Nick Webb Opens Up On The Repercussions Of Not Playing For A Long Time On Players Fitness

The onset of the global pandemic coronavirus [COVID-19] has ensured that everyone stays locked up within the confines of their home. No cricket has been played since the mid of March and with uncertainty around when the game will commence, Team India’s mental and health conditioning coach Nick Webb is worried about the fitness of the players.

According to Nick Webb, cricketers run at a higher risk of getting injured when they are not playing cricket for a long period of time. Webb reckons that the risk runs higher when it comes to fast bowlers as compared to spinners or batsmen as the body demands more out of them.

“I think there is always going to be a higher risk of injury if you do not have adequate build-up time following any sort of lockout of matchplay. Particularly with pace bowlers, due to the nature of their match demands. These guys need an adequate, accumulated bowling load to be able to tolerate not only international match intensity and volume but also to be able to back up matches throughout an extended series,” Nick Webb told Sportstar.

And, in order to ensure that the Indian cricket team does not grapple with such issues once cricket returns, he has charted out a different plan for each individual.

“Pace bowlers have far different physical demands placed on them during matches compared to spinners and batsmen, so it makes sense to adapt the focus and priorities based on their roles and individual abilities. There is certainly a different framework I consider when prescribing exercises and drills for fast bowlers compared to the batsman.” he added.

Also Read: Batsmen Will Take At Least One And A Half Month To Find Sweet Spot Of Their Bats, Feels Rohit Sharma

It will take at least 4-6 weeks for players to return to optimum fitness- Nick Webb

When asked about how much time it will take for players to return to optimum fitness, Nick Webb said that it will take at least four-six weeks for the cricketers to return to match-fitness before any competitive game.

“Between our team physiotherapists, medical staff, and I, we have devised a three-stage plan which we believe is in the best interest of the player’s health, wellness and performance once the pandemic restrictions are eased,” he added.

“Obviously, there is a lot that goes into planning future tours and tournaments with many stakeholders to consider. However, we believe between four and eight weeks’ build-up before the first match, depending on the format to be played, is a safe time frame.” Nick Webb added.

Earlier, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane had also alluded to what Nick Webb had said. The duo had reckoned that cricketers should be given at least a month of intense training before they return to the field for any competitive match.

Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane Reckons Atleast 3-4 Weeks Of Practice Needed Before Competitive Cricket Resumes Post COVID-19