The cricket bowling performance of different racial groups at a junior provincial level in South Africa

Abstract

Objective. To investigate the difference in performance and bowling opportunity of black African (BA), coloured/Indian (C/I) and white(W) cricket bowlers at a junior provincial level in South Africa between 2006 and 2012.Methods. Data of all players performing in the South African interprovincial under-13 (U13), under-15 (U15) and under-19 (U19)tournaments were analysed. Bowling performance (bowling average and the top 20 wicket takers relative to their par representation) andbowling opportunity (number of overs bowled) were compared between racial groups.Results. There were no significant differences in the bowling averages between BA bowlers and the other racial groups between 2008 and 2012.BA bowling averages were only significantly worse than W bowlers in the U13s in 2006 and U19s in 2007. BA bowling averages were also onlysignificantly worse than C/I in the U13s and U15s in 2007. BA bowlers were below par representation in the top 20 wicket takers in each yearfor the U15s and U19s and below par representation for the U13s in 2007 - 2009 and 2011. The performance of C/I and W bowlers was relativelysimilar across the age groups. BA players bowled significantly fewer overs than W bowlers in the U13s in 2006, in the U15s in 2007 and 2009and in the U19s in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011. C/I bowlers bowled significantly fewer overs than W bowlers in the U13s in 2008 and 2009.Conclusion. The bowling averages of the different racial groups are similar. However, there were relatively few BA bowlers in the top 20wicket takers each year. This could be because of a lack of highly skilled BA bowlers or the lack of opportunity provided to BA bowlers tobowl in these tournaments.

Factors enabling and hindering sporting success among South African elite athletes from historically disadvantaged areas: Through a coaching lens

“…The post-apartheid government of South Africa established the new Department of Sport and Recreation, which formulated the transformation charter to allow for increased opportunities and access to sport by all South Africans, especially the previously marginalised racial groups, women, youth, the elderly, as well as persons living with disabilities. 6 However, the work of the government in levelling the playing field by providing equal opportunity for sports participation is yet to be reviewed. More specifically, there needs to be more literature on the current enablers and barriers to sports participation at an elite level for athletes from historically disadvantaged areas (HDA).…”

“…5 Apartheid in South Africa was a legally designed system for segregation based on race, including political and economic discrimination against Black-African, Coloured, as well as the Indian population groups. 6 The policy of apartheid was enforced between 1948 and 1994 by the previous government led by the National Party, leading to a systemic underdevelopment of infrastructure in predominantly non-white areas. Sport in the apartheid era was also divided across racial lines, whereby different races were not allowed to compete with one another.…”

“…The skewed developmental progress during apartheid, for instance, saw 89% of White schools in 1981 having cricket pitches, with black schools having almost none, thereby limiting the development of black cricket players. 6 This was further burdened by non-white players not being allowed by the government to represent the country at local and international events. 6 The impact of this underdevelopment continues to be felt in the post-apartheid South Africa.…”

“…6 This was further burdened by non-white players not being allowed by the government to represent the country at local and international events. 6 The impact of this underdevelopment continues to be felt in the post-apartheid South Africa.…”