Advances in cricket in the 21st century: Science, performance and technology

Abstract

Cricket has a known history spanning from the 16thcentury till present, with international matches having been played since 1844. The game of cricket arrived in Australia as early as colonisation began in 1788. Cricketers started playing on turf wickets in the late 1800’s but the dimensions only became available later for both the boundary and pitch. As the years evolved, performances, batting, cricket gear, equipment, technology, playing surfaces and the three formats of the game gradually adapted to the laws of cricket. In addition, cricket bats were adapted to the playing conditions and the evolving laws of cricket. In modern cricket, the bats are bigger and stronger than those used in the earlier eras. Boundaries are also currently smaller which provides batsmen with an added advantage of scoring runs easily and at a rapid rate. Considerable research has also shown the range of evolvements in the cricket sciences. As the demand of players’ contracts increase, the commitment and performance levels from players also increase which might also place players at an increased risk for injury. Technology has emerged and has been used to assist players to improve their performances as well as ways to prevent injuries. Based on these interventions, technology and innovative approaches have also shown to have both advantages and disadvantages of the game. The relevant questions to ask is: how far have we really advanced in the cricketing world? Have all facets since the game’s inception become institutionalized to a business model? Legislations, ethical considerations and education are needed in order to ensure that there is an equilibrium of effective transitions and management not only for players, but also for the credibility of this beautiful game