Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, cricket is being played in a bio-secure bubble with everybody associated with the series and tournament undergoing several checks for the virus.
Players and support staff are only shuffling between their team hotels and the cricket stadiums for outdoor practice sessions. Nobody is allowed to break the bubble and travel around due to the Coronavirus threat.
While some players find it mentally challenging, England’s ace all-rounder Ben Stokes feels the isolating measure at least allows him to play the sport he loves.
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“It obviously comes with its challenges, you know being away from the family, being in the same place for a long period of time, it can get a bit monotonous after a certain point of time,” Stokes told PTI in an exclusive interview.
“…we would much rather be in a bubble playing cricket and doing what we love than sitting at home not being able to do that. We need to put things into perspective, there are millions in the world suffering a lot more than what we are. Thinking about them when we feel that times are getting tough makes it a little bit easier,” he added.
Concerns have been raised over prolong stay inside the bio-bubble with Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq warning of psychological consequences.
Stokes acknowledged that being in a bio-bubble takes away the freedom that the players used to enjoy.
“I feel it’s a really challenging thing to go through. Especially, when it’s so far away from what we have been used to for so many years.”
Stokes feels the players owe it to the millions of fans, who support them over years and the least they can do is put up a performance that is watchable on television.
“Being in a bio-secure bubble takes away that freedom that we are used to but looking at the bigger picture, it’s a responsibility that we have on our shoulders as professional cricketers and athletes to keep the game going on the TV screens.
“Giving the fans the entertainment that they want,” he said.
Coming to cricket, Ben Stokes is currently plying his trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Rajasthan Royals (RR).
In his last outing, he scored a magnificent hundred against Mumbai Indians (MI) while opening the innings and the southpaw said he is enjoying the role of an opener.
“Yeah, I am really enjoying this new role. I have had conversations with Macca (coach Andrew McDonald) really long ago now, the IPL usually happens earlier in the year, so we had discussions even before that. I am really enjoying the new role,” he remarked.
Stokes made it clear that he always wanted to open the innings.
“It is something that I have sort of always wanted to slowly and gradually get into.
“In the England team, it’s very tough with the amount of quality of batsmen we have got, like Jason Roy, Tom Banton, Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales and all these guys who’re all opening batsmen, so it’s a very hard place to get into.
“So yeah, really enjoying the opportunity and responsibility I’ve been given here at the Royals,” he added.
(With PTI inputs)
