England 'relatively relaxed' about travelling for the Ashes, says Chris Woakes

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Chris Woakes (right), has taken 119 wickets, and scored 1,389 runs during 39 Tests for England

Chris Woakes, all-rounder for England, said that England's men's cricketers are "relatively calm" about traveling to Australia in December for the Ashes.

The England and Wales Cricket Board stated Friday that the tour would proceed "subject to certain critical conditions".

Players expressed concern about their family's ability to travel and the quarantine arrangements.

Woakes stated, "There is no player who doesn't want to be part the Ashes."

The series of five tests will begin on 8/12 and finish on 18/01/

Woakes has played 39 Tests and is one of 17 named players in England's Ashes team.

He said that "behind the scenes, there are still things being sorted out between all kinds of levels," BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I believe the players are relaxed and the guys want to go.

"But we want the best possible conditions so that we can live our lives without cricket."

Australia has some the most stringent Covid-19 protocols anywhere in the world. This is complicated by the fact that the five Tests will be played in five different states with their own regulations.

England has played most of their cricket under different Covid-19 protocols since 2020. Woakes stated that this could have an impact on the quality of their cricket.

The 32-year old added that "until you have been in this situation and done it over again, the novelty wears out."

"Some people get it and some don't. That is okay - everyone has the right to their opinion.

"But it is difficult to have an opinion on it until you've been there and done it again."

Woakes is currently in United Arab Emirates, as England prepares for the T20 World Cup. They will face West Indies in their first match on 23 October.