'My smell and taste aren't too good still' - Tom Banton feels he is still suffering from COVID-19

Dynamic England batter Tom Banton is currently not having a good time with the bat in the County Championship 2021 season and the right-hand batter feels he is still having the effects of COVID-19, which he had contracted while playing for Pakistan Super League (PSL) during March this year. Banton represented Quetta Gladiators and was tested positive on March 3.

After isolating himself, the 21-year-old batter returned to England started preparing himself for the County season which was set to begin from May. Things have so far not gone the way as Banton would have hoped to have as he has not scored a single half-century while playing for Somerset.

Known for his unorthodox and attacking strokeplay, Banton feels his dip in form might be due to him not having fully recovered from the deadly virus.

I’ve still probably got long COVID-19: Tom Banton

“I’ve still probably got long COVID-19. My smell and taste aren’t too good still, which is a bit weird – and a bit worrying, actually. It might have had an impact on the runs – who knows? — but apart from that it’s been alright. I’ve felt probably [in] the best form I have done, but obviously the red ball sometimes has your name on it,” Banton told Espncricinfo.

The 21-year-old batter was fast-tracked into the international level due to his fearless strokeplay. He soon showed his class during the T20 international series against Pakistan at home scoring 71, 20 and 46. He could not continue his good form against rivals Australia as he just made 12 runs in three T20Is.

Banton has also featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playing for Kolkata Knight Riders last year. He only got to play two games. Later, he was all set to play for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) and about to partner Chris Lynn at the top, only to pull out of the tournament at the last minute citing bubble fatigue.

“I pulled out of a few things this winter, but I have to get the balance right. There’s so many things going on every month, either with England or tournaments around the world, and I have to be very clear with what I’m doing and stick to it,” he added.