The men’s Ashes 2021 is set to go ahead this summer with England’s players reportedly agreeing to tour in a move. England’s cricketers spoke with Cricket Australia (CA) on Tuesday evening, to thrash out their concerns over strict Covid-19 protocols. Players have been given until the end of this week to make a decision by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). However, the team is only set to tour if an adequate number of front-liner players agree to travel.
However, those fears have now seemingly allayed with the UK’s Daily Telegraph. Meanwhile, they reporting that captain Joe Root has led a group of players committing to the series.
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The Uncertainty of England Players in the Ashes 2021 :
According to the report, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler could be the only England player not to agree to tour. He had previously indicated his concerns over the tour and potential time away from family. Allrounder Moeen Ali will be unavailable after he recently retired. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is taking a break from the game and Jofra Archer is out injured.
CA is yet to officially be informed about that. But will no doubt that they breathing a massive sigh of relief given the magnitude of the decision. The lockdown and quarantine rules and conditions for families are the chief concern. But CA CEO Nick Hockley stressed to England players that conditions in Australia were improving. Also, the country’s vaccination rate is on the rise. Likewise, it’s believed a move to have a second group of England’s players’ families arrive before Christmas. However, they will go to quarantine in Melbourne.
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The Main reason behind their fear in Australia :
The players feared that their families have to do a hard quarantine. As they are only able to arrive in November. But the move to let a second group into Victoria would be welcome news. Although given they do not need to spend as much time away from home. There could be some freedoms for families in regional Victoria. That deal is not officially over the line with the state government. But would be in line with the road map out of COVID-19 as Victoria edges closer to 70 and 80 percent double dosage rates.
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The last concern for CA will now be the Perth Test. Along with officials adamant they will be granted clearance to play in Western Australia just days after being in Sydney. If that does fall through, Canberra or Hobart could seize their first Ashes Test. Alternatively, the match could be held as a second fixture at the SCG or MCG.
