The most contentious aspect of the squads announced by Cricket West Indies for the ongoing Sri Lanka series was that four of our leading players in Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas were not initially considered because they fell short of the requisite fitness standards. It’s been some two years since Cricket West Indies (CWI) introduced fitness standards as a prerequisite for selection so there can be no excuses for these or any other players. Hetmyer has had the benefit of playing alongside the likes of Virat Kohli for RCB in the IPL and would have seen firsthand how passionate one of the world’s leading batsmen is about fitness; that should certainly have served as an example for the young gun from Guyana. Having previously missed out on WI selection for lack of requisite fitness levels before, this latest infraction is hard to forgive. The other offenders have all been around WI teams recently so it’s difficult to understand their lapses in fitness levels as well.

Prior to the World Cup 2019, CWI had announced "Player fitness at elite international level is a key ingredient of successful teams. To maintain and improve fitness standards, the CWI Board has now set a benchmark standard that is tied to eligibility for selection, using the Yo-Yo Endurance Test following the recommendation of our Sports Medicine & Science team". So said CWI Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave, at the time. Grave said the new fitness benchmark was a part of a suite of measures that the CWI Board had approved to help improve player performance across the board. "With the match calendar and the different formats of the game being practically a year-round pursuit, optimal fitness must be achieved," he said. "Irrespective of a player’s cricketing ability, a minimum fitness level is the bedrock for success for any contemporary sports professional" Grave added.

In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com



Very true and insightful article... well written!

In reply to WestDem

Yes and the yo-yo double standards are total nonsense, it needs to be aligned along the Indian model, this creates a lot of room for folks who administer it or are in positions of authority to be able to use indiscriminately. It should be one standard.
I am appalled by it.

In reply to WestDem

The article is well-written but the author is rather disingenuous. The standards are new and it is reasonable to expect a period of adjustment.

While initial accommodations - for Gayle with a serious body of work; and Cornwall with a serious body size - can be made, you cannot make exemptions for Hetmyer - one of the youngest, Cottrell and Thomas - fast bowlers, and Chase - one of the skinniest in the team. These guys have to meet the standard.

In five years or even much less, the Gayles and Cornwalls will not be able to make this side based on the fitness standards.

Stick to your guns, CWI!!!

Fitness Standards?

Are those cricketers that are underperforming, is it due to Fitness?

Are there cricketers who are performing, but may not be fit?

Publish the Standard. Ok, I didn't read the article

In reply to Runs

I am surprised the JDF did not reach out to CWI for Cottrell’s failing the test! This gats serious roots to prove it’s not double standard!

In reply to Fantom

You read this article with a dark shade and only see what you want to see!

In reply to WestDem

Good point, it is discriminatory, what were his metrics? 2km in 4 minutes? You see how they can misuse it? Tailor and cherry pick to suit or not suit individuals? What am I missing?

In reply to Fantom

The West Indies team under Clive Lloyd were the undisputed champions of cricket. However, there was something that is understated. Lloyd's team was also the fittest cricket team in the world at the time.

In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com

Double Standards

How fit was Tony Gwynn, one of Baseball’s all time leading hitters??

They should publish the fitness results and who were given exceptions. If you give too many exceptions you might as well scrap the test.

In reply to Baje

Correct