Dear Editor,
Shortly after the recent test match in Barbados between England and the WI, I submitted for publication a letter, in which I attempted to call into question, among other things, the tendency of journalists and some administrators to accuse players of not being physically fit, without producing proof of such lack of fitness. I did not deal with the allegation that certain players in leadership positions encouraged or approved of lack of fitness.
The newspapers exercised their right not to publish the letter.
Since it is an important issue, I wish to bring to the attention of the readers that the players who have borne the brunt of these accusations were the men who more than any others, demonstrated their fitness by making huge scores in tests. They are Lara, the only player to score 400, a triple century, and several double centuries; Gayle, who scored two triple centuries, at least one double century, and batted throughout the innings in Australia; and Sarwan, who scored one double century and fifteen centuries before the age of 30.
Looking elsewhere may yield better results.
Yours faithfully,
Romain Pitt
