By now you should have your skills sheet filled in with all the skills you require (including the ones you already have).

The next step is to create a number to add to the Score column.

This is so you can monitor improvements, which will not only motivate you but give you a clearer picture from which to set your own training.

The Tests

Speed Test - Mark out a 30m straight line test area. Record the time taken to run the distance. Do this 3 times in total with a full recovery between tests. Record the best result.

Batter Speed Test - Use a cricket pitch or mark out an area of the right length. In full batting kit (including bat) the batter takes three runs as quickly as possible. Record the time it takes. Again, do this 3 times with a full recovery.

Agility Test - Follow the instructions for the Illinois Agility Test

Endurance Test - Follow the Step Test or if you are really hardcore: A Beep Test.

Concentration Test - Concentration during a game is hard to test for, but to get a basic overview try this concentration test.

Stress Test - Follow the Sports Competitive Anxiety Test.

Self-Motivation Test - Take the SPQ20 Test

Upper Body Stength Test - Do as many press ups as you can in a minute. Repeat twice more with a full recovery and record the best result.

Lower Body Power Test - Take the Leg Strength Test

Reaction Test - Take the Ruler Drop Test

Flexibility Test - Take the Sit & Reach Test

Tactical Awareness Test - This is hard to test. Currently the best method is to askyour coach or training buddy to rate you as well as rating yourself on a scale of 1-100 for tactical awareness. However, subscribe as I will be producing a Tactical Awareness Test for you.

Skills Technique Test - To truly analyse technique you would need access to biomechanical video analysis. Assuming you are not an International player and dont have this you can use the more low tech version.

Working with your coach or training partner, identify 3 key points for each skill. For example, the basic action could include hip rotation, head position and follow through.For each of these points, get yourself marked out of 10. This then gives you a number to work towards as you work on your technique.

Fatigue Technique Test - Repeat the analysis above but do the test after a training session or fitness workout to simulate the fatigue of playing cricket.

Bowler Accuracy Test - Mark a target on the net or pitch. Depending on the bowler the target could be the stumps themselves or you could use tape on the pitch. See how many times out of 10 you can hit the target. You can do several tests for each delivery type i.e. arm ball or googly.

Throw Length Test - Setup an area as for a javelin throw. Have the ball rolled out and after completing a long barrier, throw the ball as far as possible. Record the distance from where the ball first bounces. Take the best of 3 throws.

Throw Accuracy Test - Place a ball 25 yards from a wicketkeeper over the stumps. Pickup and throw the ball in to the keeper. Record the number of times you get the ball to the gloves out of 20. If the keeper has to take a pace away from the stumps to take the ball you so not score a point.

Underarm Throw Accuracy Test - Place the ball 5 yards form the stumps. Pick up and underarm throw at the stumps. Record the number of times the ball hits out of 20.

Catching Test - Have a ball throw or hit to you from 30 yards. Record the number of successful catches out of 10.

Ground Fielding Test - Have a wicketkeeper or coach roll the ball out to a marker 10 yards from the stumps. Pick up with 1 or 2 hands (depending on the test type) and return to the keeper. Record the number of clean pick ups out of 10.

Most club players will not need to take any more detailed advice to get the best from testing. But, if you are very serious about testing, or wish to get more background on the science you should buy Physiological Tests for Elite Athletes by Christopher Gore. Which is as excellent as it is detailed.

Once you have recorded your results you need to set your targets for improvement and monitor your progress. This will be discussed in part 3.

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