A joint initiative by the UCBSA Research Committee and EP Cricket to groom and enhance the bowling skills of a group of young, promising fast bowlers has resulted in the "Fast Bowling Project" that started recently at St. George's Park.

"The multifactor nature of the cause of injuries to fast bowlers includes a combination of over-used, incorrect techniques and poor preparation and training. Evidence suggests that young fast bowlers are being forced to play more matches and to train longer and harder at an earlier age in order to excel", said Dr Richard Stretch, Director of the UPE Academy of Sport and Chairperson of the UCBSA Cricket Research Committee.

"This project intends to identify elite or potentially elite young fast bowlers and to scientifically monitor their progress and development in order to reduce the risk of injury. This long-term programme should ensure that EP and SA has a constant reserve of fast bowlers".

According to Russell Domingo, EP Cricket's Youth Cricket Manager, 26 talented fast bowlers have been identified and over the next few months, they will be in the fortunate position to receive various technical improvement routines, injury prevention seminars, video analysis and fitness evaluation sessions.

"This project is the first of its type in the country. The UCBSA will be monitoring the project's progress and results carefully. All the players have been identified from various schools throughout the province. Bowlers like Mandilakhe Dipha (SA u/15 Captain) Craig Thyssen (SA u/19), Brent Kopps (SA Colts) and Lazola Dipa (SA Schools) are in this group of 26 players.

"Another objective of the Fast Bowling Project is to educate coaches at school level to identify injuries in time and also the correct manner in which injuries should be handled when a bowler is injured," he says. Up to now, the players have completed fitness evaluation sessions, muscular-skeletal evaluation sessions and video recordings of their bowling actions.

"With the abundant talent at EP Cricket's disposal, I won't be surprised if another Mfuneko Ngam or Nantie Hayward is produced to play for Eastern Province and ultimately South Africa," says Domingo.

© Eastern Province Cricket Board