David Warner says he can’t fault England’s “point of view” after the England and Wales Cricket Board nearly called off the upcoming Ashes series due to concerns around Australia’s health and travel protocols.
The Ashes series will officially go ahead after the ECB confirmed its commitment to the series starting in December.
The Ashes series had been in doubt after both the ECB and several of its players, including England Test captain Joe Root, voiced concerns over the restrictive health and travel protocols in Australia, and how that would affect the travelling families.
While some criticised England’s stance, such as former star Mark Butcher who said he was “furious” players would potentially skip the Ashes series, Warner said he understood their concerns.
“When it comes to bubbles it is challenging. I do see England’s point of view,” Warner told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
“Coming to Australia, the questions being asked are obviously out of the control of Cricket Australia. It’s a government situation.
“We went through it last season. With crossing borders and the like, there is a lot of hard work and planning that goes into it.
“I do feel for the England team and it’s more difficult if you’ve got children.”
Warner is no stranger to the hardships brought on by tough travel restrictions.
The 34-year-old returned to the UAE last month for the resumption of the IPL season, and with the upcoming World T20 next month, Warner may not see his family until Christmas as mandatory quarantine periods in Australia threaten to delay his return when he arrives back for the Ashes.
When Australia’s players return from the T20 World Cup they will be required quarantine in Brisbane, which currently has strict border protocols. However, Warner’s family lives in Sydney – where hotel and home quarantine restrictions are set to be lifted – meaning he may not be able to see them until Christmas.
“They’re the challenges that we face,” he added.
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“It’s not just about cricketers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re married or single, adult or child, every family has come under extreme pressure one way or another. I feel for every single person out there.
“There are people who haven’t seen their families for a year or more. People haven’t been able to get home for funerals. It’s sad.”
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