Match day energy intakes and estimated energy expenditure of female cricket players in the domestic setting

Introduction: Physical and nutritional behaviours among female cricketers have yet to be explored. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to estimate energy intake (EI), total energy expenditure (TEE), macronutrient and fluid intake in elite and highly trained female cricketers over 24-hour periods across 50-over home fixtures. Methods: Ten elite and highly trained female cricketers (age 24.1 ± 4.9 years; body mass 73.8 ± 7.8 kg; stature 171.3 ± 3.2 cm) were observed over three 50-over home matches. Body composition was measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry. EI was assessed through a combination of food photography and weighing of food intake. Resting metabolic rate was measured using indirect calorimetry, physical activity was monitored using accelerometry, and thermic effect of food was estimated; therefore, TEE was inferred. Results: The mean daily EI, TEE and resulting energy balance (EB) were 2558 ± 622 kcal·day ^-1 , 4326 ± 525 kcal·day ^-1 and -1769 ± 799 kcal·day ^-1 , respectively. Mean carbohydrate, protein, fat and fluid intake was 4.06 ± 1.40 g·kg ^-1 day ^-1 , 1.63 ± 0.58 g·kg ^-1 day ^-1 , 1.21 ± 0.40 g·kg ^-1 day ^-1 and 3525 ± 1223 ml·day ^-1 , respectively. Conclusion: Overall, this study observed elite and highly trained female cricketers to lack responsiveness of intake to match day demands leading to large energy deficits. From a practical perspective, data suggests that practitioners should focus on educational strategies for fuelling match play in accordance with each player’s role.