Minimum fitness level is 40, Cornwall and others given exemption

Hetmyer-Lewis fitness saga…

ꟷ says Jimmy Adams

After Cricket West Indies (CWI) made one of the biggest calls in recent times to omit Guyanese left-handed batsman Shimron Hetmyer and the red hot opener Evin Lewis, who failed the fitness test, its Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams caught up to the local media on Wednesday at Providence and cleared the air on the fitness requirements implemented.

Adams noted that there has always been a fitness policy in the past, 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.
“The minimum standard for selection is 40 in the yoyo test and players had known about it for a while, way back in 2018. Hopefully, we can get them (Lewis and Hetmyer) to that standard,” Adams explained.

He further added that this test has been conducted at the regional (franchise) level and the response has been good statistically with most players above reaching 40 in the yoyo test.
“This test is non-negotiable, just to remind people is that the issue of getting fitter players is to reduce injury. Like John Campbelle went to Ireland and got a good score in the first One-Day International (ODI), but failed compete for the rest of the series. We cannot afford to get our best of players not being on the park, so I am looking forward for these lads to get their fitness level up where they should be,” the 52-year-old Adams highlighted.

It is evident that some players currently in the West Indies set-up are unable to make 40 in the yoyo test. Like most rules, there are exceptions to it; Adams disclosed that the players who are unable to make this requirement 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. They 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 echoed.
In this case, Rahkeem Cornwall and others are being considered but the consistency of continued improvement in the yoyo test is essential. (Brandon Corlette)