The ground conditions prevailing on the day of a cricket match is an important confounding variable that results in the majority of cricket analyses requiring qualification. We present a Bayesian method for estimating the value of ground conditions in the absence of a direct measure. We use dynamic programming techniques to estimate models of both the first and second innings and we outline an application for each model. We extract a proxy variable for risk from our first-innings model and we use this variable to successfully estimate the trade-off between scoring rate and the probability of survival for individual batsmen. This enables us to decompose a batsman’s performance into ability and strategic nous. Our second-innings model gives an estimate of a team’s probability of winning at any point in the second innings of the match. We use this variable in conjunction with our ground-conditions variable to outline a new method for adjusting the target score in rain-affected matches. We introduce a simple metric for comparing the performance of various rain rules and we find that our proposed rule outperforms the incumbent Duckworth/Lewis method.

No description available.

Cricket has evolved from a traditional and conservative sport to a fast-paced, vigorous game. As a result of this the physical conditioning programmes of players have changed drastically with regular fitness tests that are now an integral part of these programmes. In spite of this, no studies have made an attempt to determine the exact relationship between the physical and motor ability parameters of batsmen and their performance. The purpose of this study was, therefore, firstly to determine which physical and motor ability parameters discriminate between successful and less successful provincial academy batsmen and secondly, to determine how much these parameters contribute to the batting performance of provincial academy batsmen. Twenty-two batsmen from the Gauteng and North-West cricket academies in South Africa were used in this study. Thirteen batsmen (20.15 +- 1.41 years) participated during the 2004 season whilst nine batsmen (21.11 +- 1.83 years) took part during the 2005 season. The players were subjected to 23 physical and motor ability tests, whilst 72 isokinetic measurements were also taken. The data was analysed by means of descriptive statistics, cluster analyses, forward stepwise discriminant analyses and finally forward stepwise multiple regression analyses. The discriminant analyses showed that right (RKEPT) and left knee extensor peak torque (LKEPT), right knee extensor average power (RKEAP), left knee extensor total work (LKETW) and left knee flexor peak torque (LKFPT) (all at 30°/sec), as well as LKEPT, RKEPT and L.KEAP (all at 24O°/sec ), left (LIRAP) and right shoulder internal rotator average power (RIRAP). right shoulder external/internal rotator peak torque ratio (REIRPTR) and right shoulder internal rotator peak torque (RIRPTJ (all at 24O°/sec) as well as left shoulder internal rotator total work (LIRTW) (60°/sec) discriminated non-significantly between the successfu1 (top 5 ranked batsmen of both seasons) and less successful academy batsmen. The physical and motor ability parameters which were identified as discriminators were left 505 agility, shuttle run aerobic endurance and IRM (repetition-maximum) hack squat strength (all significant) (p 5<= 0.05) whilst left grip strength and abdominal muscle strength discriminated non-significantly. The forward stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that RKEPT 30' (16%). LKEPT 30' (7%), RKEAP 30' (7%), LKFPT 30' (7%), LKEAP 240" (6%), RKFPT 240" (5%). LKETW 30" (5%) and LKEPT240° (4%) were the isokinetic knee strength parameters which contributed non-significantly to batting performance. The isokinetic shoulder strength parameters which also contributed non-significantly to batting performance were: RIRPT240° (28%). LIRAP 240' (16%), REZRPTR 240' (8%). LIRTW 60° (5%) and RIRAP 240' (4%). Vertical jumping power (13%) (p 50.05), left 505 agility (9%) (p 50.05), abdominal muscle strength (5%) (p 50.05), aerobic capacity (10%). IRM bench press strength (7%), IRM hack squat strength as well as left shoulder internal rotation flexibility (4% each) were the physical and motor ability parameters which contributed to batting performance. The conclusion that can, therefore, be drawn is that physical and motor ability parameters contribute to the performance of provincial academy batsmen and that these components should be included in the physical conditioning programmes of batsmen / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

We investigated the relationship between rhythms occurring at different time-scales, namely circadian and ultradian rhythms. Furthermore, we examined the potential role of the period (per) gene, a known clock gene initially isolated in Drosophila, for regulating these rhythms in the wild-type cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus . Here we report a positive correlation between circadian and ultradian rhythms in crickets. Thus, crickets with a slow endogenous circadian rhythm also have a slow ultradian rhythm, and conversely, animals with a fast endogenous circadian rhythm have a fast ultradian rhythm. In addition to this correlation, we observed PER-like immunoreactivity in the regions of the cricket nervous system involved in regulating these rhythms, namely the brain, in particular the optic lobes, and the meso- and metathoracic ganglia. We thus conclude that different time-scale rhythms may be regulated by a common setting element, a role potentially played by the per gene.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Canterbury, 2006. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (p. 184-194). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Sydney, 2009. / Title from title screen (viewed 10 Dec. 2009). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print form.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 82-92).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2005. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (January 10, 2007) Includes bibliographical references.

The primary aim of this study was to determine the visual gaze behaviour of sub-elite cricket batsmen when facing fast in-swing and out-swing bowling. To achieve the aim of this study, two main objectives were set: (1) to describe and compare the visual gaze behaviour of sub-elite cricket batsmen for both successful and unsuccessful trials irrespective of the ball faced; and (2) to describe and compare the visual gaze behaviour of sub-elite cricket batsmen for both in-swing and out-swing bowling trials irrespective of the outcome. The gaze behaviour characteristics were described and compared in terms areas of interest (AOI), number of fixations, duration of each fixation, starting and last fixation, and order of fixations. The study was pre-experimental in nature and utilised a quantitative approach. A One group post-test only design was followed in this study. A total of 13 batsmen were tested that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study by means of purposive sampling. Four different variables were assessed: eye dominance, visual gaze behaviour, the speed of delivery and ambient light. No significant differences were found for the mean number and duration of fixations irrespective of the stroke outcome and the ball type faced. However, significant differences were obtained when specifically looking at the stroke outcome and the ball type faced. Results suggest that the AOI, upper body, arm/ ball release and pitch are considered as task relevant cues. Information appears to be acquired from the aforementioned AOI in a sequential manner to contribute to successful batting performance. In addition, batsmen should attempt to diminish the number of blinks at the end of trials to contribute towards more successful batting performance.

Background: Very few studies have examined the demands of prolonged batting on physical, psychophysical and performance responses. Objective: The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the physiological and perceptual responses of batsmen scoring a simulated One Day International century. Furthermore, the impact that these responses had on batting performance were also measured. Methods: Seventeen male cricketers currently playing for Rhodes University or the country districts side, performed a simulated bating innings (BATEX©), typical of scoring a One Day international century. The BATEX© protocol consisted of six, five over stages (21 minutes each), with each stage matched to a specific phase of play where batsmen were encouraged to bat with the mindset of that phase. During stages one, three and five players ran at a “self-selected cruise pace” whereas during stages two, four and six players were required to run at maximum speed. At set intervals, selected physiological, perceptual and performance measures were recorded. Results: Most physiological responses increased and decreased accordingly with the low and high intensity stages with the exception of respiratory exchange ratio and core temperature responses. Mean physiological responses however, showed a progressive rise over time. Central ratings of perceived exertion increased as a function of intensity and duration. Sprint times got slower as the protocol progressed, while accuracy (impact accuracy) improved significantly (p<0.05) after stage one and then stabilised for the remainder of the protocol. Conclusion: The simulated batting protocol significantly impacted the physiological and perceptual responses over time. This was due to both the intensity and the duration of the work-bout. Furthermore, the increased physiological load placed on the batsmen significantly impacted the physical performance of the batsmen. An increase in sprint times (players getting slower) towards the end of the protocol may indicate the presence of physical fatigue. This physical fatigue did not however seem to impact the batsmen cognitively as accuracy improved after the first stage and then remained constant over time.