Evidence shows elite cricket one of Australia's safest sports

Cricket Australia's inaugural Cricket Injury Report released today reveals that cricket is one of Australia's safest and most injury free sports. The report provides an in-depth analysis of injury trends of state and international cricketers in Australia and provides direction for officials to channel funding into the most appropriate areas to prevent injury.

The report highlights that injury rates for spin bowlers, wicket-keepers and batsmen are among the lowest of any sport in Australia. However, fast-bowlers who bowl over sustained periods incur injuries at a rate similar to those found in Australia's football codes.

"Cricket Australia is committed to reducing injuries and we're very pleased the evidence confirms that cricket in Australia is one of the nation's safest and healthiest sports," said Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland.

"However, clearly we need to further address the occurrence of fast-bowler related injuries, and to this end, we're investing approximately $250,000 per annum into injury research and prevention - much of which is channelled into fast-bowler injury prevention programs.

"We have conducted biomechanical research which enables qualified Cricket Australia coaching staff to examine bowling actions with a view to preventing injuries.

"Our National Pace Bowling program has also been running for several years, and Dennis Lillee has been an outstanding ambassador for this program advising many of Australia's young fast-bowlers.

"Through the University of New South Wales we have also invested in research which has specifically analysed injuries found in Australia's first-class fast-bowlers. The research determined that strike-bowlers significantly increase their risk of injury when their weekly bowling tally strays above 120 to 190 balls per week, or 20 to 30 overs per week.

"Should a bowler bowl above this threshold, they are well advised to adjust their training schedule accordingly so the stresses and strains of fast-bowling are allowed to recover. We are very lucky in Australia to have exceptional fitness and medical staff with our state and national teams and it is a tribute to them that the injury rates for our cricketers at the elite level are so low," he said.

Mr Sutherland acknowledged recent debate regarding the relationship between the volume of cricket and player injuries, and said that he hoped that the Injury Report would help facilitate evidence-based, educated discussion about the issue.

"We're all conscious of the relationship between the amount of balls bowled and fast-bowler injuries, however, we also need scientific data to provide the best possible solutions. Cricket Australia is always working towards achieving the right balance between player workloads, ICC requirements, and Australian cricket's commercial interests," said Mr Sutherland.

"It is important that we discuss these issues with facts and scientific evidence which either support or expel claims. It is critical that we examine the root causes of fast-bowler injuries and work towards nullifying them as soon as possible."

Research for the Cricket Injury Report was undertaken by Dr John Orchard (MBBS BA PHD FACSP FACSM FASMF, Conjoint Senior Lecturer University of New South Wales, Senior Fellow University of Melbourne) who also conducts the research for the Australian Football League's corresponding Injury Report, and by Cricket Australia Medical Director Dr Trefor James (MBBS FACSP FASMF).

Dr Orchard said that the results of the injury research were some of the best he'd seen in Australian sport.

"Despite the recent injuries to some of our national players within a short period of time, cricket is certainly in excellent shape," said Dr Orchard.

"Naturally with any sport there are going to be injuries. However, it is reasonable to say that cricket is one of Australia's safest and healthiest sports.

"Cricket has some of the best protective equipment available and this has certainly contributed to a reduction in impact-related injuries such as concussions or broken bones. This, combined with other factors that Cricket Australia has employed, such as boundary ropes, short pitched bowling law changes and the excellent preparation of cricket wickets, have led to cricket being a very safe sport at the elite level," said Dr Orchard.

Whilst Cricket Australia has conducted injury surveillance projects for the past five years, this is the inaugural release of an injury report. The report will be updated and distributed annually.

Cricket Australia's initiative to introduce boundary ropes on all first-class grounds - a practice that was subsequently employed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) - has helped reduce injury prevalence, with no player injuries resulting from collisions with fences since the change.

Mr Sutherland said that the injury report was another initiative demonstrating Cricket Australia's commitment to remaining at the forefront of world cricket issues and practices.

"As a responsible sporting organisation, it is important that Cricket Australia stays on top of injury prevention issues," he said.

Mr Sutherland also highlighted that Australia's injury report reflected world's best practice and that Cricket Australia regularly communicates with other countries about the methodology and details of its research.

"Cricket Australia is constantly in contact with other ICC member boards, and we are committed to sharing this information so that collectively, all countries can work towards strengthening the safety of cricket for future generations, right throughout the world," said Mr Sutherland.

An executive summary and full copy of the injury report is available on Cricket Australia's website at www.baggygreen.com.au.