England’s IPL players unlikely to feature in Tests against New Zealand

England’s IPL players are unlikely to feature in the Tests against New Zealand. The board is not enthusiastic about rushing their players straight from the quarantine to the longest format, since they are lacking red-ball practice.

England’s move will mean that Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Moeen Ali, who are in the middle of a mandatory 10-day quarantine after returning from the currently-suspended IPL, will miss the two Tests against NZ, starting on June 2.

England players’ quarantine period is ending a couple of weeks before the series against New Zealand.

"The timeline is considered too tight for the (IPL) returning players, meaning calls up are expected for the likes of Ollie Robinson, Craig Overton and James Bracey," according to a report in 'BBC Sport'.

"While fitness levels could be managed, the lack of red-ball practice could be a concern -- particularly with other options having spent several weeks competing in the County Championship," said another report in 'The Independent'.

Earlier England men's cricket managing director Ashley Giles had indicated that the players who have returned from the IPL are unlikely to features in Tests.

There are 11 England players featuring for different IPL franchises.