Four players fail two kilometer fitness test 

by Rex Clementine

Four Sri Lankan cricketers who are set to begin training ahead of the tour of West Indies have failed yesterday’s fitness test conducted by the national cricket team’s new trainer Grant Luden. There was lot of emphasis placed on fitness following Sri Lanka’s humiliating series defeat at the hands of England a fortnight ago and Luden announced that he will be from this point on, measuring fitness through the two kilometer run.

Accordingly, the players had to finish two kilometers in eight minutes and 35 seconds. The 400 meter track of Sughathadasa Stadium was utilized for the fitness test yesterday and effectively the players had to run five rounds within the stipulated time.

While 38-year-old off-spinner Dilruwan Perera and injury prone Kusal Janith Perera failing the test in the first attempt was understandable, young players like Danushka Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa failing the test came in for immediate criticism.

Gunathilaka, one of the brightest talents in the country has been a serial offender having been sent home in middle of a series for misconduct on two occasions. Head Coach Mickey Arthur has a reputation of not tolerating indiscipline or poor fitness and it remains to be seen what action he will take when he rejoins training. Arthur is currently receiving treatment after testing positive or COVID-19.

Altogether 32 players of the 36 member pool underwent the fitness test with Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Avishka Fernando and Lahiru Thirimanne being excused.

These are expected to be minimum fitness standards and Luden is likely to reduce the timing as he spends more time with the team. Elite sportsmen are expected to complete the two kilometer run below seven minutes and 30 seconds.

The national selection panel that will be announced next week will discuss the fitness standards before finalizing selections for the West Indies tour.

Sources said that players will be given another opportunity but if they fail a second test in the space of 40 days, they will be unavailable for selections.

SLC had initially spoken about cutting down on players salaries if they failed fitness test.