Cricket fitness tests cause too much frustration and confusion

As confusing as they are controversial, the fitness levels required to play professional South African cricket are inconsistent, creating a great deal of frustration for players and bewilderment for fans.

The fitness tests which national players are expected to pass have affected multiple Proteas players, perhaps most notably Dane van Niekerk, who was omitted from the women’s T20 World Cup squad earlier this year after returning from injury. She had expressed her disappointment, insisting she felt ready to play.

Last year, Ryan Rickelton was also dropped from the men’s Test squad to tour Australia after being ruled out due to an ankle injury, though he went on to play for the Lions after being ruled fit to play by his domestic franchise. He too said he was left gutted.

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Similarly, Sisanda Magala was dropped from the men’s World Cup squad last week after missing most of the recent home tour against Australia due to a knee injury.

The seamer went on to bowl five overs for the Lions, however, taking two wickets in their rain affected One-Day Challenge match against the Dolphins at the Wanderers on Wednesday. This just five days after he was dropped from the World Cup squad.

Perhaps most frustrating, in the instances of Magala and Rickelton in particular, has been the lack of clarity.

Inconsistent requirements

Maybe there are valid reasons for dropping apparently fit players from the SA side, but if there are, Cricket South Africa and the Proteas management aren’t sharing them.

It was reported last month that CSA had eased its fitness requirements for national players, who would be allowed to play as long as they received the green light from their coaches. The national federation still recommended, however, that players pass minimum fitness requirements before playing in official matches.

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Domestic franchises, such as the Lions, are likely just more lenient than national team management, but it is very weird when players are dropped by SA squads, only to pop up in local matches.

More consistency in terms of what is expected will not only make things clearer for players, but also for those who follow the game, avoiding both controversy and confusion.