Cricket remains one of Australia’s most loved summer sports. Even though it’s a non-contact game, cricketers still face a variety of injuries – often from repetitive motions, sudden movements, or overuse.
The best cricket injury research has come from Australia under the direction of Dr John Orchard. Cricket injuries at elite level In Australia have been demonstrated to occur at a rate of around 18 injuries in total for a squad of 25 players who play twenty matches in a season. On average, around 9% of cricketers have an injury at any given time, although in fast bowlers that rate is significantly higher.
With the rise of various domestic T20 leagues, players now play more cricket year-round across different formats. This makes injury management and player availability even more important.
Below are five common cricket injuries along with what players and teams can do to reduce risk, and what to do when an injury occurs.
Hamstring Strains
A hamstring strain is a tear in the muscle tissue of the back of the thigh. In cricket, this can happen to any player — whether sprinting for a quick single, fielding, or bowling — and hamstring strains account for roughly 15 % of all cricket injuries.
In explosive movements (sprinting, sudden acceleration, or rapid change of direction), the hamstring may be loaded beyond its capacity, leading to a muscle tear (a strain).
These injuries are much more common in fast bowlers due to the amount of high speed running required combined with the explosiveness of the bowling action itself.
In November 2025, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the first Test of the Ashes series after scans confirmed a low-grade hamstring strain suffered during a state match.
Similarly, fellow fast bowler Sean Abbott suffered a hamstring strain in the same match, which ruled him out of selection.
Prevention
- Especially for bowlers, track and manage bowling workload. A simple log of each bowler’s workload is an easy way to identify acute spikes in workload.
- Warm up thoroughly before play: a good warm-up (10–15 min) gradually raises muscle temperature and prepares the body for exercise, reducing injury risk.
- Incorporate regular strengthening and flexibility work into the training program.
If it happens
- Contact one of our physiotherapists regarding rehabilitation. Most hamstring strains will be fully healed within 4-6 weeks, but recurrent problems can occur when a return to play is attempted too early or without proper rehabilitation.
- For more detailed information regarding hamstring injuries click here
Low Back Pain / Stress Fractures
Low back pain is the general term for any pain in the back. The repetitive action of bowling is the biggest cause of low back pain in cricket, but bending to field the ball and standing in the field for prolonged periods also put stress on the back which can cause back pain.
Any structure of the lower back can be affected – the discs, ligaments, muscles or Facet joints – but in fast bowlers, particularly younger ones, the most commonly affected part of the lower back is the ‘pars interarticularis’ area of the lumbar vertebra, where a stress fracture can develop. This is characterised by a back ache following cricket often lasting several hours, particularly when bending backwards.
Pat Cummins – Australia’s Test captain – has recently been managed with a lumbar bone-stress injury. In September 2025, Cricket Australia confirmed he would miss the upcoming white-ball series to ensure his back was managed carefully ahead of the summer.
Fast bowler Lance Morris opted for surgery in August 2025 after recurring lower back soreness, caused by a lumbar stress injury. The procedure will see him out of action for at least 12 months.
Prevention
- Monitor bowling volume and intensity, especially in adolescents or players post growth spurts.
- Include core-stability training and trunk strengthening exercises to support the spine.
If injured
- Lower-back stress fractures typically require 8–12 weeks (or more) off bowling/playing to allow bones to heal.
- Rehabilitation should include core stability work and non-impact aerobic fitness while the bone heals, then gradual return to bowling under physiotherapy guidance.
- For more detailed information regarding back injuries click here
Side (Abdominal) Strains
A “side strain” refers to a strain of the muscles on the side of the abdomen (internal or external obliques) commonly where they attach near the lower ribs. In cricket bowlers, side strains typically occur on the non-bowling side of the body – often when the bowling arm is cocked and the torso muscles contract forcefully while stretched.
While less commonly discussed in some media, side strains remain a risk – especially for fast bowlers who generate forceful trunk rotation and side bending repeatedly.
In October 2025, all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out of an ODI series against India because of “low-grade side soreness” after bowling. This precautionary break underscores how even mild abdominal side issues can lead to rest and squad management to avoid more serious side strains.
Prevention
- Regular core-strengthening exercises to improve trunk stability.
- Flexibility and mobility training for spine, thoracic region, and shoulders to reduce strain on abdominal muscles during bowling.
- Monitor bowling workload – avoid sudden spikes and increase overs gradually; allow rest periods to reduce fatigue-related injury risk.
If it occurs
- Seek physiotherapy for assessment and follow a progressive rehab program – starting with gentle core work, then gradually restoring full function.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder injuries in cricket often arise from the repeated overhead actions of bowling or throwing. Small stabilising muscles around the shoulder (rotator cuff) can develop tendinopathy – and with chronic overload or insufficient recovery, partial or full tears may occur.
Prevention
- Ensure proper bowling and throwing technique.
- Incorporate shoulder stability, endurance, strength, and flexibility exercises under physiotherapy supervision.
- Increase bowling and fielding workload gradually, especially after periods of rest or recovery from other injuries.
If shoulder pain arises
- Physiotherapy aims to restore strength and stability, and correct any biomechanical issues (e.g., limited thoracic rotation, hip flexibility deficits) that might contribute to shoulder overload.
Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle – typically involving damage to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle – can happen when the ankle is twisted awkwardly, during fielding, landing, or sudden direction changes. The result can be painful swelling and instability.
Prevention
- Perform a proper warm-up before play
- Use ankle taping or braces if advised by a physiotherapist – especially after a previous sprain.
- Strengthen the muscles around the ankle and practise proprioceptive and balance exercises to reduce injury risk.
If you sprain your ankle
- Consult a physiotherapist for guided rehabilitation: progression to full play involves joint mobility, strengthening of stabilising muscles, and proprioceptive training to restore balance and prevent future sprains.
- For more detailed information regarding ankle injuries click here
Other Considerations & General Risk Factors
Cricket injuries often arise from overuse, fatigue, repetitive action, poor recovery, or environmental conditions. Some additional risks and prevention tips:
- Avoid overuse and sudden increases in workload (e.g., bowling or fielding after rest).
- Fatigue – bowlers, fielders, and all players are at higher risk when tired.
- Playing in hot conditions – dehydration and fatigue worsen injury risk.
- Lack of protective gear or improper footwear can contribute to injuries
- Sun exposure – shading, hats, sunscreen, and hydration are important for overall player health.
Injury remains an ever-present downside to cricket — even in elite sport. The demands of fast bowling, sprinting, throwing, and frequent game formats place considerable stress on muscles, joints, spine and soft tissues. The cases of players like Pat Cummins, Lance Morris, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, and Cameron Green show that even experienced, well-conditioned Australian cricketers are vulnerable.
That’s why proper workload monitoring, warm-up protocols, strength and conditioning (especially core stability), mobility work, and sensible return-to-play practices are essential.
