Covid-19 break a blessing for bowlers
● The coronavirus’s global spread may have halted cricket, but it has given overworked fast bowlers welcome breathing space.
Lions fitness coach Nandile Tyali said bowlers have had time to rest.
Without the lockdowns, there would have been a lot of cricket in the form of internationals, domestic games, county cricket and the Indian Premier League.
The 30-year-old Tyali saw it as a blessing in disguise.
“A season is very long for a national team cricketer. I remember Prof Tim Noakes saying your body can only be active for seven months in the year.”
Intense stamina
“I read Kagiso Rabada’s most recent article with regards to how fresh he is because of the rest he’s had since he missed part of the international season. He’s now rejuvenated.”
Tyali said national team bowlers had two weeks’ down time from the March lockdown compared with franchise bowlers, who were given four weeks off to shake off niggles and fatigue.
Bowlers have eight weeks to prepare in pre-season, with the first six weeks made up of intense stamina and strength build-ups.
The last two consist of match-intensity bowling, but in short bursts.
Tyali said this helps bowlers avoid softtissue injuries as a result of increased work while chasing bowling fitness.
“The danger of injuries after long rest is ever present, highlighting the importance of a good build-up. The six to eight weeks is important because when the guys are built up, the body adapts, compensates and the stress dissipates. If the T20 World Cup wasn’t in doubt, a minimum of six weeks or maximum eight are critical because you risk spiking the load from one extreme to the next,” Tyali said. “That’s where injury happens, because the body isn’t accustomed to such a change. It needs time to adapt and if it’s not done in that time frame, the risk of injury rises.”
Former Proteas bowling coach and Cricket SA high-performance manager Vincent Barnes said the six- to eight-week build-up makes a difference to bowlers.
“We work backwards from the time when a series or tour is supposed to start. By the time we’re ready to travel, the guys are bowling fit. Because there’s uncertainty with regards to when they’re playing, it’s tough to keep the guys motivated,” Barnes said.
“It’s a delicate process now, but there’s a lot of communication from director of cricket Graeme Smith to the various departments with regards to commencement dates. It helps with the planning for teams.”