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In this study, 3,767 balls bowled by international-level fast bowlers across two One-Day International (ODI) tournaments were analysed to determine how to effectively bowl during the "death" phase of an innings (final 10 overs). The results of chi-squared analyses revealed that bowling length, bowling line, batter quality and having wickets in hand were all associated with the concession of runs during the death phase (all p < 0.001). Specifically, the yorker length is revealed to be very effective at restricting runs conceded, whereas the opposite is true for the half-volley and full-toss lengths. The batting side having five or more wickets in hand results in greater than expected runs being scored during the death phase. Furthermore, the results reveal that middle order batters score more runs than their tail-ender team-mates during this death phase, suggesting that middle-order batters have to assume the role of "finishers". From a practical perspective, the results of this study clearly identify areas bowlers can target to constrict the scoring of runs as well as areas they should avoid. Batting strategies in the death phase should consist maintaining five or more wickets in hand and thereby not exposing tail-enders to the bowling attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined 503 power-hitting strokes that resulted in the maximum of 6-runs being scored in international men's one-day and T20 cricket. Chi-Squared analyses were conducted to determine if performance and situational variables were associated with the distribution (direction) of aerial power-hitting strokes. Results revealed that bowling length, bowling line, bowler type and powerplays were all significantly (p < 0.001) associated with ball-hitting distribution. Post-hoc analysis of the standardised residuals revealed that greater than expected 6ʹs were scored behind square and were associated with short-pitched bowling, fast bowling and the power-play. Similarly, bowling the half-volley length and the outside off line resulted in greater than expected 6ʹs on the off-side. The results suggest that bowlers should try to avoid offering width outside the off stump as well as bowling the half-volley and short-pitched lengths as these bowling lines and lengths present batters with greater opportunities to score maximum runs. Fast bowling is revealed to be more susceptible to power-hitting strokes than spin bowling. Conversely, batters may wish to target the areas behind square or on the off-side for opportunities to score maximum runs, and they should look to take full advantage of the powerplay field restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 13,176 balls bowled by international level fast bowlers were analysed in order to investigate the relationship between the types of delivery and their effectiveness. The results of Chi-Squared analyses revealed significant associations between the type of delivery and runs conceded (p < 0.001) as well as wickets taken (p < 0.001). Seam movement was revealed to be more effective than swing bowling at both producing dot balls and taking wickets. Specifically, balls that 'seam-away" were revealed to be the most effective for bowling dots and "seam-in" for taking wickets. The "away-swinger" resulted in significantly greater than expected dot balls as did the "in-swinger" but only the in-swinger resulted in significantly greater than expected wickets. Both the "off-cutter" and "slower-balls" were revealed to result in significantly fewer than expected dot balls but significantly greater than expected wickets, implying bowlers must assess for themselves the risk versus reward of these two types of variation. Balls with no-movement were revealed to have no significant relationship with runs conceded, but did result in significantly fewer than expected wickets. Evidence suggests that lateral movement is crucial to bowling success with seam movement revealed to be more effective than swing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal statistics for 637 professional football players performing in the English Premier League (EPL) across 3 intermittent seasons were analysed via a series of Kruskal–Wallis tests in order to determine the most productive (peak) years of players' careers. Contrary to previous research, results revealed that age had no bearing on the technical performance levels of goalkeepers, full-backs, central defenders or central midfielders performing in the EPL. Wingers aged between 16–20 and 21–25 have significantly more shots on target (p = 0.022, p = 0.040) and more attempts from open play (p = 0.012, p = 0.028) than wingers over the age of 26. Results also revealed that strikers aged between 21 and 25 are more adept at executing specific attacking actions such as scoring goals from outside the box (p = 0.024) and shooting on target from outside the box (p = 0.021) than older strikers aged between 26 and 30. Evidence is discovered proving that ageing trends are present but not uniform across the sport of football. The authors conclude that further league specific case studies are required in order to identify the unique characteristics and peculiarities of foreign leagues enabling a more objective approach to recruitment decisions and individualised coaching plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]