Steve Smith has ruled out participating in the Twenty20 Big Bash League this season, saying that continuing to play in bio-secure bubbles amid the COVID-19 pandemic will take a toll on his mental health.
Smith has already experienced life in different bubbles, first when the Australian T20 squad toured England and now with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is being played in the United Arab Emirates.
The Big Bash League is set to run from December to February, with Australia’s national team players expected to play for their domestic sides in the latter stages after India’s tour of Australia – matches which will also be played in bio-secure bubbles.
“I’ll be honest with you, absolutely no chance,” Smith, who was part of the Sydney Sixers team who won the title in February, was quoted as saying on ESPN Cricinfo when asked if he might play in the Big Bash.
“It’s still early days with the bubbles. We don’t know how long it’s going to last for.
“There’s an uncertainty there. It’s just going to be about having open conversations with coaches, general managers, whoever, to ensure that people are keeping their head space in a reasonable place.
“When guys are starting to find things a bit tough mentally from just living in the bubble, being able to get out – even if it might just be a few days of being normal might be a real help. Those conversations need to be had.”
Smith is not the first player to have concerns over players’ mental health in bubbles, with England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan also saying players may withdraw from tours if their mental health is at risk.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I empathize with Starc completely.. Certainly it’s influenced the likes of AB de Villiers and Smith to make themselves unavailable for the BBL and who can blame them.. After spending 6 weeks here in Johannesburg in not so splendid isolation I found myself going crazy..
McBumble
Guest
As long as Smith bats long and scores a pile of runs in the Test side is all that matters. Australia has a girth of solid one day players and I think Smith is only in the side as glue in the batting lineup and I support that 100% I don't mind if he skips the BBL as long as we never have to hear him perform on the guitar and sing again.......don't quit ya day job Smithy! P.S. Im heading to Adelaide for the 1st test, would love some accomodation/dining options from you Roarers :)
Joshua Kerr
Roar Guru
Cheers for the shoutout :thumbup:
Jeff
Roar Rookie
I don’t disagree with your view of the length/timing of BBL Micko, but Smith knows/knew what it was going to be before embarking on the IPL. I’m not suggesting he will make or break the BBL on his own, but he has an individual responsibility to do his part IMO, particularly given the privileged financial position he enjoys in Australian cricket. Quite possibly I may have held a different view if he hadn’t played in the IPL.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Good point Jeff, but Steve Smith shouldn’t be make or break for people attending or/and watching BBL, as it’s a cheap gimmicky slogathon. If you’re implying that the big name star aussies should be playing BBL, then the BBL needs to be a realistic comp locked in a small annual window that covers three weeks max. in January after the New Year’s Test concludes.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
I agree with your sentiment re BBL Marty, BUT, given the contract he has with CA (the $$ he earns) I do think he should be putting the finances of Australian cricket first (and his presence will bring in more money immediately and in the longer run re future broadcast deals based on past seasons ratings), when CA’s finances are in the spotlight given CV-19. And not to forget what his fans – and Australian cricket fans – deserve to see re one of the games current greats, even if the likes of you and me have little interest in the comp; there are plenty of Aussie fans who do.
JGK
Roar Guru
Good. I don’t care if he never plays T20 again. We just need him to score runs in Tests.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
AB de Villiers has also made himself unavailable for the Big Bash and I suspect for similar reasons.. He also came under fire on social media for being selfish...but I don't blame them...its their call alone to make.
Marty
Roar Rookie
As long as he’s good to go for the test series and odi/it20s I couldn’t care less tbh. I can’t think of anything more pointless than playing a couple of Big Bash games at the end of the season. Good on him for managing his workload.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
So...Smith is happy to be in an IPL bubble, but not an Australian bubble. Interesting to see where his priorities lie. Perhaps he could read this article - https://www.theroar.com.au/2020/10/31/its-time-for-cricketers-to-stop-complaining-about-life-inside-the-bubble/