The 2021-2022 Ashes Series between England and Australia could be cancelled as the two cricket boards are finding it hard to come to a mutual agreement regarding the tour down under. England was expected to travel to Australia in November to play a highly anticipated 5 match Ashes test series.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made it clear that if they do send a team to play the Ashes, they want to send a strong English squad.
That might not be possible as it appears a number of English players are not keen to travel to Australia and go through a tough quarantine process and stay in an extended bubble.
England’s test captain Joe Root is one of those players that is not very keen on making the trip. Root is also England’s best test batter and his absence will have a major impact on England’s performance. The ECB said they will continue to work together with the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) and share the latest updates with their players this week.
Fox Cricket
The ECB is expected to have a chat with its players later this week and see if they can get together a strong Ashes contingent to make the trip down under. If they can get all of their top players to agree, the ECB will proceed with the Ashes tour. If their senior players end up backing out, the ECB is likely to inform Australia that they will have to cancel the Ashes.
Australian test captain Tim Paine was unimpressed with Joe Root’s stance on the Ashes and said last week that the Ashes will go on with or without Joe Root. The ECB does not appear to share the same sentiment as Australia’s captain as they are standing behind their players. If the Ashes gets cancelled, the ACB will lose over $200 million.
England is expected to travel to Queensland in November and quarantine for 14 days. The ECB is pushing for Australia to relax their 14 day quarantine requirements but it appears that both the Australian government and the ACB will not relax these rules. England will travel in October to the UAE and go through quarantine as they prepare to play the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup.
The Ashes tour will last for 3 months and most English players are likely to be without their families, which is another reason why they are not keen to play. We will have to wait and see if Australia relaxes the quarantine requirements for the ECB or if they are prepared to lose over $200 million.
About The Author
