Leaving IPL was an interesting experience – Kyle Jamieson

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s fast-bowler Kyle Jamieson believes that leaving India after IPL 2021 got indefinitely suspended due to COVID outbreak in camps was an ‘interesting experience.’ He also mentioned that he was confident that he would be able to reach England safely where New Zealand will play India in the final of the World Test Championship.

Along with Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Kane Williamson, Jamieson decided to fly to Maldives before taking a flight to UK since they felt unsafe due to the continuous rise of COVID cases in Delhi, which had become a hotspot.

“It was an interesting one. It is not something that you could plan for. We were sort of informed right through. We had some pretty good people around us, the BCCI and IPL teams,” said Jamieson in a media interaction recently.

“We just had to do the right thing by ourselves. Obviously, the situation in India was pretty dire and we were mindful of that what is going outside our bubble. Once it (the virus) got inside it was the right decision to postpone it.

“We just had to keep trusting those people and control what we can control and we had some pretty good people around us to help us get to England.”

Kyle Jamieson’s first tour of UK begins with a test against England at the iconic Lord’s Stadium. They will also play a second Test against England at Edgbaston before travelling to Southampton where the Blackcaps will take on India in the final of the World Test Championship, beginning on June 18.

When asked whether it was hard to focus on the series against England since it will be immediately followed by the WTC Final, Jamieson said, “Not really at all. If you look too far ahead you can get caught in the bounce a little bit.

“It is my first trip to England. I am playing cricket for the first time at Lord’s. If I get distracted by something in two-three weeks’ time then I would end up not being in great shape.

“I am just trying to be as mindful as I can around this Test and enjoy. Who knows if it ever happens again for me. So just focusing on this Test and Edgbaston and then the final (against India). It is not going to go away or come any closer so I will take care of this one first.”

Jamieson also concluded by saying that he’s unsure whether he’ll be able to participate when the IPL resumes in September in the UAE. “To be fair I have no idea really. That news came out couple of days ago, we have not had any conversation about it. Our mind is on the Test gainst England and the final against India. Don’t want to look too far ahead,” he signed off.