Bowlers need more time in the nets, says Alcott

The leading physiotherapist in cricket for more than two decades, Errol Alcott, says bowlers need to spend more time in the nets if they’re to avoid regular injury.

Alcott started working with the Australian team in 1984 and spent 22 years in the role before linking with the NRL’s South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2006.

He believes the current regime is doing a good job and was eager not to come across as a former employee criticising their methods.

But Alcott said he’d picked up a vibe from talking to people who had been in and around the camp in recent times that the workload of bowlers in the nets was being significantly reduced.

Alcott said the body must build up a resistance in practice to bowling the long spells required in Test cricket, and solid net sessions were the key to ensuring young quicks can sustain long careers at the top level.

“You really need to be conditioned to be able to reproduce what’s required in a Test match. You need to get your skill-base endurance for bowling up and there’s no other way to do it,” Alcott told AAP.

“You can’t be stupid about it and each player has specific needs, but there’s no good bowling 30 balls and then going to have a spell because you don’t do that out in the middle.

“The body has a habit, it responds to work and stress. You just have to make sure you have the right rest and recovery techniques after it.”

Australia have had to deal with several injuries in their bowling ranks of late.

Pat Cummins has been sidelined since his Test debut against South Africa last month, while fellow youngster James Pattinson has been sore leading into the Boxing Day Test. Veterans Shane Watson and Ryan Harris are also ongoing concerns.

Alcott was at Cricket Australia when a regulated system of resting players was attempted, but he said it’s proven it doesn’t work.

He said players are too desperate to play international matches and fans won’t accept paying money to see anything but the best available team on the field.

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