SYDNEY (Australia): Australia Test captain Tim Paine said on Friday that the Ashes will go ahead with or without Joe Root after the England skipper refused to commit until there was more clarity around coronavirus quarantine rules.
Cricket Australia is negotiating with Canberra and their English counterparts over what type of biosecurity bubble players may have to endure Down Under and whether their families can come.
Root, who has two young children, said this week he was “desperate” to play the five-Test series, but added: “I feel it’s so hard to make a definite decision until you know.”
England vice-captain Jos Buttler is also reticent, insisting he will not be on the plane if his family are unable to join him due to tough Australian border restrictions.
