Run 2km in under 8mins 30secs: BCCI’s new test to break into Team India

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has come up with a new endurance test for the players to keep up with the growing physical demands of international cricket. The move came after a number of players were injured during the Test series against Australia.

The new test would require players to complete a mandatory 2 kilometre time trial. It is aimed at assessing the speed and endurance of the players. This test will be mandatory for selection into the Indian side, the Indian Express reported. This will be in addition to the yo-yo test.

The report stated that all the contracted players have been informed and will undergo the test ahead of the series against England. India will play four Tests and two T20 internationals against England, starting February 5.

A BCCI official told the Indian Express, “The Board felt that the current fitness standard played a huge role in getting our fitness to the next level.” The official added that the new time trial exercise was aimed at taking the team’s fitness to the next level.

In the new test, fast bowlers will have to complete the 2-km in under 8 minutes and 15 seconds. The benchmark for batsmen, spinners and wicketkeepers has been set at 8 minutes and 30 seconds.

As per global standards, top athletes are expected to complete the 2 kilometre time trial in 6 minutes.