Physiological responses and bowling performance during repeated spells of medium-fast bowling

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between physiological and performance responses during repeated 6-over fast-bowling spells. Six, first-class, medium-fast bowlers performed 2 × 6-over spells separated by 45 min of light activity. The 6-over spells were based on the Cricket Australia fast bowling skills test that is a set order of deliveries at a grid-based target. Ball speed, accuracy and full and final 5-m run-up speed were measured on each ball. Nude mass, heart rate, core temperature, capillary blood lactate, pH and glucose, perceptual measures of RPE and muscle soreness (MS) and repeated vertical jump efforts were measured prior to, during and following each spell. Results indicated no decrement (P = 0.41) and small effect sizes (d < 0.2) in bowling speed (125.7 ± 5.1 and 125.4 ± 4.5 km · h⁻¹) or accuracy (40.4 ± 16.1 and 41.6 ± 18.0 AU) between spells 1 and 2. No differences (P = 0.6 − 0.8) were present between spells for heart rate, core temperature, lactate, pH, glucose, RPE, MS or vertical jump. Only final 5-m run-up speed showed a large correlation with ball speed (r = 0.70), while accuracy and speed were not correlated (r = 0.05). In conclusion, repeated 6-over spells in well-trained bowlers results in minimal performance decrement in mild conditions (22°C). As faster bowlers had faster final 5-m run-up speeds, the maintenance of high final 5-m run-up speeds might be important to maintaining bowling speed. Future research should also include a third bowling spell and warmer environmental conditions.

Keywords:

• Cricket
• bowling speed
• bowling accuracy
• performance

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge funding of this project from a Cricket Australia Sports Science and Medicine Research Grant and the assistance with player availability and facilities for testing by Cricket NSW.