Scholarship-supported research project

Physical capacities associated with ball release speed in elite male and female cricket fast bowlers

ACU in conjunction with Queensland Cricket is offering one full-time PhD scholarship package to undertake embedded applied research at Queensland Cricket, Brisbane, Australia.

The successful applicant will be involved in a project with four proposed areas of focus:

• Examination of the validity and reliability of various devices for the measurement of ball speed and key events in the "run-up" of fast bowlers.
• Determination of the impact of perceived intensity and feedback on ball speed.
• Assessment of association between ball speed and physical capacity (e.g., maximum strength).
• Quantification of changes in movement strategy that associated with reductions in ball speed due to fatigue.

The PhD candidate will work with a supervisory team, including Professor Stuart Cormack, Associate Professor Richard Johnston and Dr Paul Tofari from ACU's SPRINT Research Centre and School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, along with Paul Chapman (Head of Elite Performance, QLD Cricket).

How to apply

Applications close: Monday 30 June 2025, 11:59 pm AEST

Eligibility

• This opportunity is open to domestic applicants only.
• The eligibility criteria for the PhD program at ACU can be found in the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
• The eligibility criteria for research scholarships can be found in the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.

Requirements

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the successful applicant should have:

• Substantial experience working with high performance and/or male and female elite pathway cricket programs, including:
  • Prescribing and implementing S&C programs
  • Conducting physiological tests, including data analysis and reporting
  • Monitoring and manipulating workloads, particularly in fast bowlers
  • Experience with technology such as forceplates, GNSS devices, etc.
  • Familiarity with athlete management systems such as Smartabase
• Sports Science/S&C experience working with sports other than cricket (desirable)
• Extensive knowledge of Cricket Australia National Framework for Physical Preparation of Elite Pathway Male and Female Cricketers (desirable)
• Minimum ASCA Professional Level 2 (desirable)
• Minimum ESSA Accredited Sport Scientist Level 1 (desirable)

Application process

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit all documentation required for an application to the PhD program at ACU, as detailed in the How to Apply instructions, plus:

• A CV detailing relevant academic and practical experience; and
• A cover letter detailing demonstrated interest and/or experience in the program of research described.

When completing the PhD application form, please indicate that you are also applying for a stipend scholarship and include the name of this project "Physical capacities associated with ball release speed in elite male and female cricket fast bowlers".

Before you apply

Interested candidates should contact Professor Stuart Cormack before applying for the PhD program and scholarship.