Cricket South Africa to introduce fitness clause in player's contracts
In a bid to set benchmark for fitness, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is planning to add a fitness clause in the player contracts. Head coach Mark Boucher believes the players need to maintain their fitness levels. The likes of Sisanda Magala, Jon-Jon Smuts, Tabraiz Shamsi and Lungi Ngidi were all placed in a 'high-performance fitness camp' in January ahead of the England ODIs.
"Guys need to keep up their fitness because we will be inserting new fitness clauses in contracts. We have seen that players who are not fit enough don't get selected. They are professionals and they need to do what they have to do." Boucher said.
The Proteas returned midway through the Indian tour amid fear of coronavirus. However, Boucher stated that the plans have not been disrupted as the break will be useful for the team. "The plan was always to give the guys some time off to spend with the family. It also gives them the chance to get over a few niggles.
Boucher's statement comes after CSA conducted a special fitness camp for a few players in January. South Africa all-rounders Jon-Jon Smuts and Sisanda Magala, seamer Lungi Ngidi and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi were kept in high-performance camp for three weeks to prove their fitness for the England ODIs. While Smuts, Ngidi and Shamsi cleared the fitness test, Magala failed to meet the requirements.
Boucher revealed that a number of fitness programs have been introduced for the players to keep them going. "The first few weeks are important, to refresh physically and mentally. We have put in some programmes around the house for guys to keep them fit and strong," he said. He added, "They need to keep their discipline. There will be testing after the lockdown period."
