The Ashes: Matthew Wade says there are ‘challenging parts’ to Covid requirements
Australia wicketkeeper Matthew Wade said he would not be passing judgment on England having concerns about Covid requirements when travelling for the Ashes.
England’s Ashes tour is set to go ahead at full strength after the England and Wales Cricket Board followed Joe Root’s Test stars by giving the Australia trip the green light.
An ECB board meeting on Friday approved the tour “subject to several critical conditions being met”, while it is understood there will be some leeway for players to train outdoors during their mandatory 14-day quarantine period when entering the country.
Speaking to reporters from hotel quarantine in Abu Dhabi ahead of the T20 Men’s World Cup, Wade said: “In these times, it’s challenging for everyone.
“You know, it’s easy to judge people and decisions that individuals are making but until you’ve been put in these environments, in these positions, and had to play under these conditions, I think it’s hard to pass judgement on anyone.”
Australia will meet England at the group stage of the World Cup, more than a month before the first Ashes Test is due to begin in Brisbane.
Wade said: “Some guys struggle more with quarantine than others, there’s no hiding that.
“That’s the challenge that professional cricketers have at the moment. You know, our sport is played overseas, we have to go overseas to play and to keep the game going, we understand that, and (some) individuals find it harder than others.
“There’s no difference between what England are going through now to what every other team goes through to go away and play.
“It’s not easy and I don’t pass judgement on any team or any individual for the challenges that they’re facing.
“They’re trying to work it all out. And I’m confident the Ashes is going to go ahead. It’s never been a doubt in my mind, to be honest. But there are challenging parts of it.”
Latest
-
Women's Cricket
It’s a lot of fun – Heather Knight still enjoying captaining England
Knight succeeded Charlotte Edwards, who had a decade-long stint in the position, in June 2016.
-
England
On this day in 2018: Kevin Pietersen retires from professional cricket
The latter years of the Pietermaritzburg-born maverick’s career were spent on the T20 circuit.
-
England
Jofra Archer snaps off stump on impressive return from injury in India
The 28-year-old took two for 22 in seven overs.
-
County Cricket
Darren Gough steps down as managing director of cricket at Yorkshire
Gough said it was the “right time” to move on having been in the post since December 2021.
-
England
On this day in 2004: Steve Harmison takes seven for 12 against West Indies
The pace bowler produced a devastating spell at Sabina Park 20 years ago.
-
England
Jos Buttler feels refreshed and ready to enjoy ‘best years’ of his career
England’s white-ball team endured a poor 2023 which culminated in the disastrous defence of their World Cup crown in India.
-
England
Jos Buttler confident ‘special cricketer’ Jofra Archer will be fit for World Cup
Archer has not represented his country since last March when he featured in a T20 match in Bangladesh.
-
Indian Premier League
England batter Harry Brook withdraws from IPL following death of his grandmother
Brook pulled out of England’s five-Test tour to India before the squad flew out from their training camp in the United Arab Emirates.