As per the 2-kilometre fitness test recommended by the new Physical Performance Manager of SLC - Grant Luden, the 35-member Sri Lanka National cricket pool had gone through a tough physical fitness trial at the Sugathadasa Stadium running track last week to be eligible for selections of the upcoming tour of the West Indies, following intense criticism about the poor fitness standard of Sri Lankan cricket players.
32 players shortlisted for the tour went through a two kilometre run and only 28 players got through the test running within the required eight minutes and 35 seconds timing.
Two players namely Danushka Gunathilake (8 mnts & 41 seconds) and Bhanuka Rajapaksha (8 mnts & 45 seconds) failed the test by a whisker. But Kusal Janith Perera (9 mnts & 50 seconds) and Dilruwan Perera (11 mnts & 45 seconds) failed the test by a big margin, Daily News reliably learns.
The above four failed players as well as Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando , Lahiru Thirimanne and Dhananjaya De Silva who did not stand the test have to prove their performances in another 40 days to get their eligibility.
‘’Going forward, we will adjust the scores as we get better and becoming world-class. The Bowlers, Batsmen, and the Wicket Keepers will be given different time targets,’ said Grant Luden.
“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.
This fitness test method has been already adopted by leading cricket teams like India and Australia.
