Ashes Test Series 2023 ENG Vs AUS 1st Test: The Ashes is a Test series which is played after every two years. The Ashes series is a historic series and because of such red ball series, the traditional format like the Test Cricket has been kept alive.
This engrossing battle with the bat and ball will be a five-match affair. The first Test match will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from Friday, 16th June 2023 to Tuesday, 20th June 2023.
The last red ball series between England and recent WTC Final winners, Australia was played in 2021. The Aussies won that series hands down as England didn’t have the Bazball approach then.
That series was the first ever series for Pat Cummins as the skipper of Australia’s Test Team. But now things will be different for both sides.
England’s new avatar in the red ball format has changed the complexion of Test Cricket. So far, their attacking mindset has worked for them.
Ben Stokes and Co have won the series in Pakistan which was their maiden series win. The batters of England will still hold the key in this series.
With that, it also remains to be seen whether England’s attacking approach will work against the world’s best pace bowling attack or not.
The Aussies are coming from their recent triumph against India. They are the winners of the World Test Championship Final in 2023 which was played at the Kennington Oval in London.
So, Cummins and Co will be high on confidence as they have started their UK tour with a big win of 209 runs and that too against a good Test side like India.
Australia will be thrilled to have Josh Hazlewood back in the squad. Josh had missed the WTC 2023 Final because of injury and their management didn’t want to risk him for that one-off game due to the Ashes Test series.
Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne will be the players to watch out for from the Aussies team.
While Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and skipper Pat Cummins will be the bowlers who can dent this England side.
Scot Boland too did a wonderful job in the WTC Final match. But he will make way for Hazlewood in the playing XI.
England should have other plans and they just cannot stick to the BazBall style of play because Australia has quality pace bowlers and the lone spinner Nathan Lyon.
If this attacking style didn’t work out well for them then there is a sure sort of trouble. Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope and Joe Root will be the key batters for the home side.
While Moeen Ali, the spin bowling all-rounder is back for them in the red ball games. He will hold the key as Jack Leach isn’t around this time for England.
Moeen, Stuart Board and James Anderson will have to fire in the opening game of this traditional test series. The new ball will be important for both teams. However, the batters need to be cautious.
England – Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jonny Bairstow(wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson.
Australia - David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(wk), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.
The pitch in Birmingham is said to be made for the fast bowlers because it has a balanced seam movement.
However, the batters will have to tackle the new ball and so the captain winning the toss should opt to bowl first because there will be help for the pacers early on.
The forecast for the 1st Ashes Test series 2023 predicts rain from the second day onwards.
Batters – Steve Smith, Ollie Pope and Travis Head
Bowlers – James Anderson, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood
All-rounders – Ben Stokes and Cameron Green
Wicket-keeper – Alex Carey
Vice-captain – Moeen Ali
Captain – Marnus Labuschagne
The first Test match of the Ashes Test Series 2023 will be shown live on Sony Sports Network and live streaming will be available on SonyLiv mobile application. The game will start at 3.30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), 10 AM GMT and 11 AM Local Time.
