Ashes 2023: ENG vs AUS Preview, Playing XI, Live Streaming Details & Updates

The much-awaited Ashes 2023 is finally going to get underway on Friday, June 16 as England are all set to lock horns with Australia in the first Test at Edgbaston. The two teams share a 140-year-long rivalry and have treated fans with several memorable encounters over the years. Both teams are coming into the series at the top of their game and are expected to enthral the fans with riveting action over the next month and a half.

Australia have been recently crowned ‘World Test Champions’ as they beat India by 209 runs in the WTC final. The Pat Cummins-led side finished on the top spot in the WTC points table and lost just one series against India. Aussies have had an upper hand over England as they’ve retained the Ashes since 2017.

On the other hand, England are playing an aggressive brand of cricket since last year and are on a roll under the new leadership of captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. The Three Lions are yet to lose a series since June 2022 and have won 11 out of the last 13 Tests. England have revolutionized the longest format of the game scoring runs at a rate of 4.85 runs per over.

However, there are widespread concerns about whether their ‘Bazball’ play will be effective against the potent bowling attack of Australia. Hence, the series is expected to be a ‘Clash of the Titans’ with both sides at the top of their game. The first Test will give a clear idea of which team will have the upper hand during the series and as it will carry their winning momentum ahead.

Pitch and Conditions

There have been a total of 56 matches played at Edgbaston where teams bowling first have won 21 matches. The average first innings score at the venue is 306. There’s a forecast of rain on the third and the fifth Day of the Test which could make batting difficult under overcast conditions. Hence, the captain winning the toss will look to bat first.

Probable Playing XI For ENG vs AUS

England

England have already announced their playing XI for the first Test as veteran James Anderson has made a comeback into the XI. Ollie Robinson and Moeen Ali, who came out of retirement for the series, have also been included into the team.

England Playing XI for 1st Test: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson

Australia

Australia don’t have much changes to make in the XI and are expected to play the same team they fielded in the WTC Final 2023. The only change that Australia could possibly make is to bring Josh Hazlewood in place of Scott Boland. However, it looks unlikely that captain Pat Cummins will make a change to their winning combination.

Australia Probable Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

ENG vs AUS Head-to-head

Played – 356 | England- 110 | Australia - 150 | Draw - 96

ENG vs AUS Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

Match Timings: 03:30 PM IST

Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network

Live Streaming: Sony Liv