Abstract
Introduction
Little research has been done into the batting backlift technique (BBT) among female cricket batters. Despite substantial studies on cricket batting, there is still a significant gap in
understanding the factors determining cricket batting success in women’s cricket.
Aims
This study aims to improve understanding of female cricket players’ batting backlift
technique (BBT), through the detailed video analysis of local and international players.
It seeks to determine the relationship between the BBT and performance outcomes,
examine its relationship with performance, and bridge gender gaps in cricket
biomechanics and performance studies.
Methodology
This study employed a cross-sectional design comprising a cohort of professional South
African local players (Protea Players (PP); n = 18) and successful international players (International Players (IP); n = 34). Successful IPs were distinguished and identified based on
their highest batting averages. Video analysis of PPs was captured using high-speed video
cameras (JVC GC-PX100 measured at 250-255 fps), whereas existing (public) video footage was utilised for IP video analysis. Video analysis of the PP was conducted using Kinovea (Kinovea (Version 0.8.15, 2023.1). Additionally, relevant data from the StanceBeam Bat Sensor (StanceBeam Performance Analytics Solutions, 2017) was obtained for the PP group.
This data includes maximum and average values of bat speed, impact speed and power and
additional average values of time to impact, downswing and follow-through angles. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were computed for these variables using SPSS (Version 27,
IBM). The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The descriptive statistics such as mean,
median and standard deviation for key performance metrics, frequency and percentages for
player distribution, and range and interquartile range for data variability were utilised.
Inferential statistics were used to compare mean values between straight batting backlift technique (SBBT) and lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) players, investigate the relationship between BBT type and performance variables, conduct the Pearson’s Chi-Square Test and use the Mann-Whitney U Test for non-parametric comparisons, particularly for
skewed data or small sample sizes.