Physiological and perceptual demands of high intensity sprinting between the wickets in cricket

To quantify the physiological and perceptual demands of repeated single shuttle sprints between the wickets during batting, twelve male university cricketers performed a simulated batting-specific protocol within a laboratory setting. The work-bout comprised seven overs (42 balls) and following each delivery the batsmen were required to complete one single shuttle run at full pace between two creases (17.68m) totalling 42 single shuttle sprints. Players were given a 35s break between balls and a 75s break between overs. Physiological responses were averaged for each over and perceptual responses were measured at the completion of each over. Heart rate increased significantly (p < 0.01) until the end of the third over (160 bpm) after which it reached a plateau. Oxygen consumption and estimated energy expenditure increased significantly (p < 0.01) until the end of the second over (27.3±4.1 mlO2.kg−1.min−1 and 11.1±1.5 kcal.min−1 respectively) after which both responses plateaued. Response measures per run (66 kJ per run) were lower than previous studies in our laboratory in which double shuttles were sprinted (98 kJ per run or an additional 32 kJ to turn and re-accelerate). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) increased significantly (p < 0.01) from over's one to three and thereafter plateaued and then increased again until over seven (mean rating of 17±1.4). A strong, positive correlation (R2=0.94) was observed between heart rate responses and RPE. While energy expenditure reached a plateau after the second over, heart rate and RPE plateaued after the third over. Thereafter, while heart rate continued to plateau, RPE increased significantly again in the final over.