England's cricketers and their families will be given 'no special deals' over quarantine for the Ashes, Australia's Prime Minister has warned.
Scott Morrison suggested the players were no different to skilled workers or students so would have to self-isolate.
But Boris Johnson sounded a more positive note and said Mr Morrison had promised he would 'see if he could find a solution'.
The pair tried to thrash out a deal as they met in Washington DC - following their trips to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
England stars such as captain Joe Root are weary of bubble fatigue and the prospect of further restrictions while in Australia.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) have been locked in talks throughout the year but there is yet to be a breakthrough.
Scott Morrison (pictured with Boris Johnson in the US on Tuesday) suggested the players were no different to skilled workers or students so would have to self-isolate
England cricket captain Joe Root (pictured with his wife Carrie Cotterell) could lead out an understrength team for the Ashes in Australia this summer
Stuart Broad (pictured with his fiancee Mollie King) has confirmed he will tour down under - but understands if other teammates stay home
Mr Morrison said: 'I would love to see the Ashes go ahead, as I shared with Boris. But there's no special deals there.
'I don't see a great deal of difference in skilled workers or students, who will be able to come to Australia when you reach the vaccination rates.'
Morrison reiterated international travel would resume at 80 per cent double-dose vaccination coverage, for over 16s.
But when asked about the talks yesterday, the UK Prime Minister sounded a more positive note.
Mr Johnson told reporters: 'I raised it and he said he was going to do his best for the families.
'He totally got the point that for cricketers it is very tough to ask people to be away from their families over Christmas.'
He added: 'He merely undertook to come back and see if he could find a solution.'
The pair had dinner after the military pact they formed with the US enraged France because it led to Canberra cancelling a lucrative deal to provide submarines.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured in New York) said Scott Morrison told him over dinner he will 'look to find a solution' for England's players and their families ahead of the Ashes starting in November in Brisbane
Controversial Australian batsman Steve Smith (pictured in January) and his Australian teammates want to play a full strength English XI in the Ashes
CA's attempt to finalise quarantine and biosecurity plans that satisfy all parties, including Queensland's risk-averse state government, has proven to be difficult.
There is hope the coming weeks will deliver a breakthrough in talks between the ECB and its Test players, ensuring a near full-strength squad arrives for the iconic series.
England's quarantine concessions will be dictated by whichever state they are staying in, with the itinerary believed to start with quarantine on the Gold Coast.
But the ECB is at the mercy of the federal government regarding its touring party's size and entry to Australia, including questions about family members flying out.
Several England stars are wavering over the trip, as they may be away from their families for up to three months over Christmas.
Stuart Broad last week said he will fly to Australia but understood if teammates opted out of the tour, arguing CA had provided 'minimal detail' about restrictions.
It comes after England was accused of 'failing a member of the cricket fraternity in need' after pulling out of next month's tour of Pakistan.
It was despite Pakistan playing here in bio-secure conditions last year, ensuring the ECB did not make huge
