Development of the discriminant model for classifying cricketers based on anthropometric and physical variables

Abstract

Background:This study was undertaken to develop a discriminant model for classifying cricketers based on selected anthropometric and physical variables.Methods: The sample was composed of 140 male cricketers (age: 24 ± 3.2) classified in two different groups (i.e. Batsmen n = 70 & Pace – Bowlers n = 70). A total of twelve variables (5 Anthropometric & 7 Physical Variables) were selected for the study.Results:The developed discriminant model for Batsmen & Pace – Bowlers have high log determinants. The developed discriminant function explains 53.14 % of the variation in the dependent variable by the discriminant model. The classification matrices developed by the model shows that overall 82.1 % of samples were correctly classified. Conclusion:The findings from this study indicate that pace – bowlers were found to be taller, have higher shoulder explosive strength and back strength than batsmen. Pace – bowlers require a higher level of fitness than batsmen. The effort that they put on a single delivery requires a higher level of strength in shoulder, leg and back muscles. Left-hand grip strength was much higher in batsmen than pace – bowlers; this may be due to the nature of the game as the top hand (left hand) is more dominating in batting (especially in vertical grounded strokes) than the bottom hand (right hand).