Joe Root will bring a halt to an Ashes Test if any England player is subjected to racial or abusive comments from the Australian crowd.
England's captain has been empowered to take the strongest possible action should the traditionally raucous Ashes atmosphere in Australia cross the line of acceptability.
Ashley Giles, the England managing director, backed his captain to take a stand on Sunday as he addressed the racism crisis that has engulfed the game while also looking ahead to the biggest battle in Test cricket, that begins in Brisbane next week.
England captain Joe Root won't hesitate to stop play if his players are abused during the Ashes
It will be just Australian fans during the upcoming Ashes series with travel restricted
'We know crowds can be lively there,' said the former England spinner. 'I've experienced that myself as a player. But it's important to say from the start there is no room for discrimination in our game.
'I'd certainly trust Joe Root to do what's right. If he chose to bring the team into the middle of the field and stop the game while any incident is investigated then absolutely.'
The presence of only one non-white player in England's Ashes squad in Haseeb Hameed may reduce the risk of a racial flashpoint but Giles went further when he addressed possible issues with an Australian crowd that will be even more partisan than usual because of travel restrictions that will stop any supporters travelling from England.
England skipper Root takes a breather during a nets session at the Gabba on Sunday
England's managing director Giles says England will take action if abuse crosses the line
'I don't think any of our players should be subject to any abuse actually but discrimination and racism particularly,' he added.'
The first Test begins at the Gabba, a venue known for its hostility towards England players, on December 8.
Meanwhile, Giles has warned cricket will 'have a problem' in its fight against racism unless
