St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU), a renowned London university known for its sports science expertise, and Surrey County Cricket Club (Surrey CCC), a prestigious first-class county cricket team, have joined forces in a groundbreaking three-year strategic partnership.
This collaboration focuses on leveraging cutting-edge research to elevate the Brown Caps’ on-field performance. SMU’s world-class sports science facilities, including biomechanics labs and advanced training centres, will be at Surrey CCC’s disposal for player evaluation and screening. Conversely, SMU researchers will gain valuable access to Surrey CCC’s indoor training facilities at The Kia Oval.
The partnership extends beyond facilities. Collaborative research projects will be undertaken, with data analysis playing a pivotal role in pinpointing areas for improvement in player performance. SMU students will also benefit tremendously. Placement opportunities within Surrey CCC will provide them with invaluable firsthand experience in elite sports science disciplines like performance analysis and strength and conditioning. This exposure will undoubtedly give them a competitive edge upon entering the workforce.
Alec Stewart, Director of Cricket at Surrey CCC, said, “St Mary’s University is an industry leader in the field of sports science and research, and we are delighted to be entering into a strategic partnership with them. Data and sports science play a big part in modern-day cricket, and we always aim to be forward-thinking and innovative at Surrey Cricket. I look forward to working with the fantastic team at St Mary’s University.”
Dr Leanne Griffiths, Dean of Sport, Technology and Health Sciences at SMU, added, “We are delighted to partner with such a prestigious sporting organisation. I am particularly pleased that through the agreement, students in the Faculty will get first-hand experience of working in an elite environment, which will be a brilliant launchpad for their careers in sport science. I am sure that our researchers will make a quick impact on performance analytics at Surrey CCC, whilst addressing topical, novel research questions relevant to applied practice in elite sport.”
This SMU-Surrey CCC partnership signifies a significant advancement in sports science for cricket. By combining academic excellence with practical experience, this initiative has the potential to revolutionize player training, optimize performance, and propel the sport to new heights.
Founded in 1850, St Mary’s University offers a unique blend of city and suburban life in London. Renowned for its exceptional teaching quality (ranked top five in the UK) and student experience (ranked top 10), it provides programs in various fields, including sports science.
Before this association, the club also announced partnerships with Heineken, Ambassador Cruise Line, Tata Consumer Products and the South Korean automobile company, KIA.
The Brown Caps currently sit third in the south table of the Vitality T20 Blast and face Sussex CCC today at 11:30 PM IST.