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Perth stars reset for Aussies' T20 tour

3 minute read

Ashton Turner says he and other players heading to New Zealand for a Twenty20 tour are excited despite the prospect of more quarantine and biosecurity bubble.

ASHTON TURNER
ASHTON TURNER Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Captain Ashton Turner says he and other members of Perth Scorchers' deflated squad will have no issues resetting for their trip to New Zealand and yet more quarantine.

Turner, Mitch Marsh, Jason Behrendorff, Jhye Richardson and Andrew Tye will all board a charter flight on Sunday, heading across the Tasman for the Twenty20 series.

Western Australia teammate Josh Philippe, whose Sydney Sixer defeated Perth in the Big Bash League final, is also part of the national T20 squad.

Most BBL players will enjoy some downtime before shifting focus to the Sheffield Shield.

But for T20 squad members there is no respite from the biosecurity protocols that have governed their life in recent months.

Adding another layer to the challenge for Perth-based players is that their families have just been in lockdown.

"We've been travelling a lot. Guys, for months now, have been in international bubbles, IPL bubbles, Sheffield Shield hubs and BBL hubs," Turner said.

"Guys have spent a lot of time away from their family.

"It'd be nice to go home at some stage, but an opportunity to represent our country is something we're very proud of.

"We're professional cricketers. We feel fortunate ... there's a lot to play for in New Zealand. I know all the guys jumping on the plane are really excited."

Richardson finished the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, snaring 29 scalps at 16.31.

But the express paceman recorded figures of 2-45 in the final.

"He's world class. He deserves the golden cap and has had a brilliant tournament," Turner said.

"I hope nobody is going to point a finger at him for his performance in the last couple of games.

"For a young fast bowler to play 17 games in a row - it's been relentless at times, the travel and scheduling."

Steve Smith is among the Test stars skipping the T20 series despite the fact their tour of South Africa has been postponed.

"I'm pretty comfortable having a break at the moment. It's been a pretty long grind with being in the bubble and not seeing my wife Dani for five and a half months." Smith said.

"I look forward to watching and hopefully seeing some young guys really step up."

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