Ashes 2021/22: It's Always In The Hands Of The Touring Party: Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt

Australia’s health minister Greg Hunt said that the government is doing everything to ensure that England’s team can come and play the Ashes in December this year.

England cricket team’s decision to play the historic Test series later this year in December remains ambiguous as players remain uncertain over the quarantine rules in Australia.

Will give every chance to the touring party to come and have the Ashes: Greg Hunt

In the latest developments, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday said that they will finalise their decision about the tour by the end of this week.

Hunt said his government will make all the safety arrangements for the touring team, but in the end, the decision will remain their own.

“Ultimately, it’s always in the hands of the touring party, but we’ve been working to be flexible and practical,” Hunt told Sky News Australia.

“On the one hand, make sure that we have safety arrangements for Australia. But, on the other hand, to be practical and flexible to give that touring party every chance of coming here and to have the Ashes played this summer,” he added.

Health and wellbeing of both squads is the priority: Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia is coordinating with its government and its counterpart England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), to ease the relaxations for England players.

The Australian Board reiterated its government officials statement and put the safety of all the players above anything.

“We have had regular and positive discussions with the ECB over the past six months on providing conditions which will allow players from both teams to perform at their best during the Ashes summer,” CA said in a statement.

“The health and wellbeing of both squads while ensuring the tour proceeds in a safe manner is a priority, and we especially thank our government partners for all their support in this regard.”

“Later this week, the ECB Board will meet to decide whether the conditions in place are sufficient for the Tour to go ahead and enable the selection of a squad befitting a series of this significance,” the statement further mentioned.

The Ashes is scheduled to begin on December 8 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Also Read: ECB To Give Its Final Decision On The Ashes Tour By End Of This Week, Board Hints At Possibility Of Postponement