Women’s cricket has grown in popularity over the last decade, however despite this there is a paucity of literature examining the female version of the game. Furthermore, no research has examined the physical attributes of female cricketers, particularly adolescents. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to develop a physical profile for u/11, u/13, u15, and u/18 female adolescent cricket players.

One hundred and five (age: 13.00±2.37 years, stature: 156.91±12.06 cm, mass: 50.85±10.40 kg) female academy players were profiled for body composition, flexibility, lower and upper body power, sprint speed, and change of direction ability.

Both the u/11 and u/13 age groups differed significantly (P<0.05) to each other and the u/15 and u/18 age groups for stature, lower and upper limb power, and change of direction time. No significant differences (P<0.05) were observed for all tests between the u/15 and u/18 age groups.

The findings of this investigation provide normative data for adolescent female cricketers that can be used by strength and conditioning coaches for the implementation of scientifically based training programs, as well as to set goals to identify progression in physical ability during maturation and training. Additionally, the study is relevant for coaches working within the age group to support their own learning and development within the applied nature of coaching and support of their female athletes.

No research has investigated the physiological and perceptual demands of female cricket players at any level or for any format, making this study unique. This is despite the growth in popularity and professionalism of the women’s game. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the physiological (heart rate, oxygen consumption) and perceptual (ratings of perceived exertion, body discomfort) demands of female cricketers during a simulated “The Hundred” protocol.

Twenty female cricketers (age: 19 ± 4.53 years, stature: 167.90 ± 7.28 cm; mass: 67.30 ± 13.51 kg) currently playing for a first-class county cricket club were recruited. The protocol consisted of six sets and was designed to mimic the nonpowerplay phase of a women’s “Hundred” match. Throughout the protocol selected physiological and perceptual responses were recorded.

Heart rate responses increased significantly (P < 0.05) from the first set (149 ± 14 beats/min) until the end of the third set (167 ± 10 beats/min). A further significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed between set three (167 ± 10 beats/min) and set six (165 ± 12 beats/min). Oxygen uptake responses increased significantly (P < 0.05) from set one (22.06 ± 7.82 mL/kg/min) until set three (26.30 ± 7.58 mL/kg/min). A significant difference (P < 0.05) was also observed between set three and all the other sets. Central ratings of perceived exertion increased significantly (P < 0.05) throughout the protocol (9 ± 1.83–13 ± 3.17). Body discomfort, results indicated that the quadriceps and calves were the areas that felt the most discomfort during the protocol.

In conclusion, the design of training programs should mimic the demandsof the women?s format of the game and focus on individualised exercise preparation.