The approach to fitness requirements for both male and female cricketers has changed, according to Cricket South Africa (CSA). A number of well-known athletes were benched after failing the stringent fitness tests, which prompted the modification.
Recent sources state that the CSA will no longer enforce fitness criteria with the same rigor as in the past. The decision to allow players to compete will now be at the national coaches’ discretion if they don’t meet the recommended skinfold measures or the two-kilometer run time.
Coaches that are in charge of the men’s and women’s teams, such Rob Walter, Shukri Conrad, and Hilton Moreeng, have the last say, despite the fact that CSA continues to strongly advise that players who don’t achieve minimal fitness criteria stay away from official matches.
Last year, CSA had to deal with the difficulty of benching important players like Dane van Niekerk, Lizelle Lee, and Sisanda Magala because they failed fitness tests. This sparked debates about the fitness standards, which resulted to CSA’s altered position. Lee and Van Niekerk have now retired, and Magala has passed the exam and participated in recent ODIs.
For the 2023–24 season, the fitness standards stay the same. While female athletes must finish their two kilometers in under 9.30 minutes, male athletes must do it in under 8.30. Additionally, players are required to maintain certain skinfold measures.
Pre-competition in September and mid-season in December/January are when the fitness assessments will be done. Prior to the two-kilometer outdoor run, players can warm up for ten minutes. Notably, treadmill use and indoor running are prohibited.
The CSA’s action is consistent with an emerging viewpoint on fitness standards across cricket-playing nations. In contrast to England and Australia, who have used comparable criteria as indicators, CSA’s previous strict stance stood out. With a focus on flexibility while upholding the value of fitness in cricket, the new strategy is expected to have an impact on player selection.
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