England will lock horns with World Test Champions Australia in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham from Friday onwards. Australia currently have the urn with them as they had thrashed England by 4-0 while playing in Australia in the 2021-22 Ashes series.
It will be interesting to note how England will employ ‘Bazball’ against the Australian relentless bowling line-up. The England skipper Ben Stokes has already revealed that they are not going to tone down their aggressive approach against the visitors.
England has savored success since Brendon McCullum has taken the reins as the head coach and it will be interesting to note the English batters’ approach.
On the other hand, Australia will enter the Ashes high on confidence after beating India in the WTC Final by 209 runs. However, the Aussies will have some selection headaches as Josh Hazlewood is now fit whereas Scott Boland had bowled at his best in the WTC final as he returned with five wickets.
David Warner and Usman Khawaja will also hold the key for Australia at the top of the order. Furthermore, they also have a potent middle order in Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head.
Match Prediction: England might enter the contest as favorites against Australia as they will be playing in their own conditions.
England Ashes squad 2023
Confirmed squad for 1st Test and 2nd Test.
Ben Stokes (captain), Ollie Pope (vice-captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Australia Ashes Squad 2023
Confirmed squad for 1st Test and 2nd Test.
Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith (vice-captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
