England Bowler Chris Woakes Suggests Unprecedented Ashes Sledge Paledge

England pace bowler Chris Woakes says the racism and sexting scandals that have sidetracked the England and Australian cricket camps prior to the Ashes are personal matters that shouldn't be part of the on-field conversation during the Ashes series.

England arrived in Australia after Azeem Rafiq made allegations of racism in the workplace he encountered at English captain Joe Root's Yorkshire. Wicketkeeper Tim Paine then quit as Australia captain before taking an absence from the team following a sexting scandal surfaced.

Woakes, an all-rounder who is fighting for a place in the side to play at the Gabba in Brisbane beginning on December 8 in the first of five test, said the Ashes rivalry naturally increased the stakes.

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He also said that using either issue as on field banter or sledging was inappropriate.

"I think that the issues that have arisen in both camps, a lot of the issues are personal in nature and cricket is best played when this kind of thing is put aside and we let the skills speak for themselves," he said Thursday.

"Whatever goes on in the field, will be on the field, and the Ashes bring up the issue of rivalry.

"But in my experience, playing in three Ashes series, I've not been a problem once when I've been about. SEXTING I'm sure the cricket will be tough fought as it is always and will be enjoyable to watch."

England's squad had some unexpected moments in the middle of Thursday at Brisbane's Ian Healy Oval, which was scheduled to host a tour match against the England Lions from Tuesday.

However, the first two days of play were soaked by rain and only 29 overs were possible during the three-day tour match, also in Brisbane.

The skies cleared and James Anderson and Stuart Broad were finally able to bowl in a match scenario. Stokes took 2-31 and the openers failed to get wickets as the Lions ended the day 226-4.

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Following a mental health break following an injury-plagued season, all-rounder Stokes hadn't played any form of cricket since July, and his last test match took place in March.

Zac Crawley scored the most runs for the Lions with 45 runs. three other batters went out in the 30s. The match will continue on Friday.