The Physical Demands of Batting and Fast Bowling in Cricket

Even though cricket is one of the oldest organized sports, there are very few studies on the physical demands of the game (Woolmer & Noakes, 2008; Christie & King, 2008; Christie et al., 2008). Batting and bowling are intermittent in nature with the demands placed on the players being dictated by the type of match being played. Due to this stop-start nature of cricket, accurate assessments are often difficult and as such, research is sparse (Bartlett, 2003) and as a consequence, there are few scientifically sound training programmes for cricketers. In fact, the idea that cricketers need to be well trained is a relatively new one (Woolmer & Noakes, 2008). Historically cricket players never trained as hard as other sportsmen in team based sports such as rugby and soccer and in fact, many were overweight which dispelled any reason to be trained for their sport (Woolmer & Noakes, 2008). It wasn’t until the Australians (cricket) and New Zealanders (rugby) demonstrated that, by focusing on physical training, performance benefits would be derived, that this started to change. This was a direct consequence of more scientifically based physical training programmes prior to their Cricket and Rugby World Cup wins in 1991 and 1987 respectively. Further, the increased demands being placed on many cricketers now provide further need for them to be in peak physical condition not only for performance, but also for prevention of injury. International cricketers are now exposed to greater demands reflected by more five-and one day matches per season, longer seasons and more frequent touring (Noakes & Durandt, 2000). For example, during the 1998/1999 cricket season, the South African cricket team played eight five-day Test matches, 17 one-day international games and were eligible to play in eight four-day and ten one-day provincial (county) cricket matches – 99 days of playing (Woolmer & Noakes, 2008). In 1970, in contrast, players were asked to play 35 days of cricket (Woolmer & Noakes, 2008). Woolmer & Noakes (2008) therefore argue that only the best physically prepared cricketers will perform better, more consistently and with fewer injuries and, in turn, will enjoy longer and more illustrious careers. Thus, understanding the physiological demands placed on players and in particular batsmen and bowlers is imperative. Having said that, it is important to acknowledge the skills and mental aptitude needed to succeed in the game of cricket and that being physically trained cannot, on its own, fully compensate (Noakes & Durandt, 2000). However, being physically well