According to a report on ESPNCricinfo, the England Cricket Board (ECB) are considering allowing their players to leave the bio bubble in which they have been for a month to visit their family before the first Test against Pakistan on August 5.
“I’ve heard whispers of it,” said James Anderson on the fourth day of the second Test against West Indies, while stating that nothing was confirmed.
“Obviously it’d be nice if we can get home for a few days in between the series but, yeah, at the moment we’ve not had anything confirmed so we’ll just keep our fingers crossed on that one.”
Even if it does happen, it is likely to be for a maximum of three nights and will require approvals from the UK government and the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Several members of Pakistan’s touring squad had tested positive for Covid-19 before leaving their home country. They come post an isolation period where they tested negative before travelling to the UK.
“Yeah, it’s been different, but it’s not… I can’t say it’s been hard because we’re in a hotel, you know, we’ve got nice surroundings,” Anderson said.
“We’re looked after well. And yes, we’ve had to do things slightly differently, but we’re getting to play cricket which is, you know, amazing really after the last few months. So we’re just grateful for that.
“If we can get home for a few days in between games then brilliant. If not, we’ll just have to knuckle down and realise it’ll be another three or four weeks through that Pakistan series before we can get home properly.”
The third Test against West Indies finishes on July 28 and the first Test against Pakistan begins on August 5.
Anderson was rested for the second Test and admitted to being stiff before the Test.
“There was some stiffness there but to be expected really,” he said. “I think most of the bowlers had stiffness, after such a long layoff, and then bowling 40 overs in that game there’s bound to be some sort of stiffness but feels good now after a few days resting.”
“There’s no plan, as such, as to what I’ll play for the summer,” he said. “Similarly with the other bowlers… I’ve been honest, I think the bowlers getting through four out of six would be pretty good.
“Four out of six Test matches after a long break, and six Test matches that are in a really short space of time, I think that’s probably what the hope is for both the coaches and medical team.”