Australia on Wednesday (June 16) announced the 18-man squad for their upcoming limited-overs tour of Bangladesh and the West Indies without some big names like David Warner and Pat Cummins
Ahead of the white-ball tour of the West Indies and Bangladesh, Australia has received a major blow as Warner, Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson opted out citing bubble fatigue.
Apart from the top six names that have opted out of Australia’s white-ball tours, Steve Smith was also absent on medical grounds with an elbow injury.
The six cricketers asked the Australian selectors not to consider them for the West Indies and Bangladesh tours as they have spent considerable time in bio-secure bubbles over the past few months and it has taken its toll on their health.
Australia’s national Selector Trevor Hohns was “naturally disappointed” with the cricketers’ decision, but said they “respect the decisions of those who have opted out of this tour”.
Hohns stated: “International tours in the time of Covid-19 undoubtedly present many additional challenges for athletes. They also present opportunities for others and, in this case, the chance to push for selection in the Australian men's T20 World Cup squad later this year and beyond.”
Noteworthy, Cummins, Maxwell, Warner, Stoinis, and Jhye Richardson were only recently released from 14 days hotel quarantine late last month after arriving from the Maldives after the suspension of the IPL 2021.
On the other hand, Jason Behrendorff, Moises Henriques, and Riley Meredith have all agreed to tour Bangladesh and West Indies despite going through the same quarantine after the IPL 2021.
Cricket Australia's Head of Sports Science and Sports Medicine Alex Kountouris stated: “The pandemic is now into its second year and that has meant athletes and staff, particularly those who participate internationally, have spent lengthy periods in bio-secure hubs, where freedom of movement is restricted, and hard quarantine.”
Kountouris added, “CA has maintained from the start of the pandemic that we would support players or staff members through the additional demands placed upon them by hubs and quarantine.”
Aaron Finch-led Australia squad will leave for the West Indies on June 28 and play five T20Is in St Lucia on July 10, 11, 13, 15, and 17 followed by three ODIs in Barbados from July 21. Well, there is still some doubt over the Bangladesh tour, but the tour is expected to comprise five T20Is.
Australia squad:
Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Wes Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Dan Christian, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Riley Meredith, Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Turner
(With AFP Inputs)
