Exploring how momentum shapes expectations of opponent intentions in cricket batters

Momentum is defined as the perception and observable action of moving towards (positive momentum) or away from (negative momentum) a goal, influencing athlete behaviour in dynamic time constrained sports (Den Hartigh & Gernigon, 2018). Skilled athletes report greater confidence and risk-taking in favourable conditions, and more conservative decisions in unfavourable ones (Levi & Jackson, 2018). Similarly, cricket batters describe perceptual shifts depending on whether incoming information aligns with expectations (Hasan et al., in preparation). Yet, how momentum shapes expectations during sustained one-on-one competition, such as cricket batting, remains underexplored. This study considered how momentum influences batters’ expectations of bowler intentions over the course of a match. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven cricketers (9 male, 2 female) with at least one year of experience at ECB Premier League level or equivalent. Interviews examined the experience, causes, and influence of momentum on perception and decision-making. Data were analysed deductively and inductively. Deductive themes included large positive, large negative, small positive, and small negative momentum shifts. Larger shifts followed clusters of runs or wickets in a short period of time. Smaller positive shifts reflected increased confidence, risk tolerance, and reduced cognitive effort. Small negative shifts involved forced risk taking, uncertainty about how to regain control, and over-analysis. Findings show momentum shapes how batters anticipate opponents’ intentions.