Injuries in West Indies cricket 2003–2004

Objective:To analyse injuries in West Indies Cricket and compare them with those of other cricket playing nations.Methods:Injuries between June 2003 and December 2004 were surveyed prospectively in all major matches of the West Indies Cricket Board.Results:Most injuries occurred in the West Indies Test and one day international teams. Mean match injury incidence was 48.7 per 10 000 player-hours in Test cricket, and 40.6 per 10 000 player-hours in one day international cricket, with injury prevalence of 11.3% and 8.1% respectively. In domestic cricket, the match injury incidence was 13.9 per 10 000 player-hours for first class cricket, and 25.4 per 10 000 player-hours in one day domestic competitions. There were more injuries on tour for the West Indies team than at home. The batsmen and fast bowlers sustained 80% of injuries, with many leading to long absence from the game, although many of these injuries were sustained while fielding. Most injuries were of the phalanges (22%) and the lumbar spine (20%) sustained mainly while fielding (including catching) and fast bowling respectively.Conclusions:Injuries in West Indies cricket may be reduced by (a) early detection and management of injuries on tour, (b) attention to fielding and catching techniques, and (c) monitoring of young fast bowlers.