Lack of physical fitness still Sri Lanka cricket’s downfall

The question is why these injuries are occurring frequently, especially with the cricketers.

It all started with the national team’s tour of South Africa and followed through to the recently concluded home series against India.

One should not forget that in the present scenario, irrespective of any sport the basic criteria for selection is the physical fitness level of each player, which, if not up to the desired level, the player is not considered for selection.

Unlike in the years gone by, today’s sportsmen are blessed and well equipped to condition themselves to perform their task for the country.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the governing body for cricket in the country, has given the national pool the best available facilities, which are second to none in this drastically changing world.

Thus, the present crop of cricketers are spoon fed in every way and in return they are expected to perform their tasks focusing on bringing honour and fame to the country.

They are also ably supported with the best possible trainers in the business around the world.

The amount spent on these contracts are skyrocketing when compared to other coaches. Moreover the question is, have they achieved the projected targets?

If yes, then why are these players suffering from these injuries? These are few of the questions raised by the knowledgeable people in sporting circles.

During the South African tour earlier this year, which ultimately turned out to be a disastrous one, the entire team’s performance pushed them down the rankings.

At one stage, the cricket loving public was astonished at what was really happening to our players, who were being injured at a rapid pace.

After a serious post-mortem, it was found that the players’ physical levels were far below expectations and further reports revealed that they were mingling with entrusted coaches, offering cash rewards and hosting them to parties, some with families, at top restaurants in town to get their physical tests issued in their favour instead developing their own fitness levels.

The SLC, after a thorough feasibility study, obtained an evaluation report and made the necessary changes in the areas, bringing in new staff and a mandatory fitness measuring system, before the commencement of the England series.

But, it has not been fully effective as still some players are frequently sidelined due to muscular related injuries.

The young dashing batsman Charith Asalanka was the latest victim, aggravating a hamstring injury while he was in prime form and had to be sidelined from the rest of series along with all-rounder Isuru Udana, who joined him with a similar injury while fielding.

These injuries have clearly indicated that some of the current players have failed to work on their physical fitness with the support of the staff who are employed to train them.

If this trend continues further the entire national team will definitely suffer during the upcoming hectic schedules, beginning with the South Africa home series.

It is the prime duty of all contracted players to comply with the fitness levels listed by the SLC and work indefatigably if they are to retain their slot in the team while aiming to clinch the T20 World Cup later this year.

All cricket playing nations are in a major drive to remain at the top while some of the teams are transforming themselves into a major force to be reckoned with.