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Not going to force quarantining IPL stars back for New Zealand series, reveals Giles

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Last updated on 10 May 2021 | 03:47 PM
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Not going to force quarantining IPL stars back for New Zealand series, reveals Giles

Among those currently serving quarantine periods are Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran

The sudden suspension of the Indian Premier League due to Covid-19 cases in the bio-bubble left England with a potentially larger player pool than they envisaged for the two-Test series against New Zealand. However, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Team director Ashley Giles has stated that England have no plans to "rush" their Indian Premier League stars back for next month's Test series against New Zealand and could introduce new faces to cope with a packed schedule.

Among those currently serving quarantine, periods are Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, and Sam Curran, all of whom have Test contracts with England. They could be available for County Championship matches starting on May 20 before joining the England "bubble" ahead of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, which begins on June 2.

But even if the trio are in contention, England may have to call up fresh reinforcements given Ben Stokes and Dom Sibley are currently injured, while fast bowler Jofra Archer has only recently returned to action with Sussex's 2nd XI. Among those vying for spots are Somerset seamer Craig Overton, who won the last of his four caps in 2019, and Sussex paceman Ollie Robinson. Uncapped Gloucestershire batsman James Bracey is averaging over 50 in the County Championship so far this season and is in contention for a spot in the England side as well.

"All these guys (returning from the IPL) are currently in quarantine and have had a number of spells in quarantine and bubbles," Giles said on Monday.

"We need to look after them, with the amount of cricket they've got coming up. We're not going to rush or force them back into cricket.

"Chris Silverwood (the England coach) will work with each and every one of them, as will our medical teams on what's best for their progress."

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