Ashes 202122

England cricket board gives 'conditional approval' for Ashes tour

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.

Australia's Test skipper Tim Paine urges Steve Smith not to rush injury return

Smith is a crucial cog in Australia's drive to retain the urn after their gripping 2019 series in England, where he was the standout performer on his return from a ban for ball-tampering.