England players who were part of COVID-19 hit IPL 2021 are likely to miss the two-match home Test series against New Zealand as the reports suggested. 

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are unlikely to force IPL associated players from quarantine to the Test squad against New Zealand as they would be lacking red-ball practice. 

This means the likes of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Moeen Ali, who are serving 10-day quarantine, will miss the Test series against New Zealand as their isolation period expires this weekend, leaving little more than two weeks before the first Test at Lord’s.

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According to a report in BBC, it is expected that Ollie Robinson, Craig Overton and James Bracey can receive their call up as IPL returning players have less time to prepare. 

“The timeline is considered too tight for the (IPL) returning players, meaning calls up are expected for the likes of Ollie Robinson, Craig Overton and James Bracey,” the report said. 

However, another report in The Independent suggested lack of red-ball practice for IPL players could be a concern and with other options playing in county cricket, they can play ahead of them. 

“While fitness levels could be managed, the lack of red-ball practice could be a concern — particularly with other options having spent several weeks competing in the County Championship,” the report said. 

The two-Test series between England and New Zealand will start from 2nd June at Lord’s cricket ground followed by the second Test to be played at Edgbaston from 10th to 14th June. 

(PTI inputs)