England IPL stars not to be considered for New Zealand Tests

In a massive blow for England, their players returning from the suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 might not find a place in the two-match Test series against New Zealand, beginning from June 2. It is understood that the likes of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Moeen Ali, who are serving a 10-day mandatory quarantine will end during the weekend, just two weeks short of the first Test at Lord's.

It is believed that the players would be lacking red-ball practice and hence other fringe players might be given a go-ahead of the established stars.  "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," according to a report in 'BBC Sport'.

"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," said another report in 'The Independent'.

England head coach Chris Silverwood is set to preside over his first-ever selection meeting on Tuesday (May 18), where the call is likely to be made. However, ECB managing director Ashley Giles had hinted that the players returning from the IPL will not find a place in the Test side to face New Zealand. 

There were 11 Englishmen in various franchises in the suspended IPL.

The IPL was suspended on May 4 after multiple COVID-19 breached its bio-bubble with multiple players testing positive for the dreaded virus.

(With inputs from PTI)