Ashes: Don't think any England player should be subject to abuse by fans in Australia, says Ashley Giles

Ashley Giles, the director of England men's cricket, has backed team captain Joe Root to "do what is right" if they face any abuse from Australian fans during The Ashes 2021-22 series starting next month.

The oldest rivalry in cricket will resume with Australia hosting England in the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 8. England's Barmy Army and the Aussie fans are expected to be at their loudest with this series being the first Ashes amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

"If he chose to bring the team into the middle of the field and stop the game while that was investigated, then absolutely. I don't think any of our players should be subject to any abuse actually, but discrimination and racism particularly," Giles was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

GILES BATS FOR VAUGHAN

Giles also opened up on the recent controversy surrounding former England captain Michael Vaughan, who was fired from the BCC's coverage of the Ashes series in Australia after being accused of racism by ex-Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq.

Asked about Vaughan's situation, Giles, who is in Brisbane with England’s Ashes squad, said he could not comment on the broadcaster's policies, but added "tolerance is really important.

"We all do make mistakes and we will again. But we have to be able to tolerate, educate and rehabilitate, otherwise people aren't going to open up and share their experiences and learn.

"Does zero tolerance mean we shouldn't accept discrimination and racism? Absolutely. But not giving people second chances, I'm not sure that's a healthy way forward for us.

"We all know that this can be a bit of a minefield. Even the language we use around this area almost changes by the month. So for me, we've got to educate more, we've got to call it out in the dressing room much more effectively if we see it," the former England spinner said.