3 November 2008

The electric pace of Twenty20 cricket has been all about innovation and at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, Australia, the Indian IPL cricket stars, the Kolkata Knightriders, recently discovered just how fast it really is.

The Knightriders had the opportunity to use a tiny wireless accelerometer developed by University of Queensland researchers to accurately measure the speed of the skills that are becoming so crucial in Twenty20 cricket.

The device was used recently in the Queensland Cricket practice facilities during their two-week training camp in Australia.

It was developed by Dr Craig Engstrom of UQ’s School of Human Movement Studies and the School of Information Technology & Electrical Engineering (ITEE), together with Associate Professor Stephen Wilson and Mr Miguel Fuentes of ITEE.

Former Australian and now Knightriders cricket coach, John Buchanan, is a renowned leader in adopting technology in coaching his teams.

In Brisbane the Indian cricketers found an edge, thanks to this ground-breaking device.

"I am really pleased that we have been able to access this technology before anyone else," Dr Buchanan said.

"I believe that this can provide our players with a clear advantage leading into the next IPL series early next year."

Dr Buchanan, who is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Sports Coaching in UQ's School of Human Movement Studies, and a UQ Human Movement Studies graduate, is a former UQ Club cricket coach and was awarded an honorary Doctor of the University degree at UQ in 2006.

“The University of Queensland has always been a leader in researching new technologies and this will ultimately provide an opportunity to improve these player’s skills,” he said.

One such skill is bat and wrist speeds when hitting the ball, which is becoming vital in the fast new version of the game.

Former Queensland and Australian fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz has seen the Buchanan coaching methods over many years and agrees that it is Dr Buchanan’s sometimes lateral methods that have brought great success to his teams.

"Buck has always provided every resource possible for the players to get the best out of themselves on the field. It is no surprise to me that he is looking at another way for his players to improve their performance," Mr Kasprowicz said.

Mr Kasprowicz, the UQ "Goodwill Ambassador" to India, also believes that the lightning pace of Twenty20 cricket will see many more opportunities for science and not just skills, to separate the teams and ultimately provide success.

Media: Dr Gary Osmond, School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, phone +61 7 3346 7591 or gosmond@hms.uq.edu.au

Photos are available from Diana Lilley, telephone +61 7 3365 1120 or email d.lilley@uq.edu.au