Brisbane Heat's Tom Banton to miss Big Bash League

The Somerset and England batsman admits "it has been harder than I thought" spending time in bio-secure bubbles

• Mujeeb tests positive for Covid-19
• BIG BASH LEAGUE 2020-21: TV times, streaming, weather, team news odds and more

Tom Banton will not join up with Brisbane Heat for the Big Bash League.

The Somerset batsman is currently in South Africa with England as a reserve for the white-ball tour.

He was due to travel to Australia following the conclusion of the one-day international series next week, before undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

But after admitting to struggling while in bio-secure bubbles with England during the second half of the year - he played nine times across the summer - he has taken the decision to return home

Next stop Australia for Dan Lawrence, England's man-in-waiting

"It has been harder than I thought spending so much time in the hubs and bubbles and I came to the realisation that it wasn’t doing me much good," he said.

"I know the Heat looked after me really well during the BBL last year and I was confident that they would understand."

Coach Darren Lehmann added: "It is a very challenging time for many people and cricket is no exception. There is no normality or work-life balance which is so important, especially in elite sport.

"The well-being of the players is paramount and I am sure everyone – fans, coaches, administrators, sponsors – recognises that.

"We shouldn’t be critical of individuals making tough decisions so the best thing to do is to support them and back them."

❤️ @HeatBBL pic.twitter.com/Y43XHXLK9F

— Tom Banton (@TBanton18) December 5, 2020

Banton enjoyed a stellar maiden season with Heat in 2019-20, scoring 223 runs at 31.84.

Fellow-Somerset teammates Lewis Gregory will remain with Heat until after Christmas while Dan Lawrence - initially signed as cover for Banton - is due to join up with the squad next week.

There remains uncertainty over Mujeeb ur Rahman, who tested positive for Covid-19 during his period in quarantine and a replacement could yet be sought.

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