Well, fitness standards have undoubtedly undergone a major transformation in the ever-competitive and ever-evolving arena of international cricket over the past few decades. In the modern era, physical fitness is no longer an additional advantage — it’s a basic requirement of the format. The international cricketers of the modern era are far more physically fit and active as compared to how they used to be in the traditional era, speaking volumes about the spine-chilling transformation that they have witnessed in the past few decades.
From explosive sprinting between the wickets, diving stops in the deep, or maintaining pace and accuracy over long spells, international cricketers are required to stay active on the field throughout the match, which makes it a priority for them to maintain their physical fitness. Have you ever wondered about the ways in which fitness standards have revolutionized the game of cricket? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four ways in which the fitness standards have transformed international cricket.
Top 4 Ways Fitness Standards Transformed International Cricket
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Fierce Fielding & Explosive Speed
Well, the improved fitness standards have undoubtedly revolutionised and redefined fielding in the era of modern cricket and has transformed it into a match-winning weapon over the past few years. With improved fitness levels and greater stamina, the fielders are now able to release the ball quicker and hit the stumps with accuracy.
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Additionally, the fielders’ capability to run across the ground at unmatched speed has shifted the momentum of the matches and built unimaginable pressure on the batting lineups. Moreover, the advanced reflexes and fearless movement across the ropes have also played a crucial role in making modern-day fielders take unrealistic catches. In a nutshell, the improved fitness of fielders has undoubtedly shifted the momentum of fielding from saving runs to dictating the score rates.
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All-Format Dominance
With improved fitness, modern-day international cricketers can easily perform at the peak of their potential across all three formats of international cricket — Test, ODI and T20I. Modern-day cricket demands back-to-back matches and travel-heavy schedules from cricketers and their improved and enhanced fitness plays a crucial role in making them meet the demand with a fearless approach.
Additionally, their optimised strength and stamina also enable modern day cricketers to effortlessly transition from one form of international cricket to another without being exhausted or injured. Overall, with next-level fitness, the international cricketers of the modern era are no longer stuck to just one format of international cricket and can be a specialist in all the three formats and display an unmatched dominance, leading their teams to a phenomenal and sensational streak of victories.
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Stronger Pick Prospects
In addition to the game, the selection criteria behind it has also witnessed a major transformation in the past few decades. In the modern era, fitness is no longer optional for cricketers to get selected to play for their national cricket teams but has become a mandate and a critical part of selection. The selection criteria of the modern era includes beep tests and endurance runs to check the fitness level of the cricketers.
The selectors of the national cricket teams prioritise the candidates who can sprint for quick singles, maintain their bowling pace deep into spells, and chase down high-speed fielding targets. In a nutshell, gone are days when being a specialist of just one skill could get cricketers a spot in the national cricket teams. A cricketer in the modern era must possess the apex level of fitness and unleash their finest potential across all three formats of the game in order to represent their country at an international stage.
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Reduced Injuries & Longer Careers
One of the most significant ways in which the improved fitness standards have revolutionised and transformed the game of international cricket in the modern era is the significant reduction of injuries and the surprising extension of the cricketers’ careers in the arena of international cricket. In the modern era, strength training, flexibility programs, and sports science allow cricketers to appropriately train themselves physically as well as mentally to meet the intense demands of international cricket.
In addition to working on their physical fitness, modern day international cricketers follow a rigorous conditioning routine which significantly reduces their chances of suffering career-threatening injuries on the field. Moreover, cricketers today use multiple therapies, including ice baths, physiotherapy, massage and many others to ensure that their bodies recover fully between intense matches. As a result of top-notch fitness and modern day recovery techniques, the cricketers of the modern era enjoy long careers in international cricket.
