The findings of this biomechanical analysis are echoed in
studies by Taliep, Galal and Vaughan (2007), who also performed a similar
study. Overall, the professional cricketer exhibits more control of the shot
and a more biomechanically sound technique allowing him to perform the shot effectively
and repeatedly throughout his innings. Similar studies have been conducted with
similar results; the neglected aspects of these studies are the effects this
more proficient technique has on a batters ability to play effectively.
What does it mean for a batter to be able to ‘play
effectively’? Playing effectively not only means scoring runs for your team,
but also to score runs efficiently (with as few ‘dot balls’ as possible) and to
hold your wicket and disallow the opposition a chance to claim it. The physical
and psychological effects on the fielding team of a batter who refuses to throw
away their wicket are substantial: Bowlers will attempt to bowl quicker or
better, and tire themselves out; fielders will become frustrated at their
inability to contribute to the team and may be more likely to misfield as a
result.
Therefore, in answer to the original question of this blog,
it is safe to say that the batter’s proficiency to reliably and repeatedly
perform biomechanically sound movements has an extremely high effect on their
ability to play cricket effectively. The amateur player studied, Andy Matthews,
clearly has a modest technique capable of allowing him to play high level
county cricket in England. However compared to Ian Bell, the biomechanical
deficiencies are obvious. It is fair to say that were the two players placed in
the same match conditions, Bell would almost certainly perform better than
Matthews thanks to his sound biomechanical technique.
REFERENCES
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- Stretch, R.A., Buys, F., Du Toit, D.E. and Viljoen, G. (1998a). Kinematics and kinetics of the drive of the front foot in cricket batting. Journal of Sports Sciences, 16 (8), pp. 711-720.
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- Taliep, M. S., Galal, U. & Vaughan, C. L. (2007). The position of the head and centre of mass during the front foot off-drive in skilled and less-skilled cricket batsmen. Sports Biomechanics, 6 (3), pp. 345--360.
- Videojug. (2014). How to take the correct stance. Retrieved from http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-take-the-correct-stance
- Woolmer, B., Noakes, T. and Moffett, H. (2008). Bob Woolmer's art and science of cricket. London: New Holland Publishing.
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