After the 2019 World Cup, the next big cricketing face-off is the Ashes series between England and Australia. England will be hosting the Aussies and the Test series is all set to begin from August 1.
While England will look to continue their dream run and win the Ashes after being crowned World Champions, Australia will look to retain the series. The last time these two teams met in the Ashes 18 months back, then the Aussies completely outplayed the Joe Root-led England team, the result being 4-0. But, it is England who have emerged victorious against Australia in the last 4 series held in England.
The first Test will be held at Edgbaston, while the remaining four Tests will take place at Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval.
Former Australian legendary spinner, Shane Warne recently took to Twitter to name his England and Australia teams for the first Ashes Test.
And here’s my Aussie Ashes team/squad for the 1st test.
Warner
Harris
Khawaja
Smith
Head
Wade
Paine
Pattinson
Cummins
Lyon
Starc / HazlewoodPlus in Squad. A Carey, J Richardson, C Bancroft, M Marsh & W Pucovski
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 22, 2019
Warne’s Australian XI includes Matthew Wade, Travis Head and Marcus Harris who have been in prime form while playing in the Australia A squad against England. Head, as well as Pattinson, impressed with their performance in the Test Series against Sri Lanka in February. And by default, David Warner, Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja who will look to continue going through their purple patch under the captaincy of Tim Paine.
Here’s my England 12 for the first #ashes test
Roy
Z Crawley
Bairstow
Root
Stokes
Buttler
Foakes wk
Ali
Archer
Broad
Anderson
WoodIf another batsman was scoring big runs I would select them & have Joss keep. But, Foakes is a good option. 12th man decided on conditions
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 22, 2019
Warne’s 12-man England squad is a mix of veterans James Anderson and Stuart Broad as well as youngsters like Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes and Jason Roy. Crawley’s form has been good in County Cricket. His 111 against Nottinghamshire in June 2019 is a fine example of him being in great touch. Lastly, not to forget, the stars of the World Cup like Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
Meanwhile, James Anderson said, “I just hope that it’s an entertaining series first and foremost for people watching. We’ve got a lot to live up to after that World Cup.”
“That’s what both sides want to do – play entertaining, positive cricket,” he added.
He also said that ‘the Ashes is the pinnacle’ for both the teams in the format of Test Cricket. Besides, the tournament also keeps the viewers and cricket lovers riveted to their seats, and stuff like on-field fights and confrontations add spice to it and double the excitement altogether.
