MINISTER’S ULTIMATUM
Sri Lanka players told to get fit or pack their bags
Colombo — The Sri Lankan government on Wednesday warned the national cricket team to get fit in three months or get booted out. The ultimatum came after the squad were found to be unfit for the series that starts on Friday against Zimbabwe. "No one has a satisfactory level of fitness, but I made an exception this time," Sport Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said. Players are selected by an independent panel for the national team, but the sports minister must give final approval before they can represent the country. Jayasekara said no member of the 13-man squad had met required international fitness standards and noted that high levels of injuries were due to poor endurance. Only two players — Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Madushanka — scored high marks in the "yo-yo" endurance test which is mainly running against the clock. Three other tests were also carried out. Controversial fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who weighs 80kg, failed one test and barely scraped through the rest. "Malinga ...
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