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The incidence and nature of injuries in first-league and provincial cricketers


RA Stretch

Abstract

This study investigated the incidence and nature of injuries sustained by club and provincial cricketers during a season. Questionnaire responses were obtained frOIIl 183 (59%) of 308 cricketers canvassed. The overall seasonal incidence of risk of injury in all players was 49,1% and this was higher for provincial cricketers (71,6%). The single most common site of injury was the fingers (20,5%). The seasonal incidence of injuries in bowlers (42%) and fielders (40,9%) was higher than in batsIIlen (17,1%). Young players (< 26,2 years) sustained more injuries than older players. The majority of injuries occurred during matches (69,3%), particularly near the beginning and the end of the season. Furthermore, 23,9% of the injuries were recurrent injuries from the previous season and 22,7% of injuries sustained recurred during the season. Cricket injuries have not yet reached serious proportions, but all involved need to be aware of their incidence and nature.

S Afr Med J 1993; 83: 339-342

Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574