Little is known about the cognitive acuity of batters in cricket. Potentially this data is limited due to the lack of practical methods of assessing cognitive function congruently while batting. In this study we describe the development of a choice reaction task paradigm which is deployed on a cricket pitch. The Pitch Reaction Test (PRT) analogues the initial central processing and motor response of stroke selection to quantify psychomotor performance. A prototype PRT was assessed in a laboratory to model its measurement accuracy against reviewed slow-motion footage of motor responses from trials of 23 participants. Linear models compared PRT performance vs an established computer-based task and user anthropometry. Measurements obtained from the PRT were strongly correlated with review of video footage (r = 0.97 - 0.99), although Bland-Altman analysis reveals a linear trend of di erences increasing with increases in mean response times. Neither participant height (beta = -0.01, p = 0.54) or leg-length (beta = 0.0, p = 0.58) were predictors of PRT performance. Choice response performance on an equivalent computer assessment has a weak (R2 = 0:16) negative relationship (beta = 0.21, p = 0.04). Overall, the PRT demonstrates a novel solution to measuring sport specifc psychomotor function in cricket enabling multiple avenues of future research.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study did not receive any funding

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Witwatersrand gave ethical approval for this work. Protocol reference number M171165

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All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors