The cricketer’s shoulder: Not a classic throwing shoulder

To describe the musculoskeletal adaptations inherent to the cricketers’ shoulder and determine potential predictors of shoulder injury in elite South African cricketers. Prospective longitudinal cohort study; Non-clinical, at national cricket indoor training venues. One hundred and six elite cricketers, representing 82% of the South African national and franchise teams, consent. A total of 105 cricketers (27 ± 4 years) were eligible for participation in this study. A pre-season shoulder screening battery including a shoulder function questionnaire, two ultrasonographic shoulder measurements and 14 musculoskeletal tests including pain provocation, range of motion, strength and flexibility was assessed. Non-contact dominant shoulder injuries were documented throughout the 2016/2017 season. The musculoskeletal profile of a cricketer's shoulder is described. 17% (95%CI: 9–24%) of cricketers sustained an injury during the 2016/2017 season. Two of the 17 screening tests predicted seasonal dominant shoulder injury (p