Windies take note

With England's win this week in the Second Test in Trinidad, the West Indian cricket team might consider taking advice from a fourth-year sport and exercise science student at Napier University.

Stuart McClymont has been named researcher of the year by sportscotland and the East of Scotland Institute of Sport for his investigation of how cricketers can improve their technique.

After research involving trained and untrained cricketers, he has come up with a formula for throwing the perfect wicket-busting cricket ball.

Mr McClymont said fielders should use a stride length of about 60 per cent of their height, and maintain an angle of 90 to 100 degrees between the upper arm and side of the body when moving the throwing arm forward.

"The objective of my study was to prove that with training and technique observation, performances can be improved. The research can also be used to prevent injury and develop talent for cricket in the future."

Mr McClymont won £100 for his research at the first East of Scotland Coaching Conference.