Prediction of ball velocity of bowlers in cricket using kinematic and anthropometric variables

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to prepare a prediction model of the ball velocity newlineof medium pace bowlers in cricket using the kinematic and anthropometric data as newlineindependent variables. Therefore, the study had two main objectives, i.e., i) to predict newlinethe ball velocity of medium pace bowlers using the anthropometric variables as well as newlineii) to predict the ball velocity of medium pace bowlers using the kinematic variables. newlineFor the completion of this study a total of ten male cricket players aged 18 to 25 years newlinewere purposively selected from Gwalior division cricket academy, Madhya Pradesh, newlineIndia. The subjects were selected based on the criteria that they should be right arm newlinemedium pace bowlers. In addition to this, the secondary criteria were that they should newlinealso demonstrate a high level of skill in medium pace bowling. The subjects were newlineexplained about the study details, risk associated with the study, and benefits, thereafter informed consent forms were obtained from each subject. Following the signed informed consent, each player was allowed to bowl six legal deliveries out of which the best five legal deliveries with maximum velocities were selected for the analysis. The angular kinematics selected were the right angle at wrist joint, right elbow joint, right shoulder joint, right hip joint, right knee joint, and right ankle joint during ball release phase. While the linear kinematics variable selected for the study was the centre of gravity during the release phase. The kinematics analysis was conducted in an opensource software (i.e., Kinovea) through pre-recorded video captured using a high-speed action camera (Y1 action camera). In addition to this, anthropometric variable selected for the study were standing height, upper arm length, lower arm length, palm length, upper leg length, and lower leg length. The ball velocity was recorded using a radar gun (Bushnell) that was placed behind the batting end.