Time-motion analysis of first-class cricket fielding

SummaryThis study aimed to quantify player movements during first-class cricket fielding. Using real-time computerised time-motion analysis the entire on-field activities of 27 in-fielders were observed for 10-over periods; 9 during each of the morning, afternoon and evening sessions of first-class cricket. In addition 8 first-class cricketers performed 15 m speed trials between timing gates to provide velocity multipliers for distance estimation. Overall, players changed movement every 6.4 ± 1.1 s (mean ± S.D.) and fielded the ball 0.5 ± 0.4 times per over. Stationary and walking activity represented 94.2 ± 2.4% of match time. High-intensity (HI) activity represented 1.6 ± 0.8% of match time with mean burst and recovery durations of 1.3 ± 0.3 and 99.8 ± 94.5 s, respectively. Repeated HI bouts (at least 3 bursts with less than 21 s mean recovery) occurred 1.2 times per 10-over period. Fielders covered an estimated 15.5 km per day. In conclusion, first-class fielding entails less HI activity than other team sports such as soccer and hockey. However, fielders are required to cover large distances in a day, but over 77% of these distances are covered by walking.