The amendments to the fitness tests have been made as the SLC wants the players to work hard on their fitness, adding that it will not tolerate lapses in fitness said a senior official of SLC.
The 2km test was introduced early last year (2021) replacing the Yo-Yo test to determine the fitness and endurance levels of the players. The test which had a benchmark of 8.35 minutes was increased to 8.55 minutes on a request made by the Cricket Technical Advisory Committee. The fitness test will be held today (7) for the contracted cricketers.
However, with the introduction of a new benchmark national players to perform the 2km run within the expected benchmark of 8.10 minutes. In addition, the cricket administration has also lowered the skin-fold test levels to 70 from 85. According to reliable sources, selectors have asked the Trainers before this new fitness test and they verified only a few players are not up to standard. They have to work hard for their fitness. This target is always good for the players and most of the countries used this fitness test to select the team, the SLC official said.
With the sudden announcement of Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s retirement, some social media reports stated that it was due to a fitness test issue. Meanwhile, Daily News learned that 18 member squad has already been named for the forthcoming Zimbabwe ODI cricket series but it will be finalized after the fitness tests. Two players Waninidu Hasaranga and Kusal Janith Perera are not included in this squad as they are still in the recovery period after injuries.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan white-ball team skipper Dsun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera both tested positive for COVID-19 now recovered after isolation periods and they are subjected to get doctor’s report for their clearness.
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