Ashes: Joe Root 'desperate' to go to Australia

Joe Root says he is "desperate" to take part in the Ashes, but stopped short of confirming he will definitely lead England in Australia.

England's players are waiting to learn what touring conditions this winter's series will be played under.

"It is so hard to make a decision until we know what it looks like," said Root.

"Once that information comes through and we have a bit more clarity, hopefully we are in a position to go and do something special this winter."

England are looking to regain the urn from Australia, with the five-Test series set to begin on 8 December.

However, with Australia having some of the strictest Covid-19 protocols in the world, England's players have concerns over whether their families will be allowed to travel with them, the nature of quarantine arrangements and any potential 'bubble' they would be expected to live in.

Cricket Australia (CA) has delivered proposals to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which has responded with a number of issues that require clarification.