England look to protect player welfare in bio-secure environments
ENGLAND are looking to appoint a permanent member of staff to supervise mental health and wellbeing amid players spending weeks and months in ‘bio-secure’ bubbles.
World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan warned in October it is “untenable” for players to continue spending prolonged spells inside these environments as part of the sport’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ashley Giles, managing director of England men’s cricket, said earlier this month that players will be offered “mental health screening” before committing to any further tours.
“Ashley is in the process of appointing a mental health and wellbeing person across the team,” said England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison to The Times.
“(It will be) different from the psychology and the clinical element, but actually looking at mental wellbeing as being part of our high-performance set-up as a permanent position. We want to be leaders in this space.”
Meanwhile, England outcast Alex Hales produced another masterclass in Twenty20 batting as he thrashed 71 from only 29 balls to help Sydney Thunder cruise to victory over Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.
Hales, who has not featured for England since a second recreational drug test failure shortly before the 2019 World Cup, had endured a low key start in Australia with two ducks in four innings but proved his quality here.
The 31-year-old, one of only two batsmen to have scored a century in the sprint format for England, used the slog sweep to terrific effect in an innings containing eight fours and five sixes at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Hales brought up his half-century off 21 deliveries - the fastest fifty by a batsman in the Thunder’s history - before finally top-edging a sweep to give Nic Maddinson a return catch, while Sam Billings contributed a run-a-ball six before slapping to extra cover as he sought to up the tempo.
Hales’ efforts, plus 51 off 33 balls from captain Callum Ferguson, propelled the Thunder to 219 for seven - their highest-ever total in the competition - which proved well beyond the Stars. Off-spinner Chris Green took four for 34 as the Stars were all out for 144 after 19.5 overs to lose by 75 runs.
Elsewhere, Australia have announced the third Test against India will be staged at the Sydney Cricket Ground, beginning on January 6, as planned.
An outbreak of coronavirus cases on the northern beaches of the city had led to speculation that the teams might remain in Melbourne, where India completed an eightwicket win in the Boxing Day Test to level the series.
Complicating matters further is Queensland - where the teams are scheduled to play the fourth and final Test in Brisbane - closing its state borders.
But Cricket Australia says the decision has been made to keep the New Year’s Test at its traditional Sydney venue following several days of meetings.
“Despite the many challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, I am delighted to say Cricket Australia remains on track to deliver the men’s international series as scheduled,” said Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s interim
CEO. “We have met regularly over the past week to assess the unfolding public health situation in Sydney and gauge its impact on border restrictions around the country.
“To date, we have been able to deliver a safe and successful summer thanks to our detailed biosecurity protocols and the amazing work of so many great people behind the scenes.
“In response to the public health situation in New South Wales and the requirements of the Queensland Government, CA will put in place appropriate biosecurity measures. To that end, we have made the decision to keep the New Year’s Test at the SCG.
“We are confident that both this match, and the fourth Test in Brisbane, will play out in a safe and successful manner and thus round out what has been a magnificent men’s international programme this summer.”