England Players 'Not Hiding' Over Ashes Quarantine Fears Says Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes on Monday hit back at suggestions England's cricketers were ducking the challenge of an Ashes tour to Australia over concerns about strict coronavirus quarantine restrictions.

The England and Wales Cricket Board named a strong squad on Sunday for the tour "Down Under" starting on December 8, after agreeing "conditional approval" with the players to proceed.

There were fears the Ashes would be cancelled after months of concern over tough Covid-19 quarantine guidelines which England's players and their families will have to follow in Australia.

England legend Ian Botham claimed some players "don't fancy the ultimate test". However, Woakes rejected those suggestions and spelled out the impact of living in biosecure bubbles.

International cricketers have been forced to cope with restrictions to daily life, often in hotels for months, due to the coronavirus pandemic. "There was never too much doubt that everyone was keen to go and play," the 32-year-old told reporters.

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