Ambati Rayudu became the latest 'casualty' of the Yo Yo Test. The middle-order batsman was named in India’s squad for three-match One-Day International (ODI) against England, starting next month. However, based on the low score from the Yo Yo Test Rayudu was removed from India’s squad. Subsequently, Suresh Raina replaced Rayudu in India’s squad. Yo Yo Test is not new in Indian cricket. For close to year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it mandatory for players to clear the Test.

Jens Bangsbo, the former football player, is known to have conceptualised the Yo Yo Test. And reportedly, it was former India coach Anil Kumble who introduced the Test in Indian cricket. Yo Yo is basically a Test of player’s endurance. The Test is simple and doesn’t need any hi-tech device. Rohit Sharma Clears Yo-Yo Test, Hits Out at News Channels for 'Reporting Before Verifying'.

Here’s what the Yo Yo Test is all about:

Yo Yo Test takes place on a field or indoor just like any other fitness drill. The Test consists of three cones. The first two cones are placed at a distance of five metres from each other. The third cone is placed 20 at a distance of 20 metres from middle or second one.

During the Yo Yo Test, a player has to shuttle between the second and third cone and vice versa at full speed. And then from second to first and vice versa at a normal speed. All this has to be completed within the stipulated time. As the Test progresses, the time is reduced and a player has to increase his speed.

Here’s former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra explaining the Yo Yo Test:

In cricket, Indian team is not the only side to opt for the Yo Yo Test. England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan too have added the Test to their fitness routine. Australia, however, have dropped the Yo Yo Test. Meanwhile, Saba Karim, BCCI's general manager for cricket operations, has clarified that this was the one-off instance of the mandatory Yo Yo Test being conducted after the squad was already named. Mostly, it is done before naming the squad.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2018 07:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).