CRICKET BOWLING: A TWO-SEGMENT LAGRANGIAN MODEL

In this study, a Lagrangian forward solution of the bowling arm in cricket is made using a two-segment rigid body model, coupled with projectile equations for the free flight of the ball. For given initial arm positions and constant joint torques, the equations are solved numerically to determine the ball speed and arm angle at release so that the ball can land on a predetermined position on the pitch. The model was driven with kinematic data from video obtained from an elite bowler. The model can be analysed in order to study the biomechanics of the bowling arm as well as to quantify the effects of changing input parameters on the trajectory and speed of the ball. INTRODUCTION: The function of bowling in cricket is to deliver the ball to the batter. In the majority of deliveries, the ball bounces once off the ground. The laws of cricket specify that any straightening of the bowling arm must occur well before the time of ball release. The basic bowling action can be described as a series of sequential steps (Figure 1).