“We’ve got a great opportunity to make a real statement about how we should play cricket”

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England captain Alastair Cook has urged his side and Australia to behave in an appropriate manner throughout the upcoming Ashes series, which starts on July 8 in Cardiff.

While there have been a number of infamous verbal confrontations in the Ashes over the years, Cook is hoping that both sides exude a lot more sportsmanship this time around.

“We’ve got a great opportunity to make a real statement about how we should play cricket,” Cook told Radio Times. “I think the spirit (between England and New Zealand) has been fantastic, and we definitely can learn from that. It was fantastic. It was the most enjoyable series I’ve played in.”

However, Cook has his doubts about whether Australia will take a more respectful approach as the Baggy Greens have already indicated that they will do whatever it takes to win their first Ashes series in England since 2001.

“It might be different (against Australia), or we could have a responsibility to the game,” Cook said. “It’s always exciting when Australia come, but I just think both sides have got this responsibility now for the way cricket’s gone.”