Physio Tracy Fernandes, resident of Porvorim, was on a toughest task of handling the Indian eves, who reached the final of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup held at Lord’s, England. It may look easy but the task was tough as the team had players from across the country with different backgrounds and body types which need to be shaped up according to requirements.
While speaking to Herald, Tracy informed, “Keeping the players fit is a team effort. The strength and conditioning coach Radha, head coach Tushar Arothe as well as our fielding coach Biju George, together we chalk out plans for the training sessions.”
“We monitor the time spent on skill work and thereby decide the frequency and quality of the fitness sessions according to the workload of the players which are monitored individually after each session.”
Tracy further said it is her responsibility to decide whether a player needs to be exempted for any session or restricted specifically from any activity and also to monitor the return to sport.
“The most beautiful aspect of our country and our people is our diversity and it comes through specifically in sports. We are very fortunate to have a very diverse and dynamic group of cricketers which makes it a wonderful unit. Communication is fairly easy and everyone loves and supports one another just like a family,” she discloses with pride.
Having a rich experience of over nine years in physiotherapy, Tracy, however, feels, highly intense and competitive matches take a toll on the players’ fitness.
“Playing highly intense and competitive matches take a toll on the players’ fitness. Therefore, preventing injuries is paramount to ensure the players availability for all the games. The World Cup was a memorable experience, probably one of the best tours of my career so far as I’ve experienced myriad emotions,” Tracy mentioned.
“England was amazing and the people were awesome who helped us and supported us throughout the tournament,” she added
Asked about her role, Tracy disclosed that she looks after the health of the players on and off the field. As we are away from our natural climatic and food preferences, it is a challenging task for an athlete. Therefore, quick adaptability is the key.
Tracy said that the night before the final was a long and sleepless one.
“There was lot of nervous energy among players. However, they all exuded quiet confidence. They knew their roles all too well and were raring to go and play the most important game of their lives so far,” she stated.
“The best part of my job is that it involves spending a lot of time with the players,” feels Tracy which often gives her an insight into their state of mind and also helps her correlate to their injuries.
“Talking to them is a big part in treating the injury as I always believe you have to treat the mind first before actually getting into the physiological aspects of the injury.”
Harmanpreet Kaur’s World Cup journey would have come to a premature end after the second match against West Indies had it not been for Tracy. Despite carrying injuries, the all-rounder still managed to play all nine games of the Women’s World Cup and came out shining.
Harmanpreet readily gave credit to Tracy saying, “There were a couple of injuries before the final but thanks to our physio who made me play. At one point (in the tournament) it looked like I might have to return from the World Cup. I would like to give full credit to Tracy because of whom I could play the full World Cup.”
Harmanpreet had hurt a finger on her left hand in the West Indies match. Her little and ring fingers were tightly strapped on Wednesday too.
Tracy accepted that her own physical and mental health is not in great shape as she has no much time to devote to herself given the high stress of the job at hand.
“I know it’s the oldest excuse in the book. However, I make it a point to stay as active as possible and to eat healthy and I always make time to read every single day as well as listen to some soulful music,” she concluded.
