Quick turnaround for Aussie T20 team
WELLINGTON: Australia’s T20 side has no margin for mishaps on its tour of New Zealand and will not be released from hotel quarantine until the morning of its first match.
Aaron Finch’s men arrived in New Zealand late on Sunday, meaning their fortnight’s isolation will end on their first match day, February 22.
The Australians are quarantining in Christchurch and will only have to travel across town to Hagley Park for the 7pm start.
The packed domestic and international schedule, combined with New Zealand’s strict Covid19 regulations, meant this was the only option.
Jhye Richardson was one of a handful of players in the Big Bash League final on Saturday night who were on a plane less than 24 hours later.
‘‘We had the final and then we flew the next day. A very quick turnaround, but that’s the way it goes,’’ Richardson said.
While there is no doubt the touring party would prefer the transtasman bubble to be in operation, allowing for free movement between Australia and New Zealand, there is no hint of resentment.
‘‘It’s not every day you get to represent your country on a T20 tour, so we’re completely fine with the turnaround,’’ Richardson said.
The risk for Australia comes with a positive test or behaviour that breaks the protocols.
Every member of the touring party will take four Covid19 tests during their stay.
Should anyone produce a positive test, training restrictions will apply.
Given the low odds of transmission, the larger risk may be noncompliance with Kiwi guidelines.
The Wallabies managed their isolation in October without incident, and performed admirably with a firstup draw against the All Blacks.
However, some touring cricket sides in New Zealand have not.
Both the West Indies and Pakistan had their training privileges revoked after breaching isolation rules.
Australian officials have every confidence everyone will adhere to the rules, given so many are well versed in isolation protocols from previous tours or the BBL bubbles.
All things going to plan, gym training will begin tomorrow, followed by individualised training programmes on Friday.
Players and staff have to eat alone in their hotel rooms, with no complaints over food or hotel quality. — AAP