The ECB has confirmed that England will participate in the upcoming Ashes series as scheduled.

Doubts have emerged in recent weeks with members of the England setup having concerns about possible quarantine and protocols while touring Australia.

However, discussions between the relevant parties have remained ongoing, and the ECB has now revealed that England will travel Down Under.

An official statement read: "Over recent weeks we have made excellent progress in moving forward on the England Men's Ashes Tour.

"To facilitate further progress and allow a squad to be selected, the ECB Board has met today and given its approval for the tour to go ahead. This decision is subject to several critical conditions being met before we travel.

"We look forward to the ongoing assistance from Cricket Australia in resolving these matters in the coming days."

The first Test match is due to get underway in Brisbane on December 8, the series concluding with a fifth Test in Perth on January 14.

Earlier on Friday, the ECB announced that 20 players would be handed central contracts for the next 12 months. body check tags ::