Pat Cummins sympathizes with the England team that is dealing with Covid-19 threat. Multiple staffs including head coach Chris Silverwood are isolating back in Melbourne after Covid was initially detected among family members.
Cummins said, “They’ve sacrificed quite a lot to come over here. Two weeks’ quarantine, time away from families, some restrictions on what they can do, opposed to pre-pandemic. They’ve had some positive cases, the coach being away from this game, it’s been really tough for them. We are really thankful they are out here as part of the series.”
Both teams wanted to avoid the bubble for the series and Cricket Australia has allowed certain freedom like the players being able to dine outside. However, that had brought additional risks.
Graham Thorpe who has taken charge in absence of England coach Silverwood, said, “You have to be able to find ways of throwing punches back at good bowling attacks. I’ve always been one for trying to set up to score (and) then trust your defence if the ball is in the right area. So trying to keep that simple for the players.”
He added that the Covid situation has been a real distraction. He explained, “Not knowing whether you’ll be moving into the next venue, or whether your family is going to be in a hotel room for seven to ten days, similar with players. The constant testing day-in, day-out is a distraction.”
Thorpe further opined, “I’d like to think we can find a better way around it in the future. I do understand it. Australia is in a very different situation. I’d like to think cricket can find a way around it because England have played a lot of cricket as well. A lot of our players have been in these environments for quite a while. Being able to look after their mental state of mind is very important.”
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