It Felt Like I Was In A Jail - Mehidy Hasan On First 3 Days Of Isolation In New Zealand
Published - 28 Feb 2021, 05:20 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 02:04 PM
Bangladeshi off-spinner, Mehidy Hasan says that his strict 3-day individual isolation in New Zealand was akin to spending time in jail. The Bangladesh team is currently serving their 4-day quarantine period at the Christchurch Chateau on the park Government Quarantine Center.
They will take on the hosts for 3 ODI starting March 20th followed by a 3-match T20I series.
The entire visiting contingent, as per the covid guidelines in New Zealand, had to remain inside their rooms for 3 days, and then they will be allowed to move out of their rooms for 30 minutes inside the quarantine centre premises while maintaining distance.
“This is the first time I’ve spent five days inside a hotel. So you can guess how it feels like; Time wasn’t moving initially. The first three days, we couldn’t meet anyone, just had conversations over the phone. It felt like I was in a jail. Felt a little frustrated, to be honest,” Mehidy Hasan said.
“We are being allowed half-an-hour outside the hotel each day after the first three days. This helps us feel fresh and enjoy the weather and environment. Once we start doing group gym sessions, we will feel even better,” the 23-year-old added.
We talked to each other over video calls, from room to room: Mehidy Hasan
The players will be allowed to begin to practise sessions, in groups of five, after 7 days. They have tested negative for the virus in the first Test and will have to clear the next two rounds of testing as well. While the players have been in the bio-bubble in domestic tournaments and the series against West Indies at home, however, this experience in New Zealand is a completely different one for them.
“After six-seven days when we will start going to the gym and the field, we will feel better. It is difficult to spend time now. It would be good if we could get some gym facilities or could do some work in the room now. You can understand how we are passing the days. For the first time we spent five days at a hotel like this. It was tough at first, haven’t seen anyone for the first three days.
“We have talked over the phone, video call, from room to room. It was boring at first, very difficult to spend time. Now four days have passed, hopefully, the rest of three days will also pass. It (training) will start after two or three days and I hope it will be better at that point,” Mehidy Hasan further said.
Mehidy Hasan was a shining light for Bangladesh in their recent Test series loss to West Indies at home. The right-hander struck his maiden Test century and also became the fastest Bangladeshi bowler to 100 Test scalps achieving this feat in his 24th game. He also picked 7 wickets in 3 ODI preceding the Test series.
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