All players at the training camp pass fitness test apart from Umar Akmal [Update #67]

[Big Mac]

Yoyo (Beep test), which is a more of a cardio test (related to oxygen intake) for a sportsman, which is redundent in cricket. It's more suitable for sports which need burst of speed & then quick recovery. This test shouldn't be used for cricket as the fitness requirement is different - Warne won't pass YoYo test, but he could bowl 70 overs from one end for 2 days with immaculate accuracy; similarly, Inzi, Sehwag or Tendulkar won't pass it, but they could keep batting concentration for 2 days.

Not sure why PCB uses Yoyo test, which is used mostly in sports like soccer, rugby, Aussie rules, American football, hockey, netball, handball, tennis, squash etc. It's more accurate test for cardiovascular fitness, rather than soft tissue, muscle power & flexibility. For example, at 6'4", Tanvir might pass 17.1 target in few attempts (and help from his trainers), but that doesn't mean he can slide, run for a flat out spell, or other cricket related issue. It's not a reliable method for cricket, because anyone with stiff body can train for running & pass it without improving his overall fitness requirement.

Umar will hardly pass Yoyo test for his extra weight, but he is still a better fielder in PAK as every Captain have put him at point or sweeper, even in his "heavy days"; Tanvir on his fittest days was kept hidden at short leg by every Captain; while Sarfu as a keeper is beyond explanation, though he definitely has passed Yoyo.

That's why I mentioned that the test was catered to auto pass players - on a cricket specific test, half of these players won't pass. It's stupendous stupidity if any one thinks that fast bowler, wicket keeper & batsman can be measured on fitness with identical testing procedure.

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[MMHS]

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I am sure many other cricket team uses Yo-yo test as part of preparation; but not sure if it's used as the main test to determine which is cricket fit or not for his role.

Mu biggest objection on Yo-yo benchmark (17.1 or whatever) to pass/fail a player is that, one can work with trainer on cardio & pass the benchmark in multiple attempts - still he'll remain Sohail Tanvir, the pacer & Sarfraz the wicket keeper.

 

[Big Mac]

I am sure many other cricket team uses Yo-yo test as part of preparation; but not sure if it's used as the main test to determine which is cricket fit or not for his role.

Mu biggest objection on Yo-yo benchmark (17.1 or whatever) to pass/fail a player is that, one can work with trainer on cardio & pass the benchmark in multiple attempts - still he'll remain Sohail Tanvir, the pacer & Sarfraz the wicket keeper.

Both of which are preferable to being Umar Akmal the chaiwalla

 

[MMHS]

Both of which are preferable to being Umar Akmal the chaiwalla

You are too harsh on the Dilwala kid - these days he almost gives me the impression of Dilip Kumar, the tragedy king; even lost out in fitness to his 10 years older sibling, who himself is one of the most unfit player around. And, he is so st***d that he even wasn't aware of the trick - he had 2 weeks before this test & had 2/3 chances to pass; still didn't work to reach the bench mark. Anyone similar age, playing Internationally & doing basic training regularly, should pass Yoyo test with few weeks preparation.

I think, Arthur likes him - just somehow had the touched that mark, he would have started at 6 in all 7 matches in WI.