International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2018, 13, 830-838 https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2017-0169 © 2018 Human Kinetics, Inc. BRIEF REVIEW Quantifying Cricket Fast-Bowling Skill Simon A. Feros, Warren B. Young, and Brendan J. O’Brien Objectives: To evaluate the current evidence regarding the quantification of cricket fast-bowling skill. Methods: Studies that assessed fast-bowling skill (bowling speed and accuracy) were identified from searches in SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) in June 2017. The reference lists of identified papers were also examined for relevant investigations. Results: A total of 16 papers matched the inclusion criteria, and discrepancies in assessment procedures were evident. Differences in test environment, pitch, and cricket ball characteristics; the warm-up prior to test; test familiarization procedures; permitted run-up lengths; bowling spell length; delivery sequence; test instructions; collection of bowling speed data; and collection and reportage of bowling accuracy data were apparent throughout the literature. The reliability and sensitivity of fast-bowling skill measures have rarely been reported across the literature. Only 1 study has attempted to assess the construct validity of its skill measures. Conclusions: There are several discrepancies in how fast-bowling skill has been assessed and subsequently quantified in the literature to date. This is a problem, because comparisons between studies are often difficult. Therefore, a strong rationale exists for the creation of match-specific standardized fast-bowling assessments that offer greater ecological validity while maintaining acceptable reliability and sensitivity of the skill measures. If prospective research can act on the proposed recommendations from this review, then coaches will be able to make more informed decisions surrounding player selection, talent identification, return to skill following injury, and the efficacy of short- and long-term training interventions for fast bowlers. Keywords: speed, accuracy, assessment, reliability, validity Fast bowling is a specialized discipline within the game of bowler should have the necessary skill to bowl quickly, accurately, cricket. Typically, fast bowlers form the majority of the “bowling and consistently fast and accurately3 during a bowling spell (series attack” against the opposition team. Each fast bowler presents with of overs) or repeated bowling spells. A faster delivery speed simply varying skill sets and abilities. Some bowlers are renowned for their reduces a batter’s reaction time and movement time,4 which may excellent bowling accuracy (eg, Glenn McGrath, James Anderson), result in a greater likelihood of a batter not striking the ball or not whereas others can bowl at express speeds (eg, Brett Lee, Shoaib timing the ball strike correctly. Consistent, fast-bowling speeds Akhtar). Despite these differences, the objective of the bowling maintain this (aforementioned) advantage throughout a bowling attack is to minimize runs scored by the batting side while spell or match (regardless of changes up and down in ball release dismissing opposition batters. speed, which are critical for deceiving a batter). Accurate delivery Currently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) calculates is also important. Accurate delivery refers to a ball that follows the the performance of international-standard fast bowlers. Fast fast bowler’s intended trajectory (line of ball flight, and length of bowlers are ranked and scored in each match format participated where the ball lands on the pitch).5 If fast bowlers can identify a ’ in (eg, Twenty20, One-Day International, and Test/First Class). batter s technical faults, then an accurate delivery can result in a A fast bowler’s performance score is calculated by the number of dismissal or reduce the amount of runs scored from that delivery. fi dismissals taken (ie, wickets), the performance score of the dis- Consistently accurate bowling can make it dif cult for batters to missed batter, and the amount of runs conceded, while other factors score throughout a bowling spell, which can lead to an increase in such as total runs scored in the match, number of overs bowled, and scoring pressure and poorer decision making and stroke play from the match result also have an influence.1 There are 2 main short- the batter. comings of this system: No information on fast bowlers’ speed, Some of these bowling qualities have been assessed in lab accuracy, and consistency is available (ie, skills), and only fast settings to quantify skill in national junior, emerging, and national senior fast bowlers.6 To date, every fast-bowling test has involved bowlers of international standard receive a rating (ie, ratings are not the assessment of closed-skill performance. Given that there is a available for cricketers of national standard and below). The latter lack of competition between bat and ball with a closed-skill problem is significant, as participation in Australian cricket reached assessment (usually because there is no batter), it can be argued approximately 1.3 million during season 2014/2015,2 with only a that lab-based or field tests are useful for measuring fast-bowling very small percentage of those representing their country. This skill (eg, ball release speed, accuracy, and the consistency of both means that a majority of cricketers have no formal assessment of skills), but not “performance.” However, quantification of fast- fast-bowling skill. bowling skill allows coaches to make informed decisions regarding Although there are many elements that determine fast-bowling player selection, talent identification, return to match play follow- 1 performance during match play, it can be argued that an elite fast ing injury, and efficacy of coaching/training interventions. It can also enable a fast bowler to better understand his or her stronger and Feros is with the Centre for Sports Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition weaker skill sets. However, several discrepancies exist across the Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia. Feros, Young, and literature in how fast-bowling skill has been assessed to date. O’Brien are with the Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen, Therefore, the purpose of this review is to highlight the methodo- VIC, Australia. Feros ([email protected]) is the corresponding author. logical inconsistencies in quantifying fast-bowling skill. 830 Quantifying Cricket Fast-Bowling Skill 831 Methods (Literature Search) Although an indoor facility may reduce the ecological validity of the assessment, it is beneficial for controlling environmental factors During June 2017, an English language search of the SPORTDis- such as wind, rain, temperature, and humidity, especially when the cus (EBSCO) database was performed to identify papers that had effects of these variables on fast-bowling skill is not understood. In measured fast-bowling skill for cricketers of any playing level. attempt to enhance the ecological validity of the assessment, 5 of Combinations of the following keywords were used as search the reviewed studies conducted testing outdoors.15–19 All 5 studies terms: “pace bowlers,”“fast bowlers,”“pace bowling,”“fast reported ambient temperature (ranging from 16.0°C to 31.9°C). bowling,” and “cricket.” The reference lists of identified papers Four of the studies collected relative humidity data (ranging from were also examined for relevant studies. 55.0% to 77.5%).16–19 However, none of the studies recorded the Studies were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: barometric pressure or wind speed/direction in the assessment. (1) bowling speed and accuracy were measured and reported in the fast-bowling assessment, (2) the assessment of skill was conducted Pitch Characteristics on fast bowlers only, irrespective of playing level, (3) the full text of the investigation was available in English, and (4) the investigation In Australian cricket, amateur club-level cricketers and above was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Sixteen papers usually play on turf pitches, whereas synthetic carpet pitches identified met the inclusion criteria for this review (Figure 1). (overlaying concrete) are used for junior cricket. The variety and Because of limited original peer-reviewed investigations and condition of surfaces are likely to produce differences in ball bounce 20 the broad range of methodological approaches in assessing fast- characteristics (ie, speed, angle, and consistency) off the pitch, bowling skill, this article was constructed as a descriptive review affecting bowling accuracy measurement for some assessments 6–9,11–15,17–19 article. These studies are summarized in Table 1, along with skill using a vertical target sheet at the batting end. Ball 20 data in Table 2, to demonstrate the variability across the literature. and Hrysomallis investigated the ball bounce characteristics of 2 fi This review is presented in separate sections to highlight the synthetic cricket pitches and compared their ndings to natural turf methodological discrepancies in fast-bowling assessments within data. The traditional synthetic pitch produced similar speed ratios the literature. (before and after bounce) to natural turf, whereas the all-seasons synthetic pitch resulted in a lower speed ratio. Both synthetic pitches displayed rebound angles greater than natural turf,20 highlighting Test Environment potential implications for the assessment of bowling accuracy. The majority of fast-bowling tests have