England multi-format cricketers, who play Tests as well as limited-overs cricket, are faced with the prospect of being away from their families for four months, owing to the ongoing COVID-related restrictions.
England cricketers have a daunting international schedule, starting in September. They will tour Asian countries Bangladesh and Pakistan for limited-overs contests to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, slated to be held in October-November. The Test players will have to assemble in Australia in the second half of November for the Ashes, which begins on December 8.
England Cricketers Will Have To Play Ashes Without Their Families
According to a report in the Daily Mail, England cricketers are worried about the possible scenario wherein they will have to play The Ashes in Down Under without their families.
At present, Australia’s borders are currently closed to travellers from abroad as a precautionary measure to deal with the ongoing COVID-19. Cricket Australia (CA) is trying to seek permission from the government, on ECB’s behalf, for England cricketers’ families to be allowed to travel with them. However, there has been no positive development on the same as yet.
Incidentally, Indian players are with their families in the UK for a long and gruelling tour. After the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand, Indian cricketers will get a short break from the bio-bubble since there is a long gap between the end of the WTC final and the start of the five-match Test series against England.
The first India-England Test will begin in Nottingham on August 4 whereas the WTC Final will end on June 22 with June 23 as the reserve day.
Jos Buttler: Playing Without Families Would Be A Huge Challenge
England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler has admitted that it would be a massive challenge for the England team to try and win the Ashes without their families around.
Asked if he expected families to travel with the team to Australia, Buttler responded: “I don’t know the answer. Covid is an ever-changing situation and Australia have some quite strict policies.
“That (playing without families) would be a huge challenge, especially when you are accustomed to being able to take your family. A lot of the guys have young families, so I’m sure they’d find that tough. Hopefully, a positive solution can be found.”
The five-match Ashes series will begin in Brisbane on December 8 and conclude in Perth on January 18. The New Year Test will be held in Sydney from January 5 to 9. Australia is the current holder of the Ashes. They won the series 4-0 in 2017-18 and drew the 2019 Ashes 2-2.