ECB Might Think, Well, Why Should We Move When You Are Not Moving With The World Cricket Stage – Steve Harmison

Former England pacer Steve Harmison has opined that team England should not face criticism if they go with an understrength side in the upcoming Ashes. Notably, the marquee Ashes is all set to begin in December, However, the Covid-19 protocol for the visitors are not confirmed yet.

Notably, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) recently pulled out of the limited-overs series against Pakistan and following New Zealand’s steps England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also decided to call off their Pakistan tour. According to some reports, due to strict quarantine protocols in Australia, England might decide to call off the Ashes.

The 43-year Steve Harmison stated that he saw a stat that Australia played their last overseas Test in September 2019. So they have not played an overseas Test in the COVID-19 pandemic era. He elaborated:

“I saw a stat this morning about teams which have played Test matches during the pandemic and Australia have not played a Test away from home. So for Cricket Australia and the Australian government to say we are going to lose $200 million and we are desperate for England to come. Well, they did not come to the (rugby league) World Cup (in England which was postponed).”

“They have not played a Test away from home during the Covid era. Is not up to the ECB. They might think, well, why should we move when you are not moving with the world cricket stage?” Harmison said on the Talk-Sports Cricket Collective podcast.

I think players will pull out not for the quarantine but the family situation over Christmas: Steve Harmison

Meanwhile, Steve Harmison feels that the premier England players will have no problem with quarantine but the family situation. He stated:

“I think players will pull out not for the quarantine but the family situation over Christmas. That is a different argument altogether. I think if you have players coming to Australia with 14 days quarantine but they are allowed to train and get ready for England I don’t see a big issue there.”

Meanwhile, the marquee Ashes series will start on the 8th of December at the iconic venue Gabba.

Also Read: Sam Curran Out Of Quarantine, Available For Selection For CSK’s Next Match vs RCB