'I fear for The Hundred and India Test series' – Michael Vaughan wants changes in isolation rules

Many major cricket series and tournaments have already been cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus and the global pandemic isn’t likely to go out of the picture anytime soon. On Thursday (July 15), it was learned that India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh pant has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The southpaw was due to feature in the upcoming five-match Test series against England. However, his participation is now in jeopardy.

Notably, the Delta variant of the virus has given rise to increasing coronavirus cases in England lately. This means dark clouds are looming over the upcoming cricket fixtures in the UK. Former England captain Michael Vaughan certainly feels so. Taking to Twitter, Vaughan expressed concerns over the fate of the upcoming Test series and also the inaugural season of The Hundred. The veteran also suggested that the isolation rules need to be changed.

I fear the Ashes could be hugely affected with players pulling out: Michael Vaughan

“I fear for the 100 & the Indian Test series unless the isolation laws change .. we are bound to have cases as is the case with @RishabhPant17.. plus further down the line I fear the Ashes could be hugely affected with players pulling out unless bubbles/quarantine rules change!” tweeted Vaughan.

I fear for the 100 & the Indian Test series unless the isolation laws change .. we are bound to have cases as is the case with @RishabhPant17 .. plus further down the line I fear the Ashes could be hugely affected with players pulling out unless bubbles/quarantine rules change !

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 15, 2021

For the unversed, The Hundred is scheduled to get underway on July 21. While many T20 stars had given their name in the competition, several prominent players have pulled out due to the quarantine and isolation protocols. Moreover, the entire tournament would be under threat of getting suspended if COVID-19 cases go out of control. The same implies to the England vs India series as well.

Owing to the same, Vaughan wants a change in the quarantine rules. As per the current norms, players need to enter the bio-bubble after spending a certain amount of time in isolation. The strictness of these norms has prompted many players to pull out of several series and tournaments. Hence, it would be interesting to see how the upcoming fixtures would unfold.

Meanwhile, the high-voltage Test series gets underway on August 4 in Nottingham. If the games go as per schedule, India would back themselves to emerge victorious as they have been doing exceptionally well in red-ball cricket lately. Hence, England must put their best foot forward.

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