After a lengthy stay within bio-bubbles for IPL 2020 in UAE, Australian players are having to quarantine again at home before the international summer against India. But wicketkeeper batsman, Alex Carey, says that hasn't affected the mood within the camp as they remain in good spirits before the ultimate face-off with the visitors.
Carey and his Australian teammates are midway through their 14-day isolation in Sydney where the only relief has been that they are allowed to train together on the field.
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And so, Carey said they've been finding solace in their practice sessions before heading straight into the cricket summer on November 27 when the SCG hosts the first ODI.
"It's really strict - which is good," Carey told reporters from a video call. "Once we're back in the hotel from training we're locked in our rooms. No contact with anyone else."
"At 9 a.m., we're really excited to get out of the hotel and head to training which brings a lot of energy to group sessions."
"Everyone's staying really tight on that, we understand that (with) the summer coming up, doing everything right is what we have to do."
Fresh scares borne out of a sudden COVID-19 spike in South Australia has seen other states close their borders, with a 14-day isolation imposed on anyone arriving from Adelaide post Monday (November 16).
A number of top Australian players, including Test match skipper Tim Paine, who played a round of Sheffield Shield in Adelaide last week, have been told to self-isolate when they return to their home states.
Reports have emerged that Cricket Australia (CA) could mass relocate Australia and Australia 'A' team players to New South Wales in order to safeguard the India series.
Carey, not part of the Test set-up, is already in Sydney where besides Australia's white-ball squad, his BBL side Adelaide Strikers are also expected to fly across to on Tuesday (November 17). They could organise a new camp while also ensuring they aren't stuck in the home state in case the restrictions are piled on.
Carey informed that his wife and son have already got on a plane to NSW and he is excited to meet them after finishing with the quarantine hurdles. Till then, he is enjoying his teammates' company.
"The relationships we have in this group are something that we're all falling back on," he said. "Joining this little bubble here we get to see our mates and familiar faces. All the guys here are really strong from all the indicators that I've seen."
(Inputs from Reuters)
