Grant Flower: “Some of the guys didn’t pass that test; Abid was one of them”

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Pakistan batting coach Grant Flower has confirmed that some of the players failed to pass a fitness test during the recent ODI series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates.

According to Geo News, opener Abid Ali, batsman Umar Akmal, all-rounder Imad Wasim, pace bowler Mohammad Hasnain and spinner Yasir Shah all failed the yo-yo test.

While Flower confirmed that Abid was one of the players that were unsuccessful, he also pointed out that the results show a few players are still not up to the fitness standards required to be in the national team.

“There was a fitness test done at Sharjah cricket ground where everyone was tested,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “Some of the guys didn’t pass that test; Abid was one of them.

“But that was simply a wake-up call as to what was required. Everyone was told they would have to measure up to the minimum 17:4 in the yo-yo test if they are to go to the World Cup.

“Because we were trying our bench players and some guys who hadn’t ever played with the national team, it wasn’t a barrier to taking part in the Australia series, but it will be for the World Cup.”