The subject of fitness has been a topic of discussion in the Caribbean, with many describing the fitness standards of Cricket West Indies (CWI) as unclear. Director of CWI, Jimmy Adams, however, describes the fitness standards of West Indies players as a work in progress.
“A work in progress…we are moving them to international standards. Some of the players are already there, but collectively there is still work to be done, but improvements (are) being made, and we will continue to keep pushing them, because we feel it’s a very important component of being able to complete at the highest level,” Adams said on Tuesday’s Mason and Guest radio programme.
Director of CWI Jimmy Adams
When it was reported in February 2021 that Guyana’s Shimron Hetmyer had failed the fitness test, it sparked the discussion revolving around fitness. Players who fail to get 40 points are considered unavailable for selection.
In a past interview with Adams, he noted that there has always been a fitness policy, but the only difference is that back in September 2018, there was a change in the coaching and selection panel, and this new panel is keen on implementing this aspect in West Indies cricket.
CWI’s minimum standard for selection is 40 points in the yo-yo test, and players have been aware of this since 2018. Adams said this test has been conducted at the regional (franchise) level and the response has been good statistically, with most players reaching above 40 in the yo-yo test.
Shannon Gabriel and Rahkeem Cornwall
It is evident that some players currently in the West Indies set-up are unable to make 40 points in the yo-yo test. Like most rules, there are concomitant exceptions. Adams disclosed that players who are unable to make the 40 points are given exemptions.
“Through the Medical Panel, they would be given their individual target that they will work with, and they will be looking to improve,” he had said.
“There are people who have medical issues that we have to give exemptions to, because it could be ankle or knee that would impact negatively,” Adams explained.
Rahkeem Cornwall and others are being considered for selection, but the consistency of continued improvement in the yo-yo test is essential. (Brandon Corlette)
