Cricket World Cup: The Australian team could get out of quarantine in New Zealand early

Spending 10 days in quarantine wasn’t ideal World Cup preparation but that could be about to change.

Amanda-Jade Wellington is part of Australia’s World Cup squad (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

An early release from hotel quarantine in New Zealand could be a morale booster for the Australian team ahead of a World Cup opener on March 5 against England.

Windows open at the hotel where captain Meg Lanning’s team are serving what was to be a 10-day period in managed isolation with exercise bikes and “aqua bags” being used as part of the player’s pre-tournament exercise routines.

But a shift in policy from the New Zealand government should see the Aussies, looking to add the 50-over title to their T20 World Cup triumph in 2020, exit after seven days and they could be out as soon as Thursday.

Spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington, who was recalled to the squad after topping the WBBL wicket-taking table then backing it up with 12 wickets for Australia A after missing Ashes selection, has been documenting her time in quarantine on her You Tube channel.,

Conditions have been “pretty good”, including daily food selections., but she said getting out early would be extremely welcome ahead of such a huge tournament.

“It’s definitely a nice surprise, a weight has lifted off some of the girl’s shoulders, they are keen to get out for a run,” Wellington said from Christchurch.

“We’ve had a few updates but we are going to wait until things are cemented and we know what we can and can; do. Quarantine is going all right so far.”

The Aussies at this stage have a first training session next Friday, February 25, ahead of warm-up matches against West Indies and New Zealand on February 27 and March 1 in Christchurch.

Wellington was set to have her “role meeting” with coaching staff on Tuesday having been recalled for a potential return to international cricket fore the first time since 2018.

This is definitely something to smile about!! ☺️☺️ #overthemoonhttps://t.co/JkCz6dZULv

— Amanda Wellington (@amandajadew) January 26, 2022

The leg-spinner could be paired with Alana King, a fellow leggie who made her debut in all three formats in Australia’s comprehensive Ashes win.

“It’s going to be interesting to see if we play together in a game because we are so different, it could work really well,” Wellington said.

“That’s one for the selectors.”

The 24-year-old South Australian has vowed to continue to play with a smile, which she maintained when overlooked for the Ashes, adamant her positive mental attitude was key to her getting another international opportunity.

“I was very disappointed to miss that Ashes squad. But to be a part of the World Cup, I feel like a kid in a candy story,” she said,

“t feels amazing just to be a part of the squad. If I play, I’m happy, if I don’t, I’m happy.

“To be able to get the opportunity to put the Aussie colours on again is pretty special for me.”

“I find when I have fun, that’s when I am performing at my best. If it doesn’t come off, it’s OK to smile.”

Originally published as Cricket World Cup: The Australian team could get out of quarantine in New Zealand early