Kevin Pietersen says there is “zero chance” he would’ve toured Australia with England’s Ashes squad this summer if he was forced to undergo a 14-day quarantine period.
Pietersen’s comments come amid reports that several of England’s leading players could pull out of the Ashes series due to the strict quarantine rules being imposed on the tourists.
READ MORE: Key England cricketer retires ahead of Ashes series
It appears unlikely England will be able to avoid the strict 14-day quarantine period when they arrive in Australia, although the players’ concerns reportedly centre around possible restrictions that will remain even after the two weeks in isolation.
The 14-day quarantine period imposed on the touring party will see them housed in a resort, most likely in Queensland, in conditions similar to what numerous AFL teams have been met with over the last two years.
The touring party will have freedom of movement within the resort, while players will have the ability to train under supervision for the 14-day period.
However, Pietersen, who toured Down Under on three separate occasions during his career, lashed Australia’s current quarantine regulations in a scathing tweet.
“There is NO WAY I would go to The Ashes this winter,” Pietersen’s tweet read.
“ZERO chance! Unless, the ridiculous quarantine rules were squashed and my family could travel with zero restrictions. Players are now done with bubbles! DONE!!!!!!!”.
https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1442367671199207424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison has already indicated there will be “no special deals” for England’s touring party, despite a plea from his British counterpart Boris Johnson.
Also complicating matters is the Western Australia government’s continued indications that its border will remain closed to states grappling with COVID-19 until well into 2022.
Perth’s Optus Stadium is currently scheduled to host the fifth Ashes Test from January 14, but Cricket WA CEO Christina Matthews has canvassed the possibility of Perth hosting one of the first three Tests – currently scheduled for Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.
The 2021-22 Ashes series is currently scheduled to commence on December 8, with the first Test set to take place at the Gabba in Brisbane.