Fitness of first bowlers has been a headache for Team India. While their workload is managed, injuries have been a speed-breaker. In the Test series against England, only Mohammed Siraj managed to stay injury free while other struggled and even lost pace. As a result, Team India's strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux has suggested that fast bowlers to shift their focus from gym-based exercises to running out in the open. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed the suggestion as well.
As per a report by the Indian Express, some prominent players have already gone through the Bronco Test at Centre of Excellence (formerly NCA) in Bengaluru. This is in addition to the Yo-Yo Test and a two-kilometre run time trial.
“The Bronco Test has been introduced at the Centre of Excellence. Some of India’s contracted players have travelled to Bengaluru and have taken the test. The Bronco Test is being used to ensure there are clear fitness standards. Also, it was noticed that Indian cricketers, more so the fast bowlers, were not running enough and spending too much time in the gym. Players have been told that they will have to do more running,” the source told the English daily.
Earlier, many former cricketers including the legendary Sunil Gavaskar had expressed that players should spend more time running than lifting weights in the gym.
The parameters of the Bronco Test and maximum time for a player
The maximum time a player can take to complete the Bronco Test is six minutes. The rugby-centric Bronco Test includes a 20-metre shuttle run, followed by 40 metre and 60 metre. This makes up for one set. A player won't be allowed a break during five such sets. If the timing is under six minutes, the player passes.
In addition, the fast bowlers will have to complete the 2-km trial under eight minutes and 15 seconds. For batters, wicketkeepers and spinners, it has been increased by 15 seconds.
The minimum Yo-Yo Test level score for an Indian cricketer is 17.1.