Backyard cricket: how to crack a six without retiring hurt

Go on, play cricket with your mates. Just skip niggling an injury that’ll send you to the pavilion

 Backyard cricket is an Australian institution. In homes across the country, wheelie bins act as wickets as mates throw down bouncers that’ll entice the over-confident batter to go for a six-and-out shot over the fence. It’s a fun, social game full of laughs and taunts. But a backyard cricket session can also be tainted by accidental injuries without a few sensible measures in place.

Before you descend the verandah steps to the backyard wicket, remember to take care of your body. Even when you’re just having fun. That means applying a hat and sunscreen to protect you from the sun, carrying a water bottle to keep hydrated, and warming up your body before you swing a bat or throw a ball. Here’s the lowdown of what injuries can occur when you hit the pitch.

Common injuries when bowling and fielding

When you’re in the field, cricket can require your body to act quickly without warning. Whilst you might be loitering at mid-off watching the action from afar, just one quick swing of the bat can see you in sudden prime position for a winning catch. If you just stretched … and leapt a bit. (Spoiler alert: don’t).

Sudden force is a common cause of injury – whether during a sports match, at work, or in everyday life. Hamstring strains, side strains, shoulder pain and ankle injuries can occur when fielding during a cricket match. Bowlers can also experience shoulder pain or throwers elbow from overuse. To reduce your risk of injury, remember to play within your abilities and resist the urge to take a wicket like a hero. Those ‘screamers’ you see on TV require technique and a lot of practice to pull off! Plus, the professionals field on proper cricket grounds with beautiful soft soil and lush turf – as opposed to a slightly neglected back lawn!

Common injuries when batting

Batters can also be prone to injury when they play backyard cricket. Without wearing the appropriate protective gear, your body is exposed to the power of the ball hurtling towards you. Excluding upper body injuries from the ball, batters can experience lower back pain from the twisting motion required to swing the bat. Leg injuries such as hamstring strains are also possible from daring run dashes down the wicket. So, if you’re trying to rack up a big innings – go for a boundary where you don’t have to twist too much. You’ll score four runs without applying too much stress to your out-of-form physique!

Relieve backyard cricket injuries with Sydney Spine

At Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic, we put you first. We believe in offering chiropractic solutions that enable you to make informed and educated choices about your health. We can help you find relief from muscle strains or sprains to your shoulder, back or limbs from sporting activities. If you are suffering discomfort and would like to talk to us about how we can help you get mobile and active again – make an appointment with one of our chiropractors.