An analysis of the performance of Black African junior provincial cricket batsmen

Objectives. This study investigated the difference in performance of white (W), coloured/Indian (C/I) and black African (BA) cricket batsmen at a junior provincial level in South Africa over a period of 7 years. Methods. Data of all players participating in the South African interprovincial under-15 (U15) and under-19 (U19) tournaments between the years 2004 and 2010 were analysed. The number of participants, batting averages and number of batsmen in the top 20 run scorers in the tournament were compared between groups. Results. 52% of players were white and 48% were black (27% BA and 21% C/I). BA batting averages (runs/dismissal) were significantly (p<0.05) lower than W batting averages for every year from 2004 to 2010 for both the U15 and U19s. W batsmen only had significantly better batting averages than C/I for the U/15s in 2010 and for the U19s in 2009 and 2010. W batsmen dominated the top 20 run scorers in the tournament in each year for both U15s and U19s while there were few BA batsmen represented in the top 20. Conclusion. The performances of BA batsmen at junior provincial level are well below those of W batsmen and appear to follow the same trend as the senior provincial batsmen

The cricket bowling performance of different racial groups at a junior provincial level in South Africa

Objective. To investigate the difference in performance and bowling opportunity of black African (BA), coloured/Indian (C/I) and white (W) cricket bowlers at a junior provincial level in South Africa between 2006 and 2012.Methods. Data of all players performing in the South African interprovincial under-13 (U13), under-15 (U15) and under-19 (U19) tournaments were analysed. Bowling performance (bowling average and the top 20 wicket takers relative to their par representation) and bowling opportunity (number of overs bowled) were compared between racial groups.Results. There were no significant differences in the bowling averages between BA bowlers and the other racial groups between 2008 and 2012. BA bowling averages were only significantly worse than W bowlers in the U13s in 2006 and U19s in 2007. BA bowling averages were also only significantly worse than C/I in the U13s and U15s in 2007. BA bowlers were below par representation in the top 20 wicket takers in each year for the U15s and U19s and below par representation for the U13s in 2007 - 2009 and 2011. The performance of C/I and W bowlers was relatively similar across the age groups. BA players bowled significantly fewer overs than W bowlers in the U13s in 2006, in the U15s in 2007 and 2009 and in the U19s in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011. C/I bowlers bowled significantly fewer overs than W bowlers in the U13s in 2008 and 2009.Conclusion. The bowling averages of the different racial groups are similar. However, there were relatively few BA bowlers in the top 20 wicket takers each year. This could be because of a lack of highly skilled BA bowlers or the lack of opportunity provided to BA bowlers to bowl in these tournaments

Transformation in cricket: The Black African experience

Background: The small number of black African (BA) cricket players progressing through the talent development pathways to the elite level has been a constant concern for Cricket South Africa (CSA). Previous attempts to accelerate the development of BA players have not produced the desired results. A description of the barriers to development is imperative for appropriate interventions.Objectives: To understand the career progression of BA cricketers in South Africa by investigating their and other key informants’ perceptions, and identifying factors that may influence progress to the elite level.Methods: A qualitative study consisting of 23 semi-structured interviews with BA players who had succeeded at the senior level (n = 11), and key informants (n = 12), was conducted. Content analysis of the data identified 92 themes, which were thenaggregated into 12 categories.Results: Five enablers (exposure to the game, education, facilities and equipment, coaching and support networks), and five barriers (team environment, quality opportunities to compete, socio-economic factors, cricket player development pathways and leadership) were identified. Two further factors (intrapersonal attributes and targets) were identified, but the differing opinions of the interviewees on the influence of these variables made it difficult to classify them. Whilst all categories were perceived to contribute in the progress of BA players to the elite level, education, support networks, quality opportunities to compete, team environment and socio-economic factors were believed to be the most important.Conclusion: The sustainable transformation of South African cricket appears to be not only about ensuring demographically representative teams, but also about  addressing barriers affecting progress that may be experienced by all players. This study highlighted the key factors that are perceived to be specific to BA cricketers.Keywords: talent pathways, ethnicity, career progressio