Table of Contents
The highly anticipated Ashes series, the oldest and most famous rivalry in sports, is set to commence on Friday (June 16) with the first Test at Edgbaston.
This year’s edition holds even greater significance. In the previous encounter just 18 months ago, England suffered a 4-0 defeat in Australia. However, under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England has experienced a captivating transformation. They have won an impressive 11 out of 13 Tests, showcasing an exhilarating and aggressive style of play.
Stokes’ England team has been setting new records, delivering remarkable performances with exceptional batting and bowling prowess.
Nonetheless, Australia presents a formidable challenge. They recently displayed their dominance by convincingly defeating India and claiming the title of Test world champions. This victory has generated a sense that the 2023 Ashes could rival the unforgettable series of 2005, making it potentially the best in recent memory.
Pitch report:
The pitch at Edgbaston is known for providing a well-balanced surface, offering opportunities for both seamers and batters. Pacers will relish the chance to bowl with the new ball, while batters must exercise caution during the initial session. As the pitch develops cracks, batters are anticipated to find their rhythm and establish solid connections with the ball. Considering the Edgbaston track’s characteristics, the first Ashes Test is expected to be a closely contested battle, with both teams vying for victory.
Playing XI:
England: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland
Dream11 Prediction:
- Wicketkeeper: Jonny Bairstow, Ben Duckett
- Batters: Steve Smith, Travis Head, Joe Root (vc), Marnus Labuschagne
- All-rounders: Ben Stokes, Cameron Green
- Bowlers: James Anderson (c), Pat Cummins, Stuart Broad
