Aussie cricketers arrive home from COVID-struck India

Australian cricketers stranded in India have touched down in Sydney, following the lifting of the India flight ban.

Australian cricketers who have been stranded overseas since the Indian Premier League was suspended have finally touched down in Sydney.

The group of 38 players, commentators and support staff went to the Maldives a fortnight ago.

Former cricketer turned commentator Michael Slater was the first to exit the airport followed by Pat Cummins and Steve Smith.

Steve Smith was one of the first off the plane. Picture: John Grainger

Others onboard the Qantas flight including IPL stars Moises Henriques and Chris Lynn and test greats Ricky Ponting, David Hussey and Brett Lee. Some of the group waved to the media once seated on the bus that will transport them to hotel quarantine.

Mike Hussey, who was diagnosed with COVID-19, is also set to return on a commercial flight from Doha.

They came via Kuala Lumpur and will be spread across Sydney hotels while they undergo their mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Masked former cricketer Michael Slater

and Pat Cummins arrive today .Picture John Grainger

Former Test fast bowler Brett Lee. Picture John Grainger

Mike Hussey is also set to return on a commercial flight from Doha.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday the cricketers were not given any special treatment.

“They’ll come back under their own steam, on their own ticket, and they won’t be taking the spot in quarantine of any other Australian who is returning home under the NSW caps,” he said.