Probably the most prevalent cricket injuries belong to the group generally known as rotator cuff injuries. Bowlers and fielders are most at risk here, as the bowling action uses the shoulder joint in a manner very similar to throwing. Both bowlers and fielders use this “throwing” or bowling action dozens or hundreds of time during a game. Consequently, many injuries in cricket are linked to overuse of the shoulder.
Many common injuries in cricket are also linked to the rapid sprinting as well as occasional sharp changes in the speed and direction of running required when fielding. When these things happen, significant pressure is placed on the ankle as the body either “pushes off” or twists sharply to change direction. As a result of this, sprained ankles are another frequently seen type of cricket related injury.
Cricketers can also suffer from contusions – either of soft tissues or of bones – as a result of a blow from the ball. Unlike the above cricket injuries, contusions are not overuse injuries. The appropriate treatment usually takes the form of a cold compress applied right after the injury occurs. On occasion, cricket injuries can take the form of a blow to part of the face unprotected by the helmet. However, these injuries are much rarer than they used to be before the introduction of batting helmets.
Besides the cricket injuries listed above, players can fall prey to thrower’s (or golfer’s) elbow, which cause pain on the medial (inner) side of the elbow. Lower back pain is another injury that unfortunately affects cricketers as it does players of many other sports.
Slips, trips, and collisions with other players or equipment are also a cause of common injuries in cricket. Consider the equipment used by cricketers and then the physical activity of the running, swinging, and throwing required during the match. When combined, often at high speed, cricket players are presented with repeated safety risks in the event of slips, falls, or impacts with another player. These incidents could lead to a range of cricket injuries, including concussion, wound trauma, strained muscles, strained joints, and even broken bones.
Preventing Cricket Injuries
There are several measures that you should take to reduce the risk of most common injuries in cricket and their prevention is best achieved by taking into account the following preparations and precautions.
Physical Preparation
Ensure that your cricket players’ bodies are fit and well prepared to withstand the demands of a lengthy cricket game. All players should attend regular training sessions, especially ahead of a big match.
Preparation on the day is also essential. Planning and implementing a thorough warm-up before playing cricket will help to protect players’ muscle groups and joints from the physical strains that cricket requires. This is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Make sure to organise cool-down exercises and stretches after play too.
Coach the Right Techniques
Whether playing as a fielder, bowler, batsman or wicket-keeper, ensuring that you are playing with the right techniques is critical. This isn’t just to improve performance and accuracy. Poor technique will increase the risk of cricket injury, especially for bowlers.
Wearing the Right Gear
Providing your team with well-fitting cricket shoes that support players’ joints and reduce the risk of trips and falls is a no-brainer. They will also help to protect players’ feet from a painful big toe injury. Cricket teams should also be supplied with suitable protective equipment. Mouth guards (preferably custom-fitted), well-fitting helmets with face shields, boxes, shin pads, arm and leg pads, and gloves are vital pieces of equipment to protect cricketers from the impact of the cricket ball, whether batting, bowling, or catching.
Maintain a Safe Playing Environment
Before all training sessions and cricket games, the cricket pitch should be walked over thoroughly to ensure it is clear and safe for play. This includes removing any stones, branches, or other trip hazards. Making sure all areas of the green are free from puddles or wet patches will also reduce the risk of slips and falls.
First Aid Provisions
Always make sure you have a trained first aider on hand and easy access to a well-stocked first aid kit.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recommends approaching the treatment of all head injuries through the following steps to keep players safe and reduce the long-term impact of a possible concussion:
- Recognise (the impact with the head and possible symptoms)
- Resuscitate (where a player has been knocked unconscious)
- Remove (from play)
- Refer (to a medical professional for assessment)
- Rest (and monitor symptoms)
- Recover (allow plenty of time for the casualty to recover)
- Return (to play once approved by a medical professional)
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