The Ashes appears to have been framed as the ultra-professional Australian sportsmen against Ben Stokes’ lads army. However, this could be the most exciting edition of cricket’s oldest rivalry in some years.
England vs Australia | First Ashes Test | Friday 16 June – Tuesday 20 June 2023 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 12:00
England 15/10 | Draw 33/10 | Australia 13/10
England announced their XI with just under 48 hours to go until the first Test and have favoured an experienced lineup.
Both Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson will get a run first up with the injuries to fast bowlers forcing their hand a little.
Ollie Robinson is fit to return as the third seamer, while England have recalled Moeen Ali to play the role of specialist spinner while adding much-needed depth to the hosts batting.
England have backed Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley to do perhaps the most important job of holding the Australian pace attack at bay early on.
Joe Root is always the favourite to top the run-scoring stakes for the Three Lions in Test cricket.
Skipper Pat Cummins and the selectors have a tough choice to make with Josh Hazlewood reportedly fit to play a part.
Hazlewood missed out on the Edgbaston Test last time they were in England and could be sidelined again after an impressive WTC final showing from Scott Boland.
Australia could look to keep largely the same unit together for this match and roll right into the Ashes in winning form.
Cameron Green is the ace up Australia’s sleeve given that he can bat in the top six and bowls as a frontline seamer.
Few can lay a finger on Steve Smith when it comes to Test batting right now and he could well top score in this match.
Verdict: Australia
Australia are flying high and should start the Ashes with a win if the weather plays along.
