The incidence and nature of injuries in first-league and provincial cricketers

Abstract

This study investigated the incidence and nature of injuries sustained by club and provincial cricketers during a season. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 183 (59%) of 308 cricketers canvassed. The overall seasonal incidence of risk of injury in all players was 49.1% and this was higher for provincial cricketers (71.6%). The single most common site of injury was the fingers (20.5%). The seasonal incidence of injuries in bowlers (42%) and fielders (40.9%) was higher than in batsmen (17.1%). Young players (< 26.2 years) sustained more injuries than older players. The majority of injuries occurred during matches (69.3%), particularly near the beginning and the end of the season. Furthermore, 23.9% of the injuries were recurrent injuries from the previous season and 22.7% of injuries sustained recurred during the season. Cricket injuries have not yet reached serious proportions, but all involved need to be aware of their incidence and nature.