Top 5 Impact Players in The Ashes 2023
Steve Smith has 1,672 against England on British soil [Source: Twitter]
One of the most anticipated Test series between arch-rivals England and Australia is upon us. The Ashes 2023 begins on June 16, where hosts England led by Ben Stokes, will look to reclaim the urn from the visiting Australian side, captained by Pat Cummins, having won the 2021-2022 edition Down Under 4-0.
Both England and Australia are coming hot on their heels, having demolished Ireland and India, respectively in their last Tests. A big series such as the Ashes gives fans a chance to witness the best cricketers from both nations perform to the best of their abilities, some exceed expectations, while some succumb under immense pressure.
However, there are some players, who on their alone can manage to turn the tides in their team's favour, and single-handedly hog all the limelight.
Ahead of the first Test at Edgbaston, which begins on Friday, let's have a look into the Top 5 players who can have the most impact on the result of the iconic Ashes series.
Steve Smith
Steven Smith [Source: Twitter]
An eye-sore for England bowlers in Tests, Steven Smith is a beast, when it comes to batting in British conditions. Smith, who averages 65.08 in Ashes Tests on English soil, is crucial for the success of both teams in the upcoming five-Test contest.
Australia banks on Smith's run-making ability, which enable other batters to bat as per their liking. However, England will ensure to see the back of Smith several times across the course of the two months if need a chance at clinching the urn back.
Jonny Bairstow
Jonathan Bairstow [Source: Twitter]
Making a comeback is never easy, and returning to a high-profile series is even more pressuring, and England's wicket-keeper batter Jonathan Bairstow will be mindful of that. Bairstow, who was the torch-bearer of 'BazBall' cricket in 2022, missed the second half of the year due to an injury.
Before the long layoff, Bairstow slammed 1,061 runs in 10 Tests registering as many as six centuries and revitalising England's red-ball ambitions. Unfazed by opposition, or conditions, the 33-year-old has the skills to destroy bowlers at will.
Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes [Source: Twitter]
Apart from batting and bowling, England skipper Ben Stokes' captaincy skills will be under the scanner, when he takes on WTC 2023 winner Australia. Stokes, who has been successful in his aggressive approach, thus far, will have his work cut out against Pat Cummins and Co., who are known to prepare well and pull a rabbit out of the hat if need be.
On the batting and bowling front, the all-rounder looks under-cooked given his time off due to an injury off-late. Nonetheless, Stokes' determination, grit, and valour alone are enough to put the opposition into deep thinking in the middle.
Scott Boland
Scott Boland [Source: Twitter]
Clearly, the hottest property heading into the Ashes is Australia's Scott Boland. Boland, given his form looks prime to give England batters a tough time with the Dukes ball.
Boland, who rocked England batter during the 2021-21 Ashes series, claiming 18 wickets in three Tests, will once again, be a threat with the nagging line and length, which is strikingly different from what Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, bring to the table.
Travis Head
Travis Head [Source: Twitter]
A dark horse in Australia's line-up, Travis Head caught an unprepared Indian team off-guard in the WTC Final 2023 and made a statement. Head, who can lately been used as a floater, can adapt to any conditions, and play as per the demands of the situations.
Head fills in the role of a finisher in the Australian line-up, something that the great Adam Gilchrist used to do very well. Interestingly, the 29-year-old's record against England in the UK is not that promising, having scored 191 runs in the 2019 series.
 "Vishal Mehra")
