The Ashes 2023 can match up to the 2005 edition: Ollie Pope

image-lefdqrc3Stokes celebrating the win with Baz McCullum [Twitter]

The Ashes 2005 is regarded as one of the best Test series ever played by former players, fans, and critics. The series revitalised red-ball cricket and brought the crowds back into the stadium with each passing Test, which culminated in Michael Vaughan's England winning their first Ashes in 17 years.

Current England Test batter Ollie Pope thinks that the upcoming Ashes 2023 could be as entertaining as the 2005 edition.

Pope has been a constant feature in England's recent resurgence in Tests under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. The Stokes-led side are currently touring New Zealand for a two-Test series, and have gained a 1-0 lead already.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's, Pope said that the series against Australia will always be at the back of the minds of the players.

Here's what Pope said

"It's just something to really look forward to. This summer has got the potential to be amazing. That's the pinnacle, what everyone wants to be a part of. Everyone wants to get their hands on the urn.

It could be really entertaining, like that 2005 series, which is what made me fall in love with cricket. The prospect of that is really exciting."

England, who are on a six-Test winning streak, will look to notch their seventh-straight victory when they meet New Zealand in the second Test starting tomorrow. 

Interestingly, the Vaughan-led XI won eight Tests in a row in the build-up to the historic series. 

​The first Ashes Test gets underway on June 16 at Edgbaston.