Half of Pakistan cricket team fails fitness test ahead of tour of England

The Pakistan cricket team have never been known for their fitness and athleticism on the field, but even the staunchest of critics would be surprised that they would fail basic fitness tests. According to a report, more than half of the 31 players who are part of the boot camp have failed fitness tests. These tests were done in preparation for their gruelling tour of England later this summer.

Test skipper Misbah-ul-haq, Younis Khan, Fawad Alam and opener Shan Masood have been outstanding in the fitness drills while the rest have failed to impress the military trainers and fielding and fitness coach Grant Luden.

"What is of concern is that apart from a few players, the rest have failed to satisfy the military trainers and the Pakistan team fielding coach and fitness trainer Grant Luden in the fitness drills. It's only Misbah, Younis, Shaan and Masood who have maintained a consistent standard," a source said, as quoted by India Today.

The fitness drills included long distance running, 100 metre sprints, hurdles sprint and steep climbing. Seeing the results, Luden has now devised a plan for the other players which means they will have to start training from 7am till 12 noon.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reported to be very serious about the fitness of the players and with the early results not showing any change they will be ready to drop players who are not up to standards.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board has made it very clear that fitness will be a key element while deciding the touring squad for England. One reason for the decline in the team's performances in the limited-over format in recent months has been the general low level of fitness among the players," a source told PTI as quoted by India Today.

During Pakistan's tour of England in July, they play four Test matches, five ODIs and a solitary T20 game.