Prediction of successful performance from fielding indicators in cricket : Champions League T20 tournament

The aim of this study was to examine the association between fielding indicators and successful performance in cricket. Ten teams qualified for competition in the Champions League T20 (2012, South Africa), which was observed and analysed. Looking at three fielding indicators including ground fielding, catching and return throw within the two different areas (inside and outside the 30yd circle). The Sportscode (Sportstec Ltd 3.5.3, Australia) software was used for data collection. A step-wise discriminant analysis was used for prediction of successful performance (winning and losing a match) from fielding indicators. The results showed that fielding indicators were significant predictors (χ2 = 10.60, df = 2, p < 0.01) of the match outcome. The results of a follow-up test showed that catches inside the 30yd circle (r = 0.81) and outside the 30yd circle (r = 0.85) were significant predictors of match outcome. In conclusion, the successful execution of the catching skill during a game, regardless of the location, could facilitate the team performance at the elite level. Implications of these findings for coaches include showing the importance of the catching skill to predict match outcome, therefore this should be focussed upon throughout the age groups to elite level in training.