The ongoing global Coronavirus pandemic has taken a huge toll on the cricket calendar besides causing the financial crisis, but Australian Test opener Joe Burns believes that there is a silver lining in cricket’s long offseason due to the COVID-19 shutdown.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 has created not just a health emergency but a financial crisis in the sports world with all the cricketing activities suspended all over the world.
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While Australia, like other several countries, is still largely locked down to tackle the ongoing health crisis, Burns believes that the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown has offered a welcome opportunity to all the players who usually don’t get the opportunity to stay home, to recharge the batteries.
The 30-year-old right-hander, who was recently awarded a central contract by the Cricket Australia, said the forced break is the longest offseason the cricket has seen but enables all to reset and repair physically themselves before returning to the field post-coronavirus era.
Burns told reporters in a video conference on Thursday (May 7): “Definitely this enforced layoff for everyone provides the opportunity just to really get yourself right, reset and start preparing physically for next summer. It’s probably the longest offseason any of us would have had for a long time.”
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He further added, “From a physical perspective, it gives the opportunity for us to be in a really strong position. I think that’s the silver lining. There are times during the year where you do get a little bit worn out, a little bit tired and you do want some time at home.
It’s the other end of the spectrum now ... You can’t wait just to get out there on the cricket field and running around with your mates, getting stuck into training and playing games.”
Burns, who has had enjoyed a great season with Australia with his opening partner David Warner, is looking forward to the forthcoming India Test series.
He signed off, “As an opening batter, it’s so exciting for me... There’s going to be a huge challenge this summer and a big role to play in nullifying the India bowlers, especially early in a test match.”
(With Reuters Inputs)
