The first covid case from women’s ashes has just been reported. This is very scary news for everyone involved but thankfully no one else has been tested positive yet and the infected person has been isolated. We had earlier reported how, it was clearly told to the Australian and England team that if during the end of the Ashes anyone tests positive, they would not be allowed to travel to New Zealand to take part in the World Cup 2022.
In some troublesome news, on 14th January a member of the England support staff tested positive for COVID-19. They need to stay back in Canberra while the rest of the team leaves for Adelaide to face Australia in the first T20I on 20th January. This match kickstarts the multi-format series with 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is, and only one test. After these matches, these teams will fly to New Zealand to compete in the ODI World Cup.
New Zealand has very strict protocols that are to be followed. As is mentioned above, no player who tests positive during the last phase of the ashes will be allowed to play in the World Cup. Once they reach there, they need to take a compulsory 10 day quarantine period.
Ashes taking place this close to the World Cup is a risk as New Zealand has also declared that if a player tests positive, no late replacements will be allowed to fly in at the last moment.
Women’s Ashes – History
Ashes is a very important series but all team’s eyes will be on the Women’s Cricket World Cup. Australia and England are the two most successful teams in the World Cup sharing 10 World Cup Titles between themselves in the 11 editions played so far. Australia has the upper hand with 6 championship wins in their name and the rest 4 to England. England won in the last edition which took place in 2017 and will be looking to defend their title in 2022.
These matches will not only be challenging on the 22 yards but off the field as well as management, players and staff will need to follow strict protocols and maintain their health. Staying in a bio bubble is not easy and many cricketers have expressed their concern regarding the effect on their mental health. However, no team will want to mess their world cup chances so will maintain high standards of safety.
We all hope that all players remain healthy and safe so that we can have the smooth occurrence of the ashes and world cup to experience some exciting cricket.
Author of the poetry book ‘The Scent of Rhythm’, I am a passionate writer and a Sports enthusiast who writes on Cricket and plays Badminton.