Candice J. Christie

Physiological and Perceptual Demands of High Intensity Sprinting Between the Wickets in Cricket

To quantify the physiological and perceptual demands of repeated single shuttle sprints between the wickets during batting, twelve male university cricketers performed a simulated batting-specific protocol within a laboratory setting. The work-bout comprised seven overs (42 balls) and following each delivery the batsmen were required to complete one single shuttle run at full pace between two creases (17.68m) totalling 42 single shuttle sprints. Players were given a 35s break between balls and a 75s break between overs. Physiological responses were averaged for each over and perceptual responses were measured at the completion of each over. Heart rate increased significantly (p < 0.01) until the end of the third over (160 bpm) after which it reached a plateau. Oxygen consumption and estimated energy expenditure increased significantly (p < 0.01) until the end of the second over (27.3±4.1 mlO2.kg−1.min−1 and 11.1±1.5 kcal.min−1 respectively) after which both responses plateaued. Response measures per run (66 kJ per run) were lower than previous studies in our laboratory in which double shuttles were sprinted (98 kJ per run or an additional 32 kJ to turn and re-accelerate). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) increased significantly (p < 0.01) from overs one to three and thereafter plateaued and then increased again until over seven (mean rating of 17±1.4). A strong, positive correlation (R2=0.94) was observed between heart rate responses and RPE. While energy expenditure reached a plateau after the second over, heart rate and RPE plateaued after the third over. Thereafter, while heart rate continued to plateau, RPE increased significantly again in the final over.

Strength and Conditioning Practices of University and High School Level Cricket Coaches: A South African Context.

Abstract Pote, L and Christie, CJ. Strength and conditioning practices of University and high school level cricket coaches: a South African context. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3464–3470, 2016—Although the sport of cricket is well established, the strength and conditioning practices of cricket players are not well known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the current strength and conditioning practices that coaches implement for South African schoolboy and University level cricket players. An online survey, adapted from previous strength and conditioning questionnaires, was sent to 38 schoolboy and 12 University teams that participated in the top competitions in the country (n = 50). Of these, 24 replied indicating a response rate of 48%. Results indicated that although some forms of conditioning, workload monitoring and injury prevention were being implemented, the correct practices were not being administered. Furthermore, it was identified that most coaches had insufficient qualifications and experience to administer the correct training techniques. It was concluded that coaches require further education so that scientifically based training programs can be implemented. This was deemed particularly necessary for adolescent bowlers who are at an increased risk of injury, specifically in the lower back region.

Selected physiological and perceptual responses during a simulated limited overs century in non-elite batsmen

Abstract Few studies have examined the impact of an increased physical demand on batting performance, especially over extended periods of play. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the physiological and perceptual responses of batsmen scoring a simulated limited overs century, and to link these to sprint times and accuracy of the impact of the ball on the bat. Seventeen male, university level cricketers, performed a batting protocol (BATEX©), typical of a limited overs century. The protocol consisted of six stages, each of five overs, with each stage matched to a specific phase of play. Throughout the protocol heart rate (HR), central ratings of perceived effort (RPE), sprint times and impact accuracy were recorded. HR fluctuated as a function of exercise intensity (124.16–159.61 bpm). Central RPE increased as a function of intensity and duration (11.87–16.04). Sprint times got slower over time (5.67–5.81 s), while impact accuracy improved significantly (p < .05) after stage one and then plateaued for the remainder of the protocol (64.81–57.39 mm). In conclusion, the protocol significantly impacted cardiac strain and perceptual responses negatively impacting sprint times with an improvement in batting accuracy.

Research directions for the enhancement of women's cricket

Female cricket players have received little media or social recognition over the years. There have been reviews done on research focusing on male cricketers; however, no review to date has considered research on female cricketers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review the available literature pertaining to research on female cricketers. A selection of electronic databases was searched to find all relevant published articles. Gender or media based studies were excluded as this was not the focus of the paper. The results suggest that there is a paucity of research. The review highlights areas of research priority.

Cognitive, physical and physiological responses of school boy cricketers to a 30-over batting simulation

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess how cognitive and physical performance are affected during a prolonged, fatigue-inducing cricket-batting simulation. Fifteen amateur batters from three Eastern Cape schools in South Africa were recruited (mean ± SD: age 17 ± 0.92 years; stature 1.75 ± 0.07 m; body mass 78.3 ± 13.2 kg). Participants completed a 6-stage, 30-over batting simulation (BATEX©). During the protocol, there were five periods of cognitive assessment (CogState brief test battery, Melbourne, Australia). The primary outcome measures from each cognitive task were speed and accuracy/error rates. Physiological (heart rate) and physical (sprint times) responses were also recorded. Sprint times deteriorated (d = 0.84; P < 0.01) while physiological responses increased (d = 0.91; P < 0.01) as batting duration increased, with longest times and highest responses occurring in the final stage. Prolonged batting had a large effect on executive task performance (d = 0.85; P = 0.03), and moderate effects on visual attention and vigilance (d = 0.56; P = 0.21) and attention and working memory (d = 0.61; P = 0.11), reducing task performance after 30 overs. Therefore, prolonged batting with repeated shuttle running fatigues amateur batters and adversely affects higher-order cognitive function. This will affect decision-making, response selection, response execution and other batting-related executive processes. We recommend that training should incorporate greater proportions of centre-wicket batting with repeated, high-intensity shuttle running. This will improve batting-related skills and information processing when fatigued, making practice more representative of competition.

Effect of expertise on pacing strategies and sprint performance in batsmen

OBJECTIVES To assess whether the absence of a known endpoint, at the beginning of repeated-sprint bouts between the wickets, affects how skilled compared to less skilled batsmen pace themselves. DESIGN Repeated measures. METHODS Twelve skilled and 12 less skilled batsmen completed three trials. All trials required the same number of sprints (14 shuttles, 28 runs), while only the information before each trial differed. CT: batsmen were aware of the endpoint (28 runs). UT: not informed of the exercise endpoint and were required to run on command for an indefinite period (28 runs). DT: told they were only doing 14 runs when they actually did 28 runs. Sprint times, electrical muscle activity, and ratings of perceived effort were recorded. RESULTS Skilled batsmen were significantly faster than less skilled across all trials. Hamstring muscles activity decreased significantly over time in the skilled players during the UT, and during the CT and DT for the less skilled players. There were significant reductions in quadriceps muscles activation for the less skilled over time in all trials and in the skilled batsmen in the vastus medialis during the UT only. Perceived effort increased significantly in both groups in all trials. Skilled batsmen were fastest in the UT and less skilled fastest in the CT. CONCLUSIONS Better batting skill facilitated improved sprint times, especially when the exact endpoint was unknown. These results suggest that less skilled players should be given more central wicket practice with uncertainty to better develop their ability to maintain their sprint performance.