English cricket has been embroiled in claims of institutional racism, while Australia’s goalkeeper Tim Paine resigned as test captain before taking leave for a landmark investigation into sexually explicit texts.
Chris Woakes fights for a place in the England team to play for Gabba Brisbane
Chris Woakes says that the racism and sexting scandals that have plagued England and Australia prior to the Ashes series are personal matters not to be used for sledding.
England came to Australia when Azeem Rafiq detailed the accusations of institutional racism he experienced in Yorkshire and how the problem extends to the entire English game.
Australia goalkeeper Tim Paine resigned as captain of the test last month before absent from the sport due to a landmark investigation into sexually explicit text messages sent to a colleague.
“I think what happened in both fields, a lot of the problems are personal and cricket is best played when those kinds of things are put aside and we let skills do the talking, which I’m sure will happen,” Woakes. said.
“Everything that goes to the field, goes to the field, and Ashes generates that rivalry.
“But in my experience, playing in three Ashes series, it didn’t go over the line once when I’ve been around. I’m sure cricket will be close, as it always is, and it will be good to see.”
The first ash test begins in Brisbane on December 8.
England and Australia have also been limited in red ball practice ahead of the series opener due to bad weather, and tourists were finally able to hit the field on the third day of their four-day practice match within the team.
James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes had a chance to go bowling with the trio, all sending four overs before lunch.
Despite being named to the England Lions squad for completion, the 32-year-old Woakes doesn’t think the return of teammate Ben Stokes necessarily spells the end of his hopes of claiming a spot on the Test squad.
“I think we’ve played on the same team before,” he said.
“Look, Ben is a world-class cricketer, he gets into any XI in the world, it’s great that he’s back with us and I hope he can find his way in the series. But I think we can play together.”
Australian goalkeeper Alex Carey has been named Paine’s replacement for the first two Ashes tests.
Carey, 30, will make his Test debut in the series opener at the Gabba, having represented Australia in 45 one-day internationals and 38 T20s.
Carey was preferred over capless goalie Josh Inglis and is part of a fifteen-man team.
“I am incredibly honored by this opportunity. It is an exciting preparation for what is a great series ahead,” said Carey.
“My focus is on preparing and playing my role to help Australia secure the ashes.”
