England’s Ashes tour of Australia given hope after ECB agree ‘better than expected’ conditions
The ashes is a cricket match that takes place every year between England and Australia. This year, the ashes was given hope after the ECB agreed on better than expected conditions for the tour.
According to reports, the ECB has agreed to favorable terms for this winter’s tour in Australia. (Photo courtesy of Getty)
After the two boards allegedly agreed on advantageous circumstances around the stringent covid-19 limits presently in place, England may be poised to select a strong team for this winter’s Ashes trip in Australia.
Some of England’s players are hesitant to commit to the two-month tour in Australia until they have more certainty about the schedule and if their families will be allowed to accompany them.
Cricket Australia has already communicated proposed tour conditions with the ECB, and although the specifics have yet to be shared with the players, one insider informed the Daily Mail that the rules are “better than anticipated,” indicating that the series will go ahead.
According to the same source, the players were contacted and told that they will get further information in the following 10 days.
Several England players, including wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, whose wife just gave birth to their second child, have threatened to withdraw from the trip unless a compromise on the 14-day quarantine restrictions placed on families is reached.
‘Covid is a difficult situation for everyone, and Australia has a very stringent strategy in place to deal with it,’ he added.
Several England players, including Jos Buttler, have threatened to withdraw from the trip. (Photo courtesy of Getty)
‘Add to that the fact that we’ve been living in bio-secure bubbles for so long.’ It’s nearly like being on tour when you play cricket in England.
‘I’ve made a lot of sacrifices for cricket, and my wife and family have made a lot of sacrifices as well. You must be willing to say no.’
Stuart Broad has indicated that he would make himself available for the tour Down Under regardless of the limitations, but has also said that he would support anybody who thought that making the trip would be detrimental to their mental health.
Former England batsman Mark Butcher, meanwhile, has encouraged players to follow Broad’s lead in committing to the series, regardless of whether or not their families are permitted to accompany them.
Stuart Broad has said that he will visit Australia (Picture: Getty)
‘I’m a little irritated by the notion that players are debating whether or not to travel on an Ashes trip because of the quarantine rules for their spouses and children,’ he said.
‘Now, spouses and children coming on vacations was very much a luxury in my time; it wasn’t expected.
More: Cricket in England
‘I understand that times have changed dramatically, but given that everyone is required to make various sacrifices, many sacrifices, many things have changed as a result of Covid-19.
‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime Ashes tour. Chances are, when it comes around again in four years, everything will be back to normal, and you’ll be able to see your families for Christmas and the rest of the festivities.
‘However, this is your responsibility. ‘This is how you make money.’
MORE: Shane Warne, Australia’s icon, is “quite confident” The Ashes will go on as planned, with England being urged to recall two players.
Virat Kohli will stand down as India’s T20 captain after the Cricket World Cup.
Check out our sports page for more stories like this.
On Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can keep up with Metro Sport’s newest news.
