The question of whether to change a cricketer’s biomechanics, especially in fast bowling, is not a simple yes or no.

If a bowler’s current mechanics are not injury-prone and are allowing them to achieve the desired pace, then there may not be a need to change them.

However, if a bowler’s mechanics rely too heavily on certain muscles, leading to fatigue and imbalances, then changes may be necessary. Such imbalances can eventually result in niggles, injuries, or compensatory patterns that put excessive stress on certain body parts. In these cases, changing biomechanics may be necessary to prevent long-term harm and improve performance.

In the context of fast bowling, both landing and spine usage play crucial roles in stability and power generation. For instance, bowler Jasprit Bumrah has a biomechanically sound action, but he often creates a lock position at his lower back, which puts additional stress on it. This can result in niggles and injuries over time.

However, by incorporating corrective drills and training, these issues can be prevented, and overall performance in fast bowling can be improved.

As an example, Bumrah’s action appears to be nearly perfect from most angles, except for the one where he creates a lock position at his lower back, adding extra load and work to that area. To learn more about the impact of lower back stress in fast bowlers, you can refer to this link.

Bumrah, his lower back and my 2 cents!

The science of biomechanics can be used to optimize movements, but it’s essential to preserve some aspects of natural movement that are best suited to our anatomy. For example, correcting foot stamping through drills, improving hip rotation, and straightening the spine to harness its spring-like quality can be beneficial. However, arm swing is a natural movement that should not be overly corrected.

In fast bowling, the utilization of the spine is often overlooked. By utilizing the elasticity of the spine, bowlers can generate more speed and power. This can be observed in some bowlers, as exemplified in the linked video, where the technique has been improved to maximize the usage of the spine. While perfecting biomechanics can be helpful, it’s important to avoid overly stressing certain muscles or creating imbalances that can lead to injuries.