Use bowling accuracy app: Sport scientist to Kumble

 Mumbai: Prof. Carl Petersen, a sport scientist and a cricket researcher from Auckland has put a word to Team India coach Anil Kumble for the use of a specially designed application, which can monitor the accuracy of the bowlers and fielders during the training session.  

"The app is designed for use in training – either net sessions or open-wicket practices. It monitors how accurate the bowlers are, and if they are able to pitch the ball where they say they will," Petersen said on Sunday.

"In a match, captains will often ask a bowler to pitch the ball in a certain area so that they can set a particular field, this app allows the bowler to practice the skill of being able to execute where they are going to pitch the ball, the stats on their execution percentage allows them to see if they are improving this ability over time."

"I have texted him (Kumble) and am waiting for his response. I believe some of his support staff members have heard of the app. In close selection calls, Anil might use the app to see which bowler currently has better control of their bowling execution," Petersen added.

"The app is used on mobile phones or iPads and is used in training with a partner or coach to monitor a player’s accuracy among other stats.

"The bowler tells the person holding the device where they plan to bowl, and then where they actually bowled is entered into the device, as well as any other info as required (runs scored, position where ball is hit to, if a wicket resulted, if the ball is hit to a gap in the field etc.) and even bowling speed if using a sports radar gun," the scientist, who works with the University of Canterbury added.

"The beauty of the app is that it can also be used with friends playing backyard or street cricket, or mum or dad with their children. The training session data can be emailed out, or just can be used on the screen with the training session summary data."