The wait for bowlers looking to resume Test cricket after the coronavirus hiatus will be longer than others as the ICC has set a preparation time of up to two to three months for them to avoid getting injured.
“Test cricket would require a minimum of 8-12 week preparation period (for bowlers), the final 4-5-week period would involve match intensity bowling.
“Bowlers are at a particularly high risk of injury on return to play after a period of enforced time-out,” the sport’s world governing body said in its ‘back-to-cricket’ guidelines.
Under the subhead cricket specific risks, the ICC mentioned about “safe and effective return of players to strength and conditioning (particularly bowlers).”
“Limited preparation may cause higher injury levels,” it said.
“When looking at timescales, consideration needs to be given to the age and physical preparedness as this will influence the risk and length of time required to develop appropriate bowling loads that will allow a safe and effective return to international cricket.”
The ICC said a return to T20 Internationals for bowlers would require a minimum five-six week preparation period, the last three-week involving match intensity bowling.
The minimum preparation time for ODIs has been set at six weeks, with the final three weeks involving match intensity bowling.
The ICC also advised teams to use larger squads and exercise caution over bowlers’ workloads and stated that Test cricket would require a minimum of eight to 12 week preparation.