England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, who had recently announced to miss the upcoming second phase of the IPL 2021, has now said that he may also skip the Ashes tour against Australia due to challenges posed by Covid-19 and wants to spend more time with his family.
Buttler said that his entire family has sacrificed a lot and spending time away from them due to strict bio-bubble protocols would get difficult to deal with.
“I’ve sacrificed a lot for cricket and my wife and family have sacrificed a lot. Covid is incredibly challenging for everyone and Australia has a very strict policy in how they’ve tried to deal with it. Until we get more information about what it (the Australian tour) might look like, it’s impossible to know what decision you’re making,” Buttler was quoted as saying by The Times.
“One of the challenges is working out where the line is, where you say I can’t do that. You have to be open to saying no. It would be incredibly disappointing if some players feel like they can’t do it,” he added
Buttler will also miss the second phase of the IPL 2021, scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 19, due to the birth of his second child.
“Jos Buttler will not be part of the remainder of #IPL2021, as he and Louise are expecting a second child soon. We wish them well, and can’t wait for the newest member of the #RoyalsFamily,” his franchise Rajasthan Royals had tweeted earlier.
In the ongoing Test series against India at home, Buttler has failed with the bat as he had managed just 65 runs from four innings of the concluded two matches.
England currently trail the series 0-1 after losing the second Test by 151 runs at Lord’s and the third Test will begin at Headingley, Leeds, from August 25.