No Ashes in Perth
Australia has been in rough waters in the past few weeks due to the sexting scandal that forced wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine to step down from captaincy. Cricket Australia salvaged the situation by handing the leader’s cap to fast bowler Pat Cummins, known to be a gentleman who plays hard.
But there is no end to the problems. Pandemic-related restrictions in Western Australia kept CA under the pump, and it confirmed that the fifth and the final Ashes Test would not go ahead in Perth due to logistical constraints. The WA state government had strict 14-day quarantine rules and restrictions on the players’ family members.
Since there is a short break after the January 6-9 Sydney Test, it is nearly impossible to follow the protocols before the scheduled January 14 start of the final rubber.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head have made it to the Australia XI for the Ashes opener in Brisbane.