New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said the Black Caps could leave for their forthcoming Test tour of the United Kingdom from the Maldives over this weekend.
New Zealand players reached the Maldives after the premature end of IPL 2021 due to multiple COVID-19 positive cases in different teams’ bubbles and are currently undergoing quarantine.
The Black Caps are scheduled to play a two-Test series versus England and the final of the inaugural World Test Championship against India on their tour of the UK, beginning June 2.
Stead mentioned it isn’t yet clear whether the Kiwis will have to go through another period in isolation upon reaching England. But Maldives is set to be among the UK government’s “red-list” countries from 4 am local time on Wednesday, which means no direct flights between the two countries, and residents returning will have to go through quarantine in a hotel for 10 days.
“I don’t know all the details right now. My understanding is that they are looking to leave [Maldives] somewhere around the time that we leave – May 15, 16 or 17 – in that time frame. My understanding is that England board is still working through the final details of what it means to come through the Maldives as supposed to New Zealand.”
Stead was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The group of Black Caps cricketers who flew across to the Maldives after the IPL 2021 got suspended on May 4 include Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner and physio Tommy Simsek. This group was initially told that their quarantine in the Island nation will be limited to just three or four days, but it has been extended by a week.
There aren’t any training facilities available in the Maldives, but Stead said it’s okay if his players get a much-needed break from the game ahead of the England tour.
“Sometimes, a break from cricket can freshen their mind as well. They can still work on their fitness. So I don’t see it as a bad thing. It’s an adapting world and I think that’s just something we’ve got to keep doing.”
he said.
Spearhead Trent Boult isn’t in Maldives and will be missing the first Test at Lord’s against England after opting to directly travel back home from IPL. Boult could also be doubtful for the second Test in Edgbaston if he faces workload issues. Stead, though, is confident of having his paceman up and running for the ultimate clash against India with the WTC trophy on the line.
“Everyone has got their reasons around it. India changed very, very quickly, over the space of two or three days, and there were options put in front of the guys and he [Boult] felt for him and his mental health, the best thing he could do was get home for a while,”
“He is a professional, he has been there in the international circuit for a long time now. He will be ready. We are working through what build-up looks like to him and his readiness for the World Test Championship final when he comes back to us,”
Stead added.
