Digital technology aids match analysis (24 March 1999)

24 March 1999

Digital technology aids match analysis

The Christchurch Press

Wherever New Zealand Cricket's technical adviser Ashley Ross goes, his "pooch" is wheeled along with him.

The pooch is the newly purchased, latest digital computer technology for statistical anaylsis with pictures which Ross carries to and sets up now at every game.

The technology, bought from a Perth company for about $35,000, was used for the first time in the New Zealand-South Africa test series and Ross is delighted with its performance.

"It is a fantastic tool whereby we can break the game down to every ball and analyse instantly the performances of batters and bowlers from both sides."

Previously Ross has been manually recording statistics, a laborious job, and matching that with some video analysis.

The new equipment means data is automatically entered into the computer with the pictures to match. It means they can be accessed immediately to show players aspects of their game as a coaching tool.

"With the digital freeze frame we can also stop the action without any blurring. In terms of presentation it is as good as you get."

Ross said information gathered could not only be used in players' debrief sessions but also coaching during the off-season.

"For instance with Nathan Astle in Auckland -- he was having problems being beaten by Allan Donald. We showed him what was happening to the types of deliveries he was facing and we had success when we came to Christchurch. The structure of his innings was a lot better."

"We can bring up all the balls delivered in a particular quadrant, like short of a length or full by a particular bowler to a certain batsman."

Ross said the computer which has three hard drive discs has 13 different planes and 63 different text items, creating a multitude of permutations and options.

"The combinations are almost endless and we can call relevant information up from a player going back years if required."

However Ross stressed that in the final anaylsis, "it's still all about the athlete. They have to get out there and put it into practice."

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)