Many players are hesitant to travel because their families will be unable to accompany them due to Australia's strict restrictions.
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Australian captain Tim Paine has insisted that the Ashes will go ahead despite some England players’ reservations about quarantine restrictions. Paine’s remarks come after Joe Root and a number of other English players expressed concerns about the upcoming tour Down Under, with many suffering from “bubble fatigue.” Many players are hesitant to travel because their families will be unable to accompany them due to Australia’s strict restrictions, and Jos Buttler is hoping for clarity soon after stating that he would not travel if his family was unable to accompany him. Paine is unconcerned about whether English players want to come or not and has offered them the option of opting out of the Ashes series.
“The Ashes are going ahead,” the Australian captain insisted on radio station, SEN Hobart.
“The first Test is on December 8 – whether Joe is here or not. It’ll be worked out above us and then they’ll have a choice whether to get on that plane or not. 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,” the Aussie skipper added.
The two organisations are discussing travel conditions, and Cricket Australia is in contact with authorities to determine whether players’ families can attend. Even fully vaccinated individuals are currently required to stay in a hotel for 14 days, and the country has a limit on the number of international arrivals.
Former England batter Kevin Pietersen took to social media to express his belief that no member of the visiting team should travel if they are subjected to any restrictions.
“There is NO WAY I would go to The Ashes this winter. ZERO chance!,” the 41-year-old tweeted.
“Unless, the ridiculous quarantine rules were squashed and my family could travel with zero restrictions.”
Paine simply dismissed Pietersen, stating that the decision to play or not should be left up to the players.
“If you want to know anything on any topic in the world, you just ask Kevin Pietersen. He is an expert on everything,” Paine said.
“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 added.
Due to the restrictions, it is unclear whether England vice-captain Jos Buttler will play in the Ashes series. He is getting ready to fly to the United Arab Emirates for the Twenty20 World Cup next week. Despite being a well-known and respected member of the English team, Buttler wishes to spend more time with his family following the birth of his second child. Buttler will not play in the Ashes if his family is unable to accompany him.
“If I had to do a World Cup and an Ashes – four, five months without seeing my family – I wouldn’t be comfortable doing that,” the 31-year-old said.
“We’re still waiting for more information, as soon as possible.”
