The injury report released by Cricket Australia indicates a majority of the categories have seen a reduction of prevalence in the past twelve months, with two main exceptions; in concussion (largely reflective of the new reporting format) and the rise in incidence of the potentially career-ending lumbar bone stress injuries, on the ten-year average.
“On average playing careers are very short.
So, finding a balance between three formats across a packed cricket calendar is a constant challenge," Nicholson said.
The ACA sit alongside CA on both the OH&S committee and the Standing Scheduling Advisory Committee, which provide the formal mechanism for the players to have input in the areas that most affect them.
“Fundamental to the ACA’s role is to advocate on behalf of our players,” Nicholson said.
“So, it is pleasing to see the steps taken to prioritise player welfare over the past five to ten years.
“The increase in education and the use of technology are steps in the right direction when it comes to injury management.”
Whilst the full impact of the recent ICC Cricket Championship changes is still to be determined, Nicholson said that looking ahead to the jam-packed international calendar, the next two years will throw further challenges at the players and administrators.
“The CA report indicates that the crowded calendar and less recovery time between matches is a contributing factor to some of the injury categories.
“The challenge therefore becomes how to ensure that the best players are playing for their country as often as possible and for as long as possible.
“This is what the players want and the fans expect," Nicholson said.