NEWS
Follow UsThe rise in the delta variant cases in England has filtered into the cricket domain with the Eoin Morgan-led England side had to isolate themselves after seven positive cases in the squad. Multiple Sri Lanka squad members tested positive for the virus as well with the match between Derbyshire and Essex match being abandoned.
While the India series was slated to be played within a bio-secure bubble, according to the latest contingency plans, many English Test players will also miss the Hundred to avoid any untoward situation that might hamper the training for the Test series. Stokes stated that bubble life would be pretty difficult for the players to manage but the players are ready to make sacrifices.
"All these things are in place to make sure we're as safe as possible," Stokes said. "I have no doubt things have had to go back to the drawing board. But everything is in place to ensure the safety of players and backroom staff.
"Nothing is set in stone for the India series, but it will be done in the right way. You have to make sacrifices, but at the same time, you have to consider welfare as well. Bubble life is very tough. Just going from hotel to cricket ground can get to you. So, there is a lot to think about in terms of keeping everyone safe and making sure being looked after from the mental health side of things. Because bubbles are very tough," Stokes said, reported ESPN Cricinfo.
However, he stated that missing the Hundred would be pretty devastating for the players. "It would be very frustrating to not be able to participate in the Hundred. It's a massive event for England and we want to be part of it. We know how big a role players have in making a franchise competition big and if the Test players were unable to play in it because of Covid that would be pretty devastating."