Last update on. From the section Cricket
During the 2019 Ashes series, Australia's captains were Joe Root and Tim Paine.
England has held positive talks to Cricket Australia (CA), as they try to get closer to confirming that the Ashes can proceed as planned.
On Tuesday, discussions took place between the CA, England and Wales Cricket Board and the Professional Cricketers Association.
It is believed that they were more successful than the previous Sunday meeting.
Friday's meeting of the ECB will decide whether or not this series, which is due to start on December 8, will go ahead.
England's players are concerned about the conditions of the tour. This includes whether their families will be allowed onboard, quarantine arrangements, and any possible 'bubble' they may have to live in.
The ECB met Sunday and stated that the tour could be canceled if conditions are not satisfactory or if too many England players refuse to travel.
The governing body stated that the board would decide if the conditions are adequate for the tour to proceed and allow the selection of a squad fitting a series of such significance.
The discussions between Australia and England have continued despite the fact that some Ashes players travelled to Oman on Monday for the T20 World Cup.
The Guardian and Daily Telegraph both reported that Joe Root, England Test captain, has pledged himself to the tour.
Todd Greenberg, chief executive officer of the Australian Cricketers Association, stated that the England players had "handled theirself really well".
Greenberg stated that "they've asked the right question, they've been professional in how they've dealt and all credit to them," Greenberg said to Australian newspapers The Age (Australia) and The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia).
"They're going for a good result because of the conditions they'll be touring in, and we'll enjoy a great Ashes season."
Australia has some the most stringent Covid-19 protocols anywhere in the world. This is complicated by the fact that each state has their own regulations.
Some restrictions have been lifted but others are dependent on the rate at which vaccinations are given.
Five Ashes Tests will be held in five states. There have been questions about whether the series can move around Australia.
The fifth Test was scheduled for Perth, Western Australia, in January. It may need to be moved to another part of the country.
After retaining the Ashes in a 2-2 draw in England, Australia holds the Ashes.
England is looking to win an away Ashes series only for the second time since 1987. They have won only four Tests in Australia this century.
