Team India to adopt Rugby-Style Bronco Test: What it is, How it works, and Why it matters for player fitness.
The demands of cricket over the years have changed. For any individual to keep the same intensity and consistency across three formats, fitness comes as the key aspect. Major injuries will always run after players if they don’t focus on training and their recoveries. The margin is so close.
It’s just the tiny difference between being called a great catch and a great effort. If someone accelerates at the right moment and takes less time, it becomes a fabulous catch, or else it ends up being a great effort. And all these training and fitness tests are for that 0.5-second gap.
In the past, India’s men’s side was involved in the Yo-Yo test. Several players didn’t make the cut for selection because of their poor performance in this department. It involved running between markers placed 20 meters apart at increasing speeds. There was also a 10-second break between each 40-metre run. The minimum Yo-Yo level for India’s team was set at 17.1.
However, the BCCI has added the Bronco Test to its fitness assessment protocols, alongside the existing Yo-Yo Test, as per reports. The basic aim of it is to bring the best fitness among the pacers, especially when they travel abroad.
Former India coach explains inner details of Bronco Test
The Bronco test was originally developed for Rugby players and is designed to measure aerobic endurance while pushing the cardiovascular limits. It increases the endurance benchmark of the men’s players in Indian cricket.
The test involves running shuttle distances of 20, 40, and 60 meters. One set includes all three runs. The players will need to complete five continuous sets within just six minutes. That means it will be 1200 meters of running without rest, making it a tough assessment of stamina, speed, and conditioning.
According to the reports of the Indian Express, the suggestion has come from India’s strength and conditioning coach, Adrian le Roux. He wants all the fast bowlers to get more running miles instead of spending time in the gym. Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Blue Brigade, also gives the green light on the idea.
Some of the top players, reportedly, have already taken the assessment at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The idea got life after most of the pacers looked tired by the middle of the five-match Test series in England a few weeks ago. It was only Mohammed Siraj who went through the entire seven-week series.
India’s former strength and conditioning coach, Ramji Srinivasan, has also welcomed the move.
“This is one test that can be done anytime and anywhere. It’s pertinent to all skill sets, which is phenomenal. It has been done all over the world. People have shifted from yo-yo to this, and the readings are so accurate, really. We can measure the fatigue index also, which is very, very good.” Srinivasan expressed to IANS.
“Apart from this, you can measure your VO2 max and sprint fatigue levels. It’s a very simple, effective, plus efficient way of assessing fitness levels. It’s very easy to set up and really pushes the athlete to the max.” Srinivasan added during the same interaction.
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BCCI aims to build pacers’ strength through Bronco test
The BCCI wants its pacers to be sharp and more fit during long Test series away from home. There are many instances where they struggle with the balance of the playing eleven due to the unavailability of certain bowlers. But Srinivasan has also highlighted the challenges of the Bronco test on both body and mind.
“Finally, it also pushes you mentally – because you’re so tired at the end of it. Your lactate buildup, threshold zone, and crossing levels – it’s tough to push, so you have to work mentally also to be prepared for clearing this test.” The former coach said.
Alongside enhancing fitness, it will also be important for the board to keep an eye on the players. The interesting aspect will be if this test remains the final selection marker. Will they be ready to drop a premier player if they fail in the Bronco Test? Moreover, they will also need to keep an eye out for anyone who picks up an injury while giving this fitness assessment.
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