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Abstract
The classification of bowling actions in cricket is particularly important from an injury perspective. Research has consistently shown that bowlers with a mixed-action technique have an elevated risk of sustaining serious lumbar injury. In this study, 34 New Zealand bowlers (mean age 22.2±0.9 years) of premier competition standard and above were assessed using a three-dimensional motion analysis system (240 Hz). Data were analysed using three previous classification systems before classifying bowlers into the side-on, semi-open, front-on, and mixed-action types based on a modified set of angle threshold criteria and a more intuitive angle convention system. The majority of bowlers in the sample (64.7%) used the mixed action with high levels of shoulder counter-rotation. The strongest predictors of shoulder counter-rotation were shoulder alignment angle and pelvic–shoulder separation angle. The current results suggest that a large proportion of fast bowlers may be at a higher risk of lumbar injury from the use of the mixed-action technique. We believe it may be advisable to recommend the semi-open action as an alternative to the front-on action. In addition, the adopted angle convention is more practical than the previous convention for bowling action classification.