Mitchell Starc Expresses His Concern About The Effects Of Bio-Bubbles On Players' Mental Health

International cricket returned in July following a three-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus. But it has come at the cost of the freedom that cricketers normally enjoy. With stringent bio-secure bubbles not allowing for any movements during a series, players have started to open up about the toll that months of staying in isolation is taking on their mental health. The latest to join the bandwagon is Australian fast bowler, Mitchell Starc.

Starc, who is currently plying his trade in the ongoing Sheffield Shield, is due to take part in the upcoming series against India- which will require the players to stay in the bubble for around two months time- and then in the Big Bash where he will play for the Sydney Sixers, has expressed his concerns about the protocols that will be in place during the home summer.

Most of the Australian players have found themselves in the confines of the bio-bubble since their tour of England. Post the tour of England, the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood went straight into the bubble created by their respective IPL franchises. The players will now return to Australia where they will spend 14 days in isolation before they join the national teams’ bubble for the T20I, ODI, and Test series.

“When you’re stuck in situations like that, month after month, going from bubble to bubble, and if those restrictions remain the same or quite similar, it can be quite tiresome on the mind and body as well,” said Starc as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.

“Certainly for myself to get that round of golf or walk around is a mental break from a day’s play or a game. That’s important for people’s wellbeing. Then you throw in the extra hurdle with guys with families and kids going hub to hub, and bubble to bubble, you throw in some restrictions in terms of quarantine, and then it makes it quite difficult.” he added.

Mitchell Starc further added that there has been very little communication between the players and Cricket Australia regarding the extent of restrictions that will be in place during the summer.