England to send strong squad for the Ashes: Mitchell Starc

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc reckoned that there’s no reason why England won’t send a “super-strong” team for the upcoming Ashes. The five-match Test series is scheduled to get underway on December 8 and it’s learned that a number of Three Lions’ players are apprehensive about the strict restrictions in the bio-security bubbles for them and their family members.

Cricket Australia (CA) is said to be in constant talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and their government regarding the travel guidelines. The squad for the Ashes is expected to be announced soon and the ECB may urge the players to take a call on their participation at the earliest.

Mitchell Starc shares his views on the Ashes

“I can’t think that they wouldn’t send a super-strong team. They might have one or two (players) with young families, or have been on the circuit a fair bit through COVID times, (and don’t want to tour). The Ashes mean as much to English cricket as it does Australia cricket.

“Stuart Broad mentioned the other day, he’d say yes in a heartbeat, and he’s one of their premier fast bowlers,” Starc was quoted as saying to the Seven Network.

Last week, Broad stated that he would fly to Australia, but also said that he wouldn’t question his teammates if they backed out. It’s because the CA hasn’t shared a lot of details about the quarantining rules.

“The England team will have to do nothing different than what they’re asking the Australian team to do,” Starc stated.

Among the England players, Jofra Archer is certain to miss the series due to an elbow injury. Ben Stokes, who missed the Test series against India, is an unlikely starter for the Ashes as well. The all-rounder is currently on a break to take care of his mental well-being.

As far as Starc is concerned, he’s currently In Brisbane where his wife Alyssa Healy is taking part in the three-match ODI series against India Women. Starc had joined his spouse for 14 days of hard quarantine ahead of the 50-over matches at the Harrup Park in Mackay.

Starc joined Healy to spend time with her loved one before heading to the UAE for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup.