NCTV Episode 92
Continuing with the series of bitesize health tip videos which can be found here on my YouTube Channel, this episode, includes:-
- Most common injuries
- Famous examples
- Prevention advice
- How to warm up
- Self-help methods
Transcript
If you’d prefer to read the content within, rather than watch the video, then feel free to read the transcript, as follows:-
Hello and welcome to NCTV Episode 92 which is all about cricket injuries.
So it’s currently summer 2023, the cricket season is in full swing if you pardon the pun and The Ashes isn’t quite going to plan for us Pommies, shock horror!
I realise you may or may not agree with this but cricket can be an intense and thrilling sport, but unfortunately, injuries can sometimes be part of the game as Ollie Pope, Nathan Lyon and Moeen Ali will all attest to in the last week.
As always though, this video will provide you or someone you know with some valuable tips and self-help advice should the need for it arise.
Also known as the gentleman’s game, Cricket has its fair share of injury-prone areas. The most common injuries tend to occur in the lower body, particularly the ankles, knees, and hamstrings.
To provide five, looking at the first we have:-
- Ankle sprains, due to sudden twists or uneven surfaces on the cricket field. Running between the wickets or fielding can increase the risk. To prevent ankle sprains, make sure to wear supportive footwear and perform ankle-strengthening exercises.
- Knee injuries, such as ligament strains or meniscus tears can happen during sudden stops, pivots, or landing improperly. Maintaining strong quadriceps and hamstring muscles through strength training can help protect your knees. Also, using proper landing techniques while fielding or diving can reduce the strain on your knees.
- Hamstring Strains: The explosive movements involved in batting and bowling put a lot of stress on the hamstrings. Inadequate warm-up, poor flexibility, or sudden bursts of speed can all lead to hamstring strains. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises, along with a proper warm-up routine, can help prevent these injuries.
- Shoulder Injuries: Cricket involves repetitive throwing and bowling actions that can cause shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff strains or dislocations. Proper technique and strengthening exercises for the shoulder muscles are crucial. Remember to warm up and gradually increase throwing intensity to reduce the risk.
- Back Injuries: The repetitive motions, especially while bowling or fielding, can strain the lower back. Incorrect posture, inadequate core strength, and excessive bowling can contribute to back injuries. Strengthening the core muscles and maintaining proper bowling technique can help protect your back.
Even some of the biggest cricket stars have faced injury setbacks.
Taking a look at a few famous examples featuring the England and Australia players, one that particularly stood out was when Steve Smith suffered that nasty blow to the head from Jofra Archer’s lethal bouncer. This incident highlighted the importance of head protection and player safety. Helmets are an absolute must in cricket, so make sure you invest in a good-quality one!
Another example was England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes who fractured his finger while attempting to take a catch in the IPL a few years ago. This incident emphasized the importance of fielding techniques and wearing protective gear, such as finger guards, to minimize the risk of finger injuries.
Other prominent injuries involved Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm fast bowler and the aforementioned Sussex and England right-arm fast bowler Jofra Archer. The former suffered a number of stress fractures in the lower leg and metatarsals of the foot over the years, and likewise the latter to his elbow and back, requiring both men to have a significant amount of rest and rehabilitation. These incidents reminded us that the repetitive nature of bowling can put immense stress on the body, leading to overuse injuries.
These are just a few examples of some cricket injuries that have caught our attention and they serve as a reminder that no player is immune to the possibility of getting injured. However, it’s essential to focus on injury prevention and take proper care of our bodies.
Speaking of prevention; Exercises like squats, lunges and calf raises can help build strength and stability. And don’t forget to warm up before every game or practice session. A dynamic warm-up routine, including mobility exercises such as leg swings, heel kicks, high knees, jogging and other activation drills can get your muscles ready for action, minimising the risk of injuries.
Moreover, it’s crucial to maintain good technique and listen to your body. Incorrect batting technique can put undue stress on your wrists and elbows. To avoid those nagging injuries, make sure your grip is firm but not too tight, and practice proper follow-through after each shot. Remember, the key is to let your bat do the work, not your joints!
For self-help, remember the R.I.C.E principle which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest the injured area, apply ice packs for 10 minutes every 2-3 hours, wrap the affected area with a compression bandage, and elevate it to reduce swelling.
Remember though, if you do experience persistent pain or discomfort, don’t just ignore it. Seek professional advice from an osteopath, physiotherapist, sports medicine specialist, or the like, to address any issues promptly so that you can continue to have a ‘smashing’ time on the cricket pitch.
That’s it for this week’s bitesize bit to help your health flourish, I’ll see you again next time.
Bye for now!