The Ashes – batting, bowling, wicket keepers and back injuries

When England’s cricket team comes head to head with Australia on July 21st for the start of The Ashes, sporting rivalry will not be the only thing the players have to worry about. Although cricket is a non contact sport, injuries are extremely common and have been long acknowledged in this traditional sport. The Cricket Injuries Review documents the demise of Frederick Prince of Wales (son of George II) who developed an abscess in his head in 1751 after being hit by a high-speed cricket ball.

The repetitive nature of cricket means that stars of the game, the likes of Hampshire player Kevin Pieterson and Lancashire player Freddie Flintoff, who have to put in hours of practise are at risk from a wide range of injuries, anything from back damage to lower limb injuries. In fact a South African survey has shown that 49% of all South African players injure themselves at some point in the cricket season. The fast bowler is particularly at risk from personal injuries caused by twisting and extension and rotation of the body. They experience injury such as tissue tears, disc degeneration and the wearing of finger skin.

It is not the professionals we should be worried about though. They have access to the best doctors and sports physiotherapists in the world. It is their job to twist their bodies and take their lives into their own hands. It is because of a passion for cricket and the lure of sporting greatness that they put up with the pain of being hit in the eye by a fast delivery. It is their job to suffer tendonitis from repetitive throwing.

Job related injuries are extremely common nevertheless. Away from the bright lights of professional sport, every day people also suffer from repetitive strain injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of typing and using a computer mouse. A personal injury like this means you might be able to claim compensation. All employers have a duty to minimise the risk of this type of injury occurring, if they don’t they might be proven to be negligent.

According to Paul Johnson of The Claim Solicitors www.the-claim-solicitors.co.uk;
"Employers have a duty of care to their staff. They have to make sure that everyone is safe in the workplace and properly trained to carry out their tasks. If they fail to do this they could face the situation where personal injury claims are made against them."

So if you partake in a spot of cricket in the park or have a computer based job beware of injuring yourself. It’s not just the pro’s who need to look after themselves.

-ENDS-

Editorial notes: www.the-claim-solicitors-co.uk provide personal injury compensation following a non fault accident. They work on a no win no fee basis ensuring that customers get 100% compensation. Call 0808 144 0043 for more information about making a claim.

For more information contact Sophie Evans on 0808 144 0043, www.the-claim-solicitors.co.uk