Root’s team in dark over Ashes plans

ENGLAND’S players are growing frustrated with the ECB about the lack of information they have received regarding this winter’s Ashes series. Sportsmail has learned that captain Joe Root and other senior players have been asking the ECB for updates on the travel itinerary, hotel details and plans for accommodating families, but none have been forthcoming. The players’ irritation has been exacerbated by the fact Root and other senior members of the dressing room are being repeatedly asked to discuss whether they are willing to tour Australia, unlike ECB executives. Jos Buttler has provided several strong hints that he will not make the trip if families aren’t granted entry to Australia following the recent birth of his daughter. Root said last week that it was too soon to expect his players to decide. Root is also concerned about being forced to tour with a weakened team if players withdraw in what is likely to be his last attempt to win the Ashes as captain. Jofra Archer and Olly Stone have been ruled out due to injury, while Ben Stokes’s participation is also in doubt. The ECB are similarly in the dark and have asked Cricket Australia to deliver a final tour programme within the next few weeks to enable them to pick a squad. While the five Test venues were announced last May, there are concerns that such an itinerary may no longer be possible due to the continued closure of many of Australia’s state borders at short notice.