Woakes: We will keep it clean in the Ashes series
ENGLAND all-rounder Chris Woakes says he does not expect ‘personal’ issues to be used in any sledging during the Ashes series.
The build-up to the first Test, which gets under way in Brisbane on Wednesday, has been overshadowed by racism and sexism scandals.
English cricket has been engulfed by claims of institutional racism, while Tim Paine stepped down from his role as Australia captain last month following sexting revelations.
Woakes said: “Whatever goes on the field, goes on the field, and an Ashes series raises that rivalry.
“I think what’s happened in both camps, a lot of the issues are personal and cricket is played best when that sort of stuff is left to the side and we let the skills do the talking, which I’m sure will happen.
“In my experience, playing in three Ashes series, it’s not overstepped the line once when I’ve been around.
“I don’t see it being any different. I’m sure the cricket will be hard-fought, as it always is, and it will be a great series to watch.”
Woakes says England are ready to meet the twin-pronged challenge of bowling with the Kookaburra ball and trying to dismiss Australia’s star batsman Steve Smith.
“I’ve bowled at Steve quite a lot. He’s a world-class player and had a lot of success against us as an England team,” Woakes said.
“We’ve got to figure out ways to keep him quiet because, relatively speaking, when he does well Australia do well.
“I feel I have got him a few times but he’s probably been on 150 at the time!
“It would be nice to get him a little bit earlier and we need some good plans against him.”