England vs Australia Ashes First Test - Aussies To Get Off To The Perfect Start
The battle for the urn begins at Edgbaston this Wednesday and our expert is backing Australia to get the jump on the old enemy.
Steve Smith and David Warner will return to the Australian test team for the first time since their suspension
England vs Australia First Ashes Test Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips
The age old battle between the English and the Australians is about to begin.
After claiming the Cricket World Cup on July 14, England entered a four-day tune up test against Ireland brimming with confidence but were almost toppled by a team that had never previously played a test.
Australia will be extremely confident of a strong performance in the UK as Alan Border Medal-winning duo Steve Smith and Dave Warner come back into the 11, along with Cameron Bancroft. The trio will be keen to atone following 12 month suspensions for ball tampering.
England Team News
The English face a selection dilemma if star fast bowler Jimmy Anderson is unable to take his place in the team.
Anderson missed the tune up test with a calf injury he sustained a month ago and is no certainty to play in the opening test, despite being named in the squad.
Jofra Archer could be the wildcard if Jimmy Anderson cannot get himself fit to play.
England's 14-Man squad: Joe Root (C), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (Wk), Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
Australia Team News
The Steve Smith, Dave Warner and Cameron Bancroft inclusions are a massive boon for the Australians who won't be lacking motivation heading over to England.
The trio left a gaping hole in the Aussie squad but all three add much needed experience and style to a batting line up that has missed both attributes following the suspensions.
Another big in is Matthew Wade, who has been knocking down the selection door following exceptional form with the bat at first class level.
England vs Australia Head To Head
There have been 70 Ashes series played between England and Australia, with the Aussies claiming the series victory 33 times.
England would level it up at 33 wins apiece if they can regain the Ashes this year.
There have been five drawn series.
England vs Australia Key Match Up
It is hard to go past Jimmy Anderson vs Dave Warner.
England's all-time wicket taker Anderson is a magician with the Duke ball, but the questions over his fitness leave the home side in a very precarious position.
Any fears the Australians had over Dave Warner's return to the game were allayed by a fantastic ODI World Cup tournament, but the long form is a much different beat. If Warner is back to his barnstorming best against the red ball Australia will be hard to stop.
Whichever man has the game will go a long way to deciding who claims the opening test.
England vs Australia Key Statistics
- This is Steve Smith, Dave Warner and Cam Bancroft's first test since the ball tampering suspensions
- The home side has won three of the past four opening tests
- Australia has won five of the last six test matches against England
Verdict
We're favouring the Australia in what looms as a pivotal opening test match at Edgbaston.
The returning trio have so much to prove to the cricketing world and while there's an injury cloud over England's number one strike bowler it is hard to have any faith in the Three Lions.
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