|
McKenzie lost 1kg every hour!
27/03/2008 22:19 - (SA)
Jaco van der Merwe , Beeld
Chennai - South African opener Neil McKenzie lost about a kilogram in weight during every hour he was batting on the first day of the cricket Test match against India here on Wednesday.
McKenzie scored 94 runs before he was dismissed shortly before the tea break. By then he had lost three and a half kilograms since opening the innings with his captain, Graeme Smith.
Just as well nobody weighed Hasim Amla after his marathon seven hour session for 159 runs!
Weight loss is one of the consequences of playing in the heat and humidity in this coastal city and members of the Proteas' medical team have their hands full to ensure the players remain hydrated.
They also have to help the players keep physically cool and take the correct nutrients.
"With the temperature at around 35 degrees Celsius and the humidity between 70 and 80 per cent, we have to take care of their hydration, heat tolerance, nutrition and recovery," says Mohammad Moosajee, the team doctor.
"Losing three and a half kilograms in one day is a lot. The average loss should not be more then between one and two kilograms.
At the mercy of the umpires
"Neil got about two and a half kilograms back through the liquids and nutrients he took and the food he ate," Moosajee said.
After the match, McKenzie's weight should be about the same as it was before the start.
"The difference between cricketers and cyclists or racing drivers is that cricketers do not have liquids with them at all times. They are at the mercy of the umpires.
"We try to take liquids to them in between the scheduled breaks."
The medical staff must also ensure that the body temperature of the players does not get out of hand.
"We have tried ice jackets before but they are too uncomfortable. Therefore, we prefer ice baths or cool towels," he added.
"The problem with ice baths is that they take time because the players have to undress and get dressed again.
"We also have to ensure that bandages or plasters don't get wet because it can take another ten minutes to replace them."
Batsmen change into dry clothing during the breaks and bowlers leave the field regularly to jump into the ice bath and change into dry clothes.
- Beeld
|
