Common Cricket Injuries

Injuries are a regular occurrence in the sport of cricket due to the stop and start nature of the game. A fielder may be inactive for a number of overs and then be called on to chase the ball or take a catch. Leg muscles tighten when a player is inactive so it is important to keep moving throughout the match. The players must perform a warm routine before taking to the field to help prevent injuries, and should use provided protective equipment when batting. Differing injuries occur when batting, bowling or fielding.

  1. Bowlers

    • Bowlers commonly suffer from back injuries. The technique of fast bowling requires bending the body backwards together with rotation and side bending of the trunk. Many repeated motions causes excessive stress on an area of the vertebra called the Pars Interarticularis and this is where a stress fracture can develop. Regular stretching and wearing shock absorbing insoles will help prevent back injuries.

    Batsmen

    • Batsmen face a high risk of injury from the hard cricket ball. A fast bowler can deliver a cricket ball at 100 miles an hour. Facial fractures and injuries to the ribs, hands and legs are common when the batsman is not wearing protective equipment. Professional cricketers wear a helmet, leg pads, body padding, gloves and a cricket box to prevent injury.

    Fielders

    • Hamstrings strains are a common injury suffered by fielding players. Stress on the muscles caused by sudden sprints for the ball will stretch the hamstrings beyond their limits. A hamstring strain occurs when the muscle tissue tears at the back of the leg. A twenty minute warm up routine before taking to the field will help prevent hamstring strains. Stretches and regular movement whilst fielding will keep the leg muscles supple.