Fast Bowling Injuries in Cricket

Playing cricket is associated with a various range of acute and overuse injuries.

Studies have reported an incidence of injury in bowlers of 42%, fielders 41% and batsman 17%.  A study in Australian first-class cricketers reported a prevalence of 14% for pace bowlers and 4% for spin bowlers.  The most common injuries were lumbar injuries, side strains, hamstring and groin injuries.

Fast Bowling is widely considered as a non-contact sport with a high risk of injury.  There is a load threshold above and below which injury is more likely to occur. 

The other significant factor in fast bowling overuse injuries is technique.  The use of a mixed technique rather than front or side on is strongly implicated in spinal injuries.