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Australia and England will resume their storied rivalry in the Ashes 2023 as they take on each other in a five-match series. The first Test is set to be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from June 16. Australia head into this game as slight favourites with the odds of 11/10 (2.10). The hosts England have 5/4 (2.25) odds of winning this match.
These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing.
- England vs Australia, The Ashes, 1st Test
- June 16-20, 2023 – 9:30 AM GMT
- Edgbaston, Birmingham
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Contents
The Edgbaston is a venue where bowlers have historically done well. Batters can score runs once they see off the early tricky phase. The average first and second innings score here reads 306 and 316, respectively.
The forecast suggests the weather could be mostly sunny and warm on all five days of the Test. Rain should not be a big factor and the match should get a result.
England vs Australia – Match Predictions
England are in top form in the last year but Australia have a strong side. The Aussies have recently defeated India in the WTC final and will hold an edge with their bowling attack. Expect Australia to win the first Test.
Prediction 1
Smith to be Australia's Top Run Scorer
11/4 (3.75)
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Prediction 2
Boland to be Australia’s Top Bowler
3/1 (4.00)
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Odds from
Top Run-scorer First Innings
Steve Smith is the best batter of his generation and has a terrific record in English conditions. He scored a magnificent century in the WTC final just a few days back. Bet on him to be Australia’s top batter at 11/4 (3.75). Joe Root was the top run-scorer in the previous WTC cycle with 1915 runs at an average of 53. Back him to be England’s top batter at 11/4 (3.75).
Our Prediction: Steve Smith to be the top run-scorer for Australia in the first innings at 11/4 (3.75).
Top Wicket-taker First Innings
Scott Boland was outstanding at the Oval, picking five wickets in two innings. He has a fantastic average of 14.57 after eight Tests. Back Boland to be Australia’s best bowler at 3/1 (4.00). Ollie Robinson has 66 wickets in Test cricket at 21.27 apiece. Bet on him to be England’s top bowler at 9/4 (3.25).
Our Prediction: Scott Boland to be the top wicket-taker for Australia in first innings at 3/1 (4.00).
Man of the Match
Travis Head’s ability to score at a fast rate will be crucial for Australia. He smashed 163 in the WTC final versus India. You can bet on Head to be the player of the match at 11/1 (12.00). Other top betting options include Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook.
Our Prediction: Travis Head to be the Man of the Match at 11/1 (12.00) odds.
England vs Australia Preview
The Ashes is one of the biggest events in world cricket and both England and Australia will be eager to get an early advantage. Let’s take a look at two sides before they clash at the Edgbaston.
England
England have been playing some fearless cricket under the leadership of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. They have won 11 matches and lost two since last June.
Jack Leach was ruled out of the series and was replaced by Moeen Ali. The seam bowling attack will comprise James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson.
Squad: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Australia
Australia are the newly crowned World Test champions, having defeated India in the WTC final at the Oval. Travis Head and Steve Smith scored centuries while Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon starred on the final day to clinch the victory by 209 runs.
There could be one change to the side that featured in the final if Josh Hazlewood is match fit. Scott Boland or Mitch Starc could be left out.
Squad: Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
How to Watch The Ashes in the UK: Live Streaming & Channel List
The fans in the UK can witness all the live action of the Ashes on Sky Sports Cricket. Online streaming will also be available on the Sky Go application.
- Sky Sports Cricket (TV)
- Sky Go (Streaming)
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