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Ashes 2023, ENG vs AUS, 1st Test | Match Preview, Pitch Report, Predicted XIs, Fantasy Tips, & Prediction

image-livpdhvcAustralia are heading into Ashes 2023 after WTC Final's victory (AP Photo)

One of the oldest sporting rivalries in cricket starts June 16, when England and Australia clash in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. 'The Ashes 2023' has already created much hype, with both sides coming into the series winning the last respective Tests, and players taking potshots at each other, starting the mind games before time. 

Ben Stokes and Co. will look to reclaim the urn, that they last won in 2015, while Pat Cummins and his band of men will be eager to retain the coveted trophy, having beaten the home side in England last in 2001. 


Team Preview

England

England's new-found aggressive approach will be tested against Australia, who have time and again challenged the host batters to employ Bazball cricket once they take the field. 

Stokes along with Joe Root, Jonathan Bairstow, and Ollie Pope will be under the pump, with other players still finding their footing in international cricket. 

The bowling as usual will be spearheaded by James Anderson and Stuart Board, with Ollie Robinson acting as the third pacer. The introduction of Moeen Ali adds depth to the batting unit, plus his ability to bowl off-spin makes his match-up against left-handers advantageous. 


Australia

Fresh from winning the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023, Australia heads into the series as a well-oiled machine. Cummins, since taking over the captaincy reins last year, has instilled new intent and purpose within the Test side, giving players their due space for blossom. 

The likes of David Warner, Usman Khawaja, and Steven Smith will hope to finish the tour on a high, which could be their last as well. For Warner, it would be important to get past his demons against Stuart Broad. 

The bowling looks settled, and with Scott Boland in the mix, along with Cameron Green, both Cummins and Mitchell Starc will get much-needed respite in the middle.  


Match Details

Date and Time: June 16, 15:30 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Live Streaming and Broadcast: Sony LIV & Sony Sports Network [TEN 5 SD and HD]


Pitch Conditions

The track at Edgbaston is often known to be batting-friendly, which acts like an Asian wicket compared to the lively ones in other parts of England. The surface offers good purchase for bowlers as well, with spinners coming into play in the final two innings.


Probable Playing XIs

England: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, and 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 Scott Boland


Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

​Wicket-Keeper: Jonathan Bairstow

Batters: Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Ollie Pope, Joe Root

All-Rounders: Ben Stokes, Cameron Green, Moeen Ali

Bowlers: James Anderson, Scott Boland, Pat Cummins

Captain: Ben Stokes

Vice-Captain: Pat Cummins


Prediction

Australia have a slight edge over England, having played a tougher opponent heading into the first Test, and is likely to take the lead.