‘What a joke’: Fury over relaxed biosecurity restrictions for Ashes cricketers

Reports that Ashes stars will be granted relaxed biosecurity restrictions ahead of the fifth Ashes Test has evoked a furious backlash.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Tim Paine of Australia walks back from the coin toss during Day One of the 3rd Specsavers Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Headingley on August 22, 2019 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Reports that England’s cricketers will be granted relaxed biosecurity restrictions ahead of the fifth Ashes Test in Perth has evoked a furious response from Australians.

On Friday, West Australian Premier Mark McGowan said the state border would open only when 90 per cent of the population aged 12 years and older have had two Covid-19 jabs, which is not expected until late January or early February.

The announcement cast doubt over the fifth Ashes Test, scheduled to commence on Friday, January 14 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

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But, as reported by The West Australian, WA Cricket chairman Terry Waldron expects Perth Stadium to be confirmed as host of the fifth Ashes Test once health officials approve revamped quarantine restrictions.

“It is looking very good,” Waldron said.

“I am definitely more confident than last week and expect to hear something by early next week.”

According to the report, biosecurity restrictions placed on players and support staff is expected to be considerably less onerous than anticipated, with a five-day quarantine required after the Sydney New Year’s Test.

But the news inevitably raised questions about whether the cricketers should be granted special treatment. Those travelling from New South Wales are currently required to self-quarantine for 14 days after gaining approval to enter the state.

In September, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said England’s cricketers and their families would get “no special deals”.

England's captain Joe Root arrives with team members ahead of the Ashes. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

ABC broadcaster Brett Sprigg tweeted: “I thought cricket wasn’t going to be getting special treatment? I’m happy for Perth to keep its Test match. But give other people an opportunity to see their family, too.”

Channel 10 presenter Caty Price posted: “What a joke … would quite like to see my family at some point but hey I guess cricket trumps all that hey. I would actually love to see Cricket Australia get a backbone and stand up to this instead of being party to keeping Australians apart. Sport has a powerful voice — time to use it.”

Radio presenter Oliver Peterson tweeted: “As much as I love cricket and I want the Ashes Test in Perth in January … Why can’t WA Govt also relax the requirements for West Australians in NSW or Victoria to come home for Christmas? Do they need to practice their cricket? Create a bubble? Become Hollywood actors?”

Channel 10 reporter Natalie Yoannidis posted: “Double standards much?! Disgraceful!”

I am a sports journo and so naturally a sports lover. Writing about sport has kept me employed for the past 18 months so I know I am one of the lucky ones when others have had no work. But I am sick of sport receiving preferential treatment over every day Aussies. It has to stop. https://t.co/I0ZHc5HSlf

— Lachie Young (@lachie_young) November 11, 2021

Quick temp check. If you have a dead or dying loved one in WA, you’re told don’t bother even applying for an exemption from Vic/NSW, no hotel quarantine at own cost, nothing, no option… door open for footballers off season holidays & relaxed quarantine for pro sport. Jig up yet?

— Corbin Middlemas (@CorbinMiddlemas) November 11, 2021

So relaxed quarantine for cricketers coming from Sydney, but, strict quarantine to remain for those wanting to see family they’ve been separated from for 18 months.

This should go down well. https://t.co/5XbniF0ja6

— Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes) November 10, 2021

On Wednesday, Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein confirmed that he had written to Cricket Australia to formally request the fifth Test be played in Hobart if needed.

“Tasmania is ready to host that important match … (which) would without doubt be the state’s biggest sporting event that we’ve hosted to date,” Gutwein told parliament.

“Tasmania has a great history and a proud tradition of representation in the Australian cricket team.”

However, Western Australia Cricket chief executive Christina Matthews didn’t believe Tasmania had much hope in getting the bumper clash moved from Perth.

“Good on them for having a go,” she said. “They’re just looking for an opportunity and I am sure they have the best of intentions.

“But they are wasting their time.

“Things are going well over here.

“There are a few things to sort out, but we’re very positive that the Test will remain in WA.”

England’s Ashes squad arrived in Australia last week and started training at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast on Thursday.