Mitchell Starc expects to face a “super-strong” team in this summer’s Ashes as English players approach a critical decision-making juncture.
There are fears that several members of Joe Root’s team, concerned about quarantine arrangements and biosecurity restrictions for themselves and family members, could make themselves unavailable for the five-Test series.
Cricket Australia (CA) has been in long-running talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) plus federal and state governments.
The ECB is expected to press its players for a final answer regarding their commitment in coming days, ensuring an Ashes squad can be named soon after.
“I can’t think that they wouldn’t send a super-strong team,” Starc told the Seven Network.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
“They might have one or two (players) with young families, or have been on the circuit a fair bit through COVID times (and don’t want to tour).
“The Ashes mean as much to English cricket as it does Australia cricket.
“Stuart Broad mentioned the other day, he’d say yes in a heartbeat, and he’s one of their premier fast bowlers.”
Express paceman Jofra Archer’s absence, because of an elbow injury, has already been confirmed.
Star all-rounder Ben Stokes, who has been on an indefinite mental-health break since the end of July and is missing the Twenty20 World Cup, is considered an unlikely starter.
Broad said last week he will fly to Australia but understood if teammates opted out of the tour, arguing CA had provided “minimal detail” about quarantine and other issues.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared on Thursday that “no special deals” will be offered to England’s touring party and family members wanting to join them on the trip.
Test skipper Tim Paine, speaking on his SEN radio show, noted English and Australian players would just “have to deal with” whatever decisions are made by governments.
“The England team will have to do nothing different than what they’re asking the Australian team to do,” Paine said.
The Ashes is slated to start at the Gabba on December 8.
Ian
Roar Rookie
Moeen Ali has just announced his retirement from Test Cricket.Stand by for at least another 5 or 6 pulling out over the next couple of days.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
The first series of the year that they lost to India was completed :thumbup:
Peter Farrar
Roar Pro
Is there a super strong England team? Maybe it is the one that lost to New Zealand? Or what about the side that lost to India, admittedly the series not being completed. How about the team unable to win the ashes the last time Australia visited? The words 'super strong' sound like an expression one of the marketers at Cricket Australia told Starc to use.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
The England squad may very well go on a crash diet of carrots, broccoli and pulses before landing. Spinach could also help. I recall reading - or watching - somewhere when I was younger, of the super-strong properties spinach can bring. Exposure to kryptonite is something they should however be wary of; will be a balancing act I imagine. But a good chance the super-strong England team way well be called into service while on tour to lift some collapsed walls or remove peoples from under car wrecks.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Let's hope not! Time for Richardson and Neser to start getting a run.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
I never thought the English team would bring a sub par team to Australia & it should be a ripper series. The Ashes is symbolic event & the players representing their countries will do everything they can to play it should be a great series & really look forward to the contest! :boxing:
Jeff
Roar Rookie
“Super strong”. :laughing: Starcy sprays another one down leg side, beats the keeper and into the fence it clangs.
Gee
Roar Rookie
Even if they all come there is zero chance of a super strong English team.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Non-story. He has no idea really.
JGK
Roar Guru
Starc probably won't be playing anyway.
Brian
Guest
Just delay it to Feb-March to get the best XI against each other. Otherwise you are just devaluing the Ashes