Cricket's oldest rivalry is all set for a new chapter as World Test Championship winners Australia challenge a revolutionary England team.
The first Test is all set to get underway from Friday at the fabled Edgbaston, which has seen its fair share of historic Ashes moments.
In many ways, this is probably one of the most unpredictable Ashes series in a long time, mostly because a very strong and balanced Australian team are up against England's "Bazball". England have thrived since they adopted the style (named after their coach, Brendon McCullum) but now face a litmus test.
There is intrigue and excitement as to what this Test series will throw up. Both teams have very strong bowling lineups, and equally explosive batting lineups. However, the explosiveness of England's batting is uncomparable to Australia's more traditional approach.
Edgbaston should give us the first glimpse of how "Bazball" fares against a very strong side. We are excited!
Bet here on The Ashes 2023 England vs Australia series (selected markets)
ENG first innings. 180/5 after 40 overs
ENG Batting
AUS Bowling
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14:36- Wicket! Another one and Australia maybe turning the tide here, Hazlewood gets his second of the day as he sends England skipper back quickly, and Carey gets his third dismissal of the day.
14:28- Wicket! Lyon gets another crucial wicket as he dismisses the aggressive Brooks who was hitting every other ball for four and England will again need to build up the momentum they made after the lunch break.
13:06- Lunch break commences, 124/3 after 26.4 overs.
England had a fantastic beginning and Bazball seemed to be in full flow as Crawley and Co. went at it against the Australian bowling lineup. However, Crawley's wicket just before lunch commenced will come as a blow to the English, who were hoping to have the batsman during the second session too. Things were as it is slowing down for the home side towards the end of the session, and now with two new batsmen on the pitch, they have to build up their momentum again.
Australia have grown into the game as the session progressed. Initially, they seemed clueless and did not have an answer for England's aggressive batting. However, they did not let that deter them and go into this break with momentum on their side. Some would have questioned their decision to have four different bowlers bowl so early into the innings, however, it seems to have bore fruit so far.
13:03- Wicket! An important wicket for Australia as they dismiss Crawley who was in fantastic form just before lunch commenced.
12:26- 50 up for Crawley! An excellent display of bazball from the English batsman who has been a nightmare to deal with for the Australian bowlers.
12:23- Wicket! Initially not given out, a well-taken review shows that Lyon did catch Pope out who got LBWed by the Aussie spinner's delivery, a much-needed breakthrough for the visiting side.
11:18- Wicket! Hazlewood strikes, he announces himself on his return back to action by taking Duckett's wicket and putting an end to the England opener's rampant start. Carey once again comes through with safe hands behind the glove to catch the batsman.
11:04- Playing XIs for both teams announced
ENG- Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jonny Bairstow(w), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson
AUS- David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland
11:00- England win the toss. Choose to bat first.
Follow our live updates below for all the action from The Ashes 2023 First Test between England and Australia (All times local, UK).
Hello and welcome to our live updates of The Ashes series as England take on Australia. The First Test begins later, and we'll bring you all the build-up and action. Stick with us as we take you through the highlights as one of cricket's fiercest rivalries begins its latest edition!
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