Bhanuka, Danushka and Kusal Mendis pass fitness tests

By Bipin Dani

The two Sri Lankan cricketers, Danushka Gunathilake and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who had marginally failed their fitness tests last Friday have cleared it on their second attempt. 

"Today they successfully passed the 2 kilometre fitness test challenge,” a source confirmed. 

Danushka Gunathilake was marginally ahead and ran the 2 kilometre distance within a time frame of 8 minutes and 23 seconds, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa did it in 8 minutes and 27 seconds.

Newly married Kusal Mendis also passed the test in 8 minutes and 18 seconds. He did not participate in last week’s test because his wedding was on the same day. 

Former Sri Lanka team manager Charith Senanayake meanwhile, said that match fitness should also be stressed on. 

"When others are hell bent on strict fitness standards which is a fair call, perhaps West Indies think that what’s good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. Rahkeem Cornwall proves match fitness and skill too is equally important".  

Cornwall, who weighs 140 kgs, was the Player of the Match in the last Test against Bangladesh