Reports: CA not anticipating Ashes boycott or mass withdrawal of English players

Amid the reports of English players pulling out of Ashes due to strict COVID-19 protocols in Australia, CA is expecting to carry this summer’s Ashes will the full-strength squad of England. It has to be noted that next week will be vital for English players as they will receive some fine briefing from CA over stringent quarantine rules in Australia.

In the same light, CA Chief Nick Hockley stated that he hasn’t been informed anything from ECB’s chief Tom Harrison that a depleted side would tour their nation for the upcoming Ashes. CA still believes that a full-fledged squad that was finalized four months ago will tour this summer. However, their cricket board accepts the fact that some players might pull out from the series due to personal reasons.

Many Australian cricketers also didn’t travel to Bangladesh and West Indies for similar reasons. It was also reported that some English players are not on a good note with ECB as they are being reluctant on boycotting the tour. The players of England are not in any mood to put their families into a tough quarantine period.

There have been different COVID-19 experiences in both the nations as in the UK, the life is back to normal with their massive vaccine rollout. However, stringent protocols and quarantine protocols continue to prevail in Australia, the same which English players and their families are trying to avoid.

CA will work constructively and in partnership with the government to deliver the summer of cricket

“Cricket Australia continues to work closely with the ECB and government authorities in Australia regarding the upcoming Ashes series, which will be the centrepiece for one of the biggest summers of cricket on record. We are currently planning the operational requirements of this tour and working with the ECB on the proposed make-up of the England touring party,” said CA in a statement as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.

“As was the case last season, CA will work constructively and in partnership with government to deliver the summer of cricket, while ensuring the health, wellbeing, and safety of the community,” the statement added.