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To further improve the fitness of Indian fast bowlers, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a new Bronco test. This test is inspired by rugby and tests the aerobic capacity, endurance and running stamina of the players.
What is Bronco Test
In this, the player has to complete 20m, 40m and 60m shuttle runs as a set. A player has to complete five sets (total 1200m) within 6 minutes without stopping. This test is specially designed for fast bowlers so that they focus on running on the field instead of spending more time in the gym. This test was started on the suggestion of Indian team’s strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, which was also supported by head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Let us tell you that in the recent Test series against England, many fast bowlers (like Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna) were seen lacking in fitness, only Mohammed Siraj was able to play all five Tests. Due to this BCCI took this step. Some of the top players have started taking this test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Other fitness tests are also necessary
It is in addition to the Yo-Yo test and 2 km time trial. The Yo-Yo test involves running at an increasing speed for a distance of 20 meters, with a break of 10 seconds after every 40 meters. The minimum level is 17.1. The time set for the 2 km time trial is 8 minutes 15 seconds for fast bowlers and 8 minutes 30 seconds for batsmen, wicketkeepers and spinners.
What will be the benefit of the Bronco test
The aim of this test is to increase the endurance of fast bowlers and their ability to perform for a long time on the field, so that they can meet the physical demands of long series and international matches. The BCCI believes that fast bowlers should focus on running instead of spending more time in the gym, which will improve their fitness on the field. This new rule is an important step towards ensuring high standards of fitness for Indian cricketers, especially fast bowlers.
