Does the backlift also matter in female cricket? A biomechanical investigation among local and international female cricket batters.

Background: Despite extensive research on batting biomechanics among male cricketers, limited studies focus on female cricket players. Objectives: This study examines the biomechanical and performance implications of the lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) and straight batting backlift technique (SBBT) among female cricketers. Methods: This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing the backlift, its influence on shot execution and its relationship with performance metrics among local (n=18; South African National Women's Cricket Team, also known as the Protea (P) Women's Cricket team (n=9) and non-Protea players (NP) n=9), as well as international (n=34) female players, using high-speed video analysis and StanceBeam bat sensors. Statistical analyses, including Spearman's Rho correlations and Mann-Whitney U tests, were applied to evaluate key performance metrics such as bat speed, impact speed, and wagon wheel shot distribution. Results: Findings show that local (67%) and international (62%) players used the LBBT, which was associated with greater performance metrics, e.g., strong positive correlations were found between bat speed and impact speed (r=0.85, p<0.001). A significant difference in wagon wheel shot distribution was observed between P and NP players (p=0.039). Conclusion: Findings suggest that the LBBT offers biomechanical advantages and may be a key contributing factor in optimising female batting performance. Future longitudinal research studies should focus on three-dimensional (3D) motion capture (as well as markerless motion capture) on the LBBT, integrating real-time analytics and expanding sample sizes to include diverse player populations.