arm (Gregory et al, 2004;Ranson et al, 2005;Ranson et al, 2010) with the highest ground reaction forces in cricket fast bowling occurring during front foot contact (Hurrion et al, 2000). Previous researchers have suggested that large peak ground reaction forces during the early part of the front foot contact phase could be a major cause of lower back injuries in fast bowlers (Bartlett et al, 1996;Ranson et al, 2008). These high peak forces coincide with lower trunk movements (lower trunk extension, contralateral side-flexion and ipsilateral rotation) known to produce high contralateral facet joint contact forces Ranson et al, 2008).…”

“…Various researchers have investigated the relationship between technique and ball release speed (Davis and Blanksby, 1976;Elliott et al, 1986;Bartlett et al, 1996;Glazier et al, 2000;Burden and Bartlett, 1990;Wormgoor et al, 2010), in particular, it has recently been demonstrated that ball speed is closely linked to a small number of technique factors. In a group of 20 elite fast bowlers, the faster bowlers in the group tended to have a quicker run-up, maintained a straighter knee throughout the front foot contact phase, had more upper trunk flexion between front foot contact and ball release, and delayed the onset of bowling arm circumduction.…”

“…It has been suggested that bowlers should use a 'flexorextender' technique, whereby their front knee initially flexes at front foot impact before extending prior to ball release. They suggested this may dissipate ground reaction forces during the early part of the front foot contact phase whilst maximising ball release speed (Bartlett et al, 1996). However, Worthington et al (2013b) observed no significant difference in either peak vertical or peak horizontal ground reaction force when bowlers were classified according to Portus's front knee classification system (Portus et al, 2004).…”

The influence of cricket fast bowlers’ front leg technique on peak ground reaction forces

“…The most prevalent injury among fast bowlers is non-dominant side lumbar stress fracture (Orchard et al, 2006). High peak ground reaction forces during the front foot contact phase of the fast bowling action are believed to be a major contributor to these lower back injuries (Bartlett et al, 1996). These high peak forces coincide with the period of the action when lower trunk movements known to produce high contralateral facet joint contact forces occur (lower trunk extension in conjunction with contralateral sideflexion and ipsilateral rotation; Ranson et al, 2008;Burnett et al, 1998;Burnett et al, 2008).…”