BBL 2020-21: Brisbane Heat star Tom Banton pulls out of tournament citing bubble fatigue

England wicket-keeper Tom Banton has pulled out of the 2020-21 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).

The 22-year-old, who was supposed to represent the Brisbane Heat in Australia's premier T20 tournament, stated that life in the bio-secure bubbles has been harder than he thought.

"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," Tom Banton said.

"I know the 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 Lynny (captain Chris Lynn) about going home to regroup," he added.

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'I will miss playing in front of the crowds' - Tom Banton

Tom Banton was set to represent the Brisbane Heat in BBL 2020/21

Tom Banton expressed disappointment that he won't be able to play for the Heat in front of the crowds in Australia. The island country is in the process of allowing fans to enter stadiums, and the ongoing limited-overs series against India and Australia has seen widespread attendance.

Check the BBL 2020-21 fixtures here.

"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," Tom Banton stated.

"I will miss playing in front of the crowds at the Gabba and the Gold Coast who were so passionate about the Heat and hope that I can repeat that experience again in the future," he added.

Tom Banton has been on a journey around the world over the past few months.

The youngster was part of the Three Lions side that took on Australia in ODI and T20I series earlier this year before heading to the UAE for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League. Banton then flew to South Africa to represent his country once again, and was scheduled to fly Down Under this week.

The BBL gets underway on the 10th of December with a match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Sydney Sixers.