Picture Credit: ECB
Ahead of the much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand at Southampton, the Kiwis are set to play a 2-Test series against England. While it will primarily serve as a good preparation heading into the final for New Zealand, England will also try and use the home conditions to their advantage and sustain a winning momentum for the next cycle of the Test Championship. However, recent reports suggest that the likes of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Moeen Ali might miss the Kiwi Tests.
This is because the IPL-bound players are currently serving mandatory quarantine and the management is not looking to rush them into Test match cricket as they would be lacking red-ball practice. Since the IPL was suspended midway, the players made an early return to the United Kingdom but are undergoing a 10-day quarantine. The conclusion of this will leave little more than two weeks before the first Test at Lord's.
Timeline is considered too tight for the IPL returning players: Report
"The timeline is considered too tight for the (IPL) returning players, meaning calls up are expected for the likes of Ollie Robinson, Craig Overton and James Bracey", according to a report in BBC Sport.
"While fitness levels could be managed, the lack of red-ball practice could be a concern—particularly with other options having spent several weeks competing in the County Championship," said another report in The Independent.
Meanwhile, head coach Chris Silverwood is set to convene his first selection meeting on Tuesday after taking over from Ed Smith.