Ashes to go ahead after CA eases restrictions for England players - Reports

In a positive development, the Ashes is likely to go ahead as planned after negotiations between Cricket Australia (CA) and England Cricket Board (ECB). Dark clouds were looming over the series as many players were not keen on travelling to Australia due to the stringent COVID-19 protocols in the country. However, CA assured them they will do every possible effort to make things easier for the England players. They sent a proposal to ECB detailing the terms of the tour and if reports are to be believed, CA have lived up to their words and laid out very minimal restrictions for the players.

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Further, it is being reported that the families will be allowed to accompany the players. The families and staff travelling to Australia will quarantine at Yarra Valley resort and won’t be confined to their rooms, stated a report in Skysports. At the moment, anyone entering Australia has to serve a 14-day quarantine but the number could come down to just seven days by November.

ECB earlier had said that they will take a call on Ashes after taking the players’ feedback and given that players are satisfied with the protocols, the series in all possibilities will go ahead. An official announcement regarding the same will be done later this week.

Australia batter Aaron Finch also confirmed that England are keen on visiting the country. “They’ve played a lot of Test cricket so I can understand where they’re coming from. Guys are on the road for a lot longer than what tours used to go (for) when you’re adding on quarantine at the start and potentially at the end. That is difficult but it’s great to see Joe’s (Root) supported that and they’re going to come down,” stated Aaron Finch through a video conference.

The Ashes get underway on 8th December in Brisbane, followed by matches in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. However, there may be a change in schedule due to the prevalent COVID-19 situation.