| Biomechanics of Cricket | | | | |

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Cricket is a worldwide sport which incorporates many features of biomechanics at both a competitive and social level. Biomechanics is the area of study which concerns the internal and external forces and the effects produced by these forces. Biomechanics plays a significant role in all aspects of the sport cricket such as of the game such as batting, fielding and bowling. The sport of cricket dates back to the sixteenth century and has developed significantly throughout all aspects of the game. The central theme of biomechanics is based on balance and stability; these factors play an extremely important role in the skills and ability of the wicket keeper. Biomechanics can positively or negatively affect technique development and help reduce injury which must personally be considered by the cricket bowler. Understanding the biomechanics of cricket can aid in equipment design which can improve or weaken how the batsmen strikes the cricket ball. Biomechanics in cricket plays a very important role in the overall quality and complexity of the game.

Cricket originated in the sixteenth century and was often enjoyed by people of royalty. It was initially introduced as a game of pleasure, however was soon also played for competition. The first recorded cricket match took place in Kent, United Kingdom in 1646 and, by the late sixteen century fines were often handed out for those missed church to play. In 1706 William Goldwyn published the first description of the game. He wrote a poem which stated that two teams were seen carrying their curved bats to the venue, choosing a pitch and arguing over the rules. The first written “Laws of Cricket” were established in 1744, they stated, “the principals shall choose from amongst the gentlemen present 2 umpires who shall absolutely decide all disputes. The stumps must be