England v Pakistan: ODI team 'on a knife edge'

Last update on. From the section CricketAshley Giles, England's managing director, said that the England bubble is a safe environment for employees.Director of cricket Ashley Giles says England is working to improve their "knife edge" following a coronavirus epidemic that affected their one-day team.The entire team was forced to isolate themselves after positive tests were returned by four players and four members of the backroom staff.For the three-match series against Pakistan that begins on Thursday, a new team has been formed and new staff members have been appointed.Giles said, "It's been an insane 24 hours." "We received the news that we had feared about last night, of a larger spread."Bad weather forced England to cancel its third international in England against Sri Lanka at Bristol on Sunday.The original team was to play Pakistan in Cardiff. Giles spoke on Tuesday lunchtime, but they were still at their hotel before heading home.Every member of the squad has had at least one dose.Giles stated that the goal is to get them home as soon as possible. Each case must be handled individually and the risk of injury assessed.The three-match ODI series against Pakistan will be relatively low-key. Ben Stokes will lead the new squad, which includes nine uncapped players. He is currently rehabilitating from a broken finger and will be leading it.The three T20s following are crucial in England's preparation for the World Cup in Oct. The chances of any of the original squad members taking part in that series, which begins on 16 July seems slim.England was able to fulfill their 2020 home schedule by living in Manchester and Southampton, where they were bio-secure.There were no positive tests between the touring side West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland during that period.England had problems with their winter tours. After a series of positive tests, a one-day series was cancelled in South Africa in December. Moeen Ali, the all-rounder, tested positive in Sri Lanka at the start of January.Giles said that the restrictions this summer were not as strict as last year because of the potential damage bio-secure conditions can cause. He explained that it was a balance act between protecting against coronaviruses and allowing players to have some freedom.They can mix with one another in their hotels, and they can travel to play the game of golf with the appropriate risk assessment."We are not gambling. Giles said that they are fully aware of the dangers.The coronavirus has been confirmed in three players and four staff members. This forced the whole squad to be isolated. It is unknown who else may have tested positive."That's what we work on every day. Looking after our employees, and also looking after the revenue."Giles stated that he was also "confident" no one in the squad had violated any protocols.The England and Wales Cricket Board will monitor the Pakistan series closely in case of any similar disruptions to the five-Test series against India which starts on 4 August. The inaugural season of The Hundred begins on 21 July.On 19 July, many restrictions that were imposed on the English public are being lifted.Giles, a former England spinner, said that "we're living at an entirely different pace to society." It's especially difficult when you know that one case can bring down your entire team, let alone seven."We are juggling with how long players have been in these environments. They must adhere to the idea that they should go to the ground. If they don't, then mask off, and go to their rooms. Relaxing is allowing these guys to eat together and spend time together. It's nearly impossible to eliminate that risk.England is set to tour Australia with Ashes this winter.Australia adheres to the strictest Covid restrictions worldwide, and all visitors are subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.The Greater Sydney region is currently under a lockdown for two weeks. On Tuesday, the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne in Nov and the MotoGP race on Phillip Island October were both cancelled.The Ashes Test in Brisbane will begin on the 8th of December.Giles said, "It's on." There's a lot to discuss. There are many challenges every day."We will do all we can. All of us are aware of the mental pressures that this puts on our people. We have to work together to get through it.