There is a global need, including in South Africa, to understand cricket-related injuries among female players better. Hence, this study investigated the relationships between anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness, kinetic factors, and in-season injury occurrence. An observational longitudinal cohort design was employed, involving 31 adult elite female cricketers from four South African franchises. Pre-season assessments included a baseline questionnaire and a standardised testing protocol. These measures were subsequently correlated with injury incidence, which was monitored weekly throughout the competitive season from October 2024 to March 2025. The in-season injury incidence was 41.90%. Multivariable modified Poisson linear regression analysis suggested that injuries were associated with higher medicine ball power throw test values, whereas shorter broad jump distances and slower 20 m sprint time are independently associated with lower injury risk. These findings suggest a performance–injury trade-off, where higher physical outputs may increase mechanical loading and injury susceptibility in the absence of appropriate load management, recovery strategies, and neuromuscular control. Accordingly, these variables should be used for athlete monitoring and profiling rather than for selection or deselection purposes. While this study has limitations, the findings contribute to the development of pre-season screening approaches that consider the balance between performance and injury risk. Further research is required to confirm these relationships and inform evidence-based injury prevention strategies.
Postma et al. (2026) studied this question.