Common cricket injuries

For the first time in 24 years, cricket is coming back to the Commonwealth Games, this time in T20 format. From 29th July until 7th August, eight sides will compete to be crowned the winner at Edgbaston. This will also include the first ever women’s tournament hosted at the multi-sport event.

Cricket is a popular sport that attracts thousands of participants each year. As it includes many different skills including running, throwing, wicket-keeping, batting and bowling, there are injury risks associated with it. We see a range of injuries caused by cricket - from bruising and fractures caused by being hit by the ball, to a range of overuse injuries.

Here, we will look at some of the most common cricket injuries that can keep players on the side-lines.

Upper body injuries

Upper body injuries are common in cricket, particularly those affecting the shoulders, hands, and elbows. According to an Indian study, the fingers are commonly injured during fielding, while shoulder issues are common in fielders and batsmen.

The study included 95 Indian cricket players, and it revealed that around 33 active cricket days were lost due to injury. A total of 23% of players suffered a shoulder injury during a cricket season, and it had a more severe impact on fielders.

Batsmen were found to be more at risk of lateral epicondylitis, or ‘tennis elbow’. Lateral epicondylitis is typically caused by overuse of the muscles in the forearm near the elbow joint, and players that suffer from this injury often have biomechanical issues. Physiotherapy is required in the early stages to help build strength in the forearm and to correct biomechanical compensations in the elbow.

Cricketers can benefit from a physio-led exercise plan to help strengthen the core upper body muscles, that will help improve performance on the pitch, preventing injury and enabling them to play for longer.

Back injuries

A large proportion of cricket injuries include lower back pain. This is usually associated with fast bowling, which is one of the most injury-prone disciplines in the sport. Fast bowlers place a huge strain on their lower back. It is reported that a force 8 times the body weight is transmitted during the bowling delivery at the front foot. Additional forces are also produced through trunk hyperextension (arching backwards), lateral flexion (sideways bending) and rotation (twisting).

Acute injuries, such as side strain, can occur during the bowling action. A side strain is an acute tear of the internal oblique muscle in pace bowlers commonly involving the non-bowling arm side – this occurs when the arm is pulled down from a position of maximum elevation with some lateral trunk flexion during the final delivery action. Injuries can also become chronic due to repetitive stress over time caused by lateral flexion with rotation sustained during the delivery stride and follow-through. Fast bowling technique which involves the lower body hitting the delivery stride front-on, while the upper body is in the side-on position, can lead to excessive stress in the lower back due to rotational forces.

A sports physio-led rehab plan typically includes pain relief, exercises for improving mobility and strength, as well as helping to modify technique. It can also help to prepare the body for the rigours of cricket, if included as part of training as a preventative measure.

Hamstring and knee injuries

It isn’t just the upper body that is prone to injury from cricket, as hamstring and knee injuries are also common. A longitudinal study into the nature of South African player injuries, revealed that injuries affecting the lower limb accounted for nearly half of all injuries.

T20 cricketers are at more risk from hamstring injuries due to the shorter, more intense style of play. Each season, for every 100 players, the incidence rate of these injuries is 8.7%. The majority of strains reported are grade 1 or 2. They involve a sudden onset of pain in the posterior thigh often following a sudden explosive movement or rapid change in direction, with pain limiting continuation of play. Hamstring injuries can occur for many reasons, later in the game this can be due in part to muscle fatigue.

Patellar tendinopathy is a common overuse knee injury in cricketers, especially in fast bowlers due to the high forces experienced during the delivery phase as discussed previously. Initial treatment involves the RICE protocol and the injury should be assessed by a physio as soon as possible to assess the severity of the injury and to help organise an individualised rehab plan. A physio-led rehab plan will include strengthening, stretching, range of motion, maintenance of aerobic fitness, functional training as well as muscle strength testing that will guide the player’s return to play.

Treating common cricket injuries

If you develop an injury due to playing cricket, physiotherapy is the best first form of treatment. Depending upon the severity of the injury, you may only need rest and physiotherapy to treat it. Physiotherapy helps to build up strength, reduce pain, and speed up healing. Physio is also a great preventative measure, especially for players that experience recurring injuries.

If you suspect that you have a cricket related injury, book a consultation with a trained, experienced physiotherapist today.