'I would be amazed if England has a full-strength team for the Ashes' - Vaughan calls for Ashes travel exemptions

Even before a ball is bowled in the upcoming 2021-22 Ashes series Down Under, the noise from experts and critics has started to get louder regarding the England players not being able to travel with their families. Former England captain Michael Vaughan feels the Ashes may be far less competitive unless the team is allowed to bring their families to Australia.

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Due to the COVID-19 situation in Australia, the government has made stricter norms for those people who are arriving in their country. The pandemic situation in the country especially, in the bigger cities, has what made the government resort to such steps of travel restriction. Add to that a slow vaccination drive which is not helping the matter.

In an interview, Vaughan feels it’s not practically possible for the players to travel to Australia and be without their loved ones for close to four months. "If England arrive in Australia with half a team and I hope it doesn't come to this ... it would almost be that The Ashes become a bit of a farce," he told the ABC.

The COVID-19 situation has impacted people across the globe as mental health has become more important during such times. The cricketer-turned-expert feels England players may want to skip the high-octane Ashes series if their family members are not allowed to accompany them.

"If Australia continues to lock the borders and make it very, very difficult there will come a stage where a sports team decides not to come," Vaughan said.

"I'm not saying that will be the England cricket team but ... as we speak, I would be amazed if England has a full-strength team for the Ashes.