SLC Media Release :
Sri Lanka Cricket today launched the ‘2 KM Run Fitness Test’ for the National Players to ascertain their fitness levels.
Accordingly, 32 of the players out of a 36 member provisional squad training for the Tour of West Indies, which is under discussion, participated in the test, which was conducted at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
The new test, a standard method of determining the ‘Fitness and Endurance’ levels of athletes, replaced the Yo-Yo method adopted by Sri Lanka Cricket. According to the new test, players were given a target of running the 2 Kilometer distance within a time frame of 8 minutes and 35 seconds.
‘’Going forward, we will adjust the scores as we get better and become world-class. The Bowlers, Batsmen, and the Wicket Keepers will be given different time targets,’ said Grant Luden, Physical Performance Manager of Sri Lanka Cricket.
“If a player fails, he can do another test within 40 days, and our idea is to achieve the minimum fitness standards before the T20 world cup, which will be played later this year,’’ added Luden.
Results of the ‘Fitness Test’ will be notified to the Cricket Selection Committee.
The following players did not take part in the ‘Fitness Test,’ owing to the reasons given.
- Kusal Mendis – He was on leave to attend to a personal matter
- Dhananjaya De Silva – Under rehabilitation for the injury suffered during the Tour of South Africa
- Avishka Fernando – ankle injury
- Lahiru Thirimanne – Undergoing treatment following testing positive for Covid-19
