Updated: November 25, 2020 2:47:16 pm
On Sunday, the head coach of the Indian national team, Ravi Shastri, had spoken about how important it was that the two players fly to Australia in the next “three or four days”. (ARCHIVE)
Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma could participate in the test series in Australia, as the BCCI is now in talks with Cricket Australia (CA) regarding a relaxation of the quarantine rules for players. According to a BCCI official, if the rules are relaxed, then Rohit and Ishant could arrive in Australia in time to be available for the second and final match of the India tour, against Australia ‘A’ in Sydney on December 11-13. . According to the Australian government general Covid protocol, a 14-day quarantine period is required upon arrival in Australia.
“BCCI is in talks with CA, which in turn is negotiating with the Australian government on a relaxation in quarantine rules (for the two players). If the rules are relaxed, then both Rohit and Ishant could be available for the (second) game of the tour, ”a BCCI official told The Indian Express.
Although the Australian government requires a 14-day quarantine period for incoming travelers, there is a provision for exemption listed under the “exemption category”. The Australian government health advisory, posted on the government’s website, reads: “The Australian Health Protection Major Committee (AHPPC) recognizes that some other travelers should be exempt from quarantine requirements provided they take steps to mitigate risk. These travelers must apply for a quarantine exemption in accordance with state and territorial requirements. “
The BCCI and CA are, understandably, trying to go the “exemption” route for Rohit and Ishant, while the Australian cricket body negotiates with the Australian government. During the Indian Premier League (IPL) also, the BCCI successfully negotiated with government authorities in Abu Dhabi to relax the quarantine period for English and Australian cricketers who went to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after playing a limited series in England. .
Rohit had suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL, while a rib cage injury ruled Ishant out of the tournament. They are both doing their rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) right now. The BCCI medical team is evaluating the players and as of now, Rohit’s fitness level is known to be “70 percent.”
On Sunday, the head coach of the Indian national team, Ravi Shastri, had spoken about how important it was that the two players fly to Australia in the next “three or four days”. Shastri apparently made his assessment with an eye on Rohit and Ishant demonstrating their fitness during the second game of the India tour before the four-test series begins in Adelaide on December 17.
When asked if it would be mandatory for Rohit and Ishant to prove their match fitness in a touring game to be eligible for selection in the test series, the BCCI official said: “It is not mandatory. At the same time, for a series of tests in Australia, the ideal is for players to practice the match before proceeding to the tests. It is difficult to go directly into the test series. Then again, this is a call for selectors and team management to take. The BCCI does not interfere in these matters. “
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