Injuries in Cricket: A Review

The objective of this review is to synthesize the current evidence that is available within the literature regarding injuries in cricket. This stems from epidemiology, mechanisms, management, prevention strategies, and the long-term outcomes of musculoskeletal injuries induced by cricket.

Prior literature has emphasized the importance of lumbar spinal health in fast bowlers with pathology onset. Yet, there is now an increased body of literature examining community cricket and adolescent players. Furthermore, injury prevention and workload monitoring for players, particularly female cohorts have also gained more recent attention as well. Synthesizing information from the literature has shown that fast bowlers tend to experience the highest injury rate. Most specifically, lumbar stress injuries and hamstring strains. Various other forms of injuries exist as well, such as to the shoulder and hand, and related fractures. There has traditionally been minimal research within the domain of female cohorts as well as adolescents. The biomechanics of cricket is gaining more awareness, and more studies are coming from sources outside of the UK and Australia.