Ashes series given green light

Bailed up: English test captain Joe Root is expected to head down under for the Ashes after the England and Wales Cricket Board gave the okay to quarantine conditions. Photo: ANDREW COULDRIDGE/ REUTERS

THE England and Wales Cricket Board has given “conditional” approval for the Ashes series to go ahead as scheduled.

The conditions of the tour – scheduled to start in December – have upset multiple English cricketers and members of the touring party due to the quarantine and restrictions they will face while in Australia.

However, the ECB announced they are moving forward with planning for the tour but insist that “several critical conditions” have to be met before the team travels next month.

“Over recent weeks we have made excellent progress in moving forward on the England men’s Ashes Tour,” the ECB said in a statement.

“To facilitate further progress and allow a squad to be selected, the ECB Board has met today and given its approval for the tour to go ahead. This decision is subject to several critical conditions being met before we travel.

“We look forward to the ongoing assistance from Cricket Australia in resolving these matters in the coming days.”

Cricket Australia has reportedly offered the English party the use of a Gold Coast resort to quarantine in, where they will be given the able to train and move freely.

The first test is due to start on 8 December at the Gabba in Brisbane.

– BY SEB MOTTRAM/ SEN