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Tom Banton of Brisbane Heat withdraws from BBL due to 'Bio Bubble Stress'

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Cricket is back, but not as it was before the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic. In the new normal, cricketers have to undergo insulation in 'bio-bubbles' for being allowed to play in tournaments. This period of insulation is bound to be mentally taxing. How taxing, the example of Tom Banton now has revealed. 

The English batsman has decided to withdraw from the high-profile Big Bash League (BBL) 2020 because of the stress of bio-bubbles getting too much for him. He was slated to play for Brisbane Heat. 

It's not one period of insulation that has become the bane for Banton, but multiple periods of stay in bio-bubbles, coming one after the other. 

First, he had to be in the bubble for England's home season's limited-overs series. After that extended period of insulation, he went to the Indian Premier League (IPL) where too he had to remain bubbled up. And that was not all! Following IPL, Banton joined the English team in South Africa, meaning more time cooped up in a protective sphere. 

The prospect of entering another bubble, for BBL this time, was bound to be mentally exhausting, if not downright torturous. So, the young, exciting batsman has pulled out of the league. 

The official statement from the player read thus:

"It has been harder than I thought spending so much time in the hubs and bubbles and I came to the realization that it wasn't doing me much good. I know the (Brisbane) Heat looked after me really well during the BBL last year and I was confident that they would understand when I spoke to Boof (coach Darren Lehmann) and (Chris) Lynny about going home to regroup. I'd like to thank the fans and members who are getting ready to support the Heat during the tournament and pass on my regrets to them that I won't be there."

Coach Darren Lehmann has supported the decision of Banton while recognising that his absence will affect the team. 

"Tom is a terrific young man. He's an impressive person and someone who we know would not have made a decision like this lightly and not without a great deal of soul-searching... After speaking with him at length, the best option for him is to head home to his family and loved ones and give himself every chance to recover," Lehmann said. 

The withdrawal of Banton isn't the only thing that has gone wrong for Heat before the start of the season. Another player in the team's squad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman of Afghanistan, has tested positive for COVID. His participation remains under doubt. 

As of now, there isn't any clarity regarding the replacement for Banton. His withdrawal also opens up a spot for an overseas player. Coach Lehmann stated that the search for a replacement would start.

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