Ben Stokes realistic over possible bubble measures for India Tests but hopes mental health is considered

NICK HOWSON: Outbreaks in the ODI camp and among several counties has sparked fresh fears about the remainder of the summer, which includes five lucrative Tests and The Hundred

Ben Stokes would understand is the bio-secure bubble of last summer was reimposed for the India Tests but has appealed to the England and Wales Cricket Board to consider player mental health while determining the strength of the protocols.

Outbreaks among the one-day international squad, which forced the entire team into isolation and required a new group to be called up, and several counties has sparked fears the remainder of the summer could be hugely affected.

Sussex, Durham, Kent and Derbyshire have seen large swathes of their roster either test positive or be identified as close contacts - forcing them to self-isolate for a number of days.

Managing director of England men's cricket Ashley Giles wants government help to avoid such situations occurring again during a lucrative period of the summer.

Changes to self-isolation rules are not due until August 16 and if cricket cannot secure special dispensation then among the options could be a return to the strict bubble which protected the Test and limited-overs squads last summer.

The ECB eased restrictions for matches this year - labelled a "safe environment" - due to the stresses on players who were cooped up in hotels and unable to see family for long periods. Jofra Archer and Eoin Morgan were among those to speak out openly against the conditions.

^{Derbyshire and Essex's Championship clash was abandoned after one day due to an outbreak and players having to isolate}

"All these things get put in place to make sure we stay as safe as possible," said Stokes ahead of the third ODI against Pakistan at Edgbaston.

"I've got no doubt that things have had to go back to the drawing board, maybe. That is well above my pay grade and I don't have to worry about that sort of stuff.

"Everything that gets done from the medical point of view is always to ensure the safety of the players and backroom staff on these trips.

"Nothing has been set in stone with what is going to happen with the India series yet, but everything is being done in the right way.

"You have to make sacrifices but at the same time, you need to consider welfare as well as getting people out on the park. 

"Bubble life is very, very tough. Going from hotel to cricket ground on a daily basis can get to you so there is a lot that needs to be thought about.

"Keeping everyone as safe as possible but ensuring that we're being looked after from the mental side because being in bubbles is very, very tough."

Secure bubbles, which limit movement in and out, could end up ruling England men's Test players out of the inaugural edition of The Hundred.

Players are expected to feature in three matches for their respective sides, but preference could be given to the India Tests.

"It would be very frustrating not to be able to participate in that," added Stokes, who is with Northern Superchargers, on the prospect of having to skip the 100-ball competition. 

"It is a massive event for England and we want to be part of that.

"We know how big a role players play in making a franchise competition big and if the Test players were unable to play in the competition because of Covid that would be pretty devastating."