COVID-19 outbreak among England players in South Africa could hurt Big Bash

Two positive COVID-19 tests in the England squad in South Africa could hamper those trying to get to the Big Bash.

Perth Scorcher’s English import Liam Livingstone could be delayed by COVID-19 dramas in South Africa (AAP Image/Gary Day

Big Bash-bound English batsmen are still expected to fly to Australia this week despite being caught up in the coronavirus scare in South Africa which has forced the ODI series to be cancelled.

Australia’s own tour of South Africa, scheduled for three Tests in February and March, could also be in doubt because of the concerning situation which Cricket Australia is anxiously watching.

England cricket boss Ashley Giles revealed there was high anxiety among his travelling party after moving into a bio-secure environment which “from very early on it appeared it wasn’t bio-secure”.

The coronavirus outbreak occurred in the team hotel in Cape Town, and two members of England‘s touring party returned unconfirmed positive COVID-19 tests.

English stars Jason Roy and Liam Livingstone (Perth Scorchers), Liam Gregory (Brisbane Heat) and Sam Billings (Sydney Thunder) are all part of that squad and supposed to be on a charter flight from South Africa to Australia by the end of the week.

But they could yet face more quarantine in South Africa before being allowed out of the country.

There have been more than 800,000 people infected in South Africa, causing 26,735 deaths.

Even when they get to leave, all four players will then have to complete two more weeks quarantine in Australia, which would make them unavailable for their teams until after Christmas.

The ECB and CSA have agreed to postpone the remaining matches in the current men’s ODI Series.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 7, 2020

Two other England squad members, Tom Curran and Tom Banton, have pulled out of their deals with the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Heat in recent days citing bubble fatigue.

Big Bash boss Alistair Dobson couldn’t rule out the other players making the same call, which could force more teams to find new players.

“We totally understand. Players, particularly international players, have had a long winter … and summer, for the English players,” Dobson said on Tuesday.

“Obviously, there comes a point where it’s not worth it (travelling to Australia).

“But the last of our overseas arrivals are due to arrive in the next week or so.”

Dobson said they had “mapped out” the safe entry for all players, and clubs were aware when their signings would be available.

🙌 How GOOD is it to see @TridentSportsX back in magenta!!

🎥 Full interview from the @BBL|10 Launch in Hobart > https://t.co/gZ3dvXYqX3#smashemsixers pic.twitter.com/aIbYuJTWAX

— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) December 8, 2020

West Indian Carlos Braithwaite, who has signed with the Sydney Sixers and will be available from the opening match having completed his quarantine on Monday, said he had spent “too much” time in bubbles this year.

“Sometimes it gets a bit overwhelming,” he said on Tuesday.

“That‘s when you take a step back and realise so many have lost jobs, homes. Regardless of how tough it may be, we’ve still got the chance to earn and do something we love.

“I’m just out of quarantine, and that was rough. But with every tough situation there’s the silver lining of still being able to play.”

Braithwaite said he sympathised with the decision made by those players not to come for the Big Bash.

“The last couple of nights my dog has been sick, so imagine having kids and having family,” he said.

“You have to respect players’ choices to (either) spend time with their family or pursue their career.”