‘Leave it to the players, let them speak’ – Tim Paine asks Kevin Pietersen to let England cricketers decide on their Ashes participation

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine sounded confident that the upcoming Ashes will start as per schedule even if Joe Root and some of the other England players refrain from travelling to Australia. Previously, Root, the English Test skipper, couldn’t confirm whether or not he would be going to take part in the high-profile five-match series, starting December 8.

Paine also came down hard on former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen, who stated that the Brits won’t be going to Australia due to the strict quarantine rules set by the Aussie government in the COVID-19 pandemic. Paine, who’s recovering after undergoing neck surgery, asked Pietersen to let the players decide on whether or not they want to take part.

There is NO WAY I would go to The Ashes this winter.
ZERO chance!
Unless, the ridiculous quarantine rules were squashed and my family could travel with zero restrictions.

Players are now done with bubbles!

DONE!!!!!!!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) September 27, 2021

If you don’t want to come, don’t come, says Tim Paine  

“No one is forcing any England player to come. That‘s the beauty of the world we live in – you have a choice. If you don’t want to come, don’t come,” Paine was quoted as saying on Fox Sports.

“We have not heard one England player come out and say they will not be coming. I think it‘s been beat up and people like Kevin like to get themselves a little bit of exposure in the media,” he stated

“If you do want to come and represent your country and play in an Ashes series which Joe Root said ‘that’s what they all want to do, that’s what they dream about doing’ then come and do it. Kevin (Pietersen), mate, leave it to the players. Let them speak.

“The great thing about it if anyone is talking to Kevin (Pietersen) is no one is forcing you to come,” Paine added.

Earlier, it was learned that Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board are in constant touch regarding the quarantine rules prior to the high-voltage series. Jos Buttler, England’s wicketkeeper, had said that it won’t be easy for him to spend time away from his family.

Prior to the Ashes, England will also take part in the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, starting October 17. The Gabba in Brisbane is set to host the opening Test of the Ashes.