Melbourne – The use of technology has become a feature in cricket with the use of the various components with the Decision Review System (DRS)
The Hawk-eye, Snick-o and hotspot all feature prominently but it seems that there could be even further advancements in the not too distant future with the latest innovations regarding player monitoring and performance.
The biggest feature of the technology, as discussed by at the Internet of Things in Preventative Sports Medicine here yesterday, could have a major impact in terms of preventing player injuries which in turn could prolong careers.
The technology, using SAP’s Hana engine, was used to demonstrate various components that monitored the workload and movement of a fast bowler, in this case Australia’s Shaun Tait was used as a living, breathing case study on the day.
“This kind of technology is relevant to cricket because of the sport and the techniques involved. If you can enhance sensory feedback then you are optimising the learning process and you have a way of optimising performance,” Dr Eduard Ferdinands, a cricket biomechanist at the University of Sydney, said.
“The real tool is being able to evaluate performance and injury risk. Think about fast bowling for example. One of the aims is to release the ball at high speed but there is a cost. Large loads impact on the body.
“A fast bowler has to sustain five to eight times their body weight through their front leg each time they bowl so technique becomes important. Any technical weakness leads to injuries,” he added.
But how will players be monitored while on the field of play?
Forget about the heart-rate monitor strapped to a player’s chest, the future involves wearable technology. It may come in the form of a wearable shirt or sock in order to collect the relevant data.
“Ive had a long history through my career with injuries and pretty consistent injuries. Just wish it had been around 15 years ago. This could help manage players through a series or a season.
“There are times when we’re pushing cricketers too far and sometimes training just for the sake of it between games.”
