<p>Bazball was all over everyone before the Ashes 2023 had even begun, and most Australian fans were on their toes, knowing how well England has done under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. With England winning almost everything in under one year just by playing this ultra-attacking style of cricket, they were outright favourites to win back the urn, but as destiny had it, the flaws in this approach got exposed, and England was left wanting in the end.</p>

<p>England batters were scoring runs at over run-a-ball strike-rate in subcontinent conditions, while their part-timers were among the leading wicket-takers, let alone the premium ones, who were already tearing into best of the line-ups. In an ideal world, it seemed like it was England’s best chance to beat the ageing Aussie side and win the Ashes for the first time since 2015.</p>

<p>Amidst all the buzz, England began in the most English way in the first Test in Edgbaston&nbsp;with Zak Crawley, who unlike Rory Burns – who got out on a first-ball duck in the previous Ashes – smashed captain Pat Cummins for a glorious four this time. That shot had the crowd up on its feet, and the smile on Cummins’ face told the whole story.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-unimpactful-james-anderson-lacked-zip-that-he-used-to-get-says-vaughan-following-manchester-draw-618895">Ashes: Unimpactful James Anderson lacked 'zip that he used to get', says Vaughan following Manchester draw</a></p>

<p>After a great first day of Ashes 2023, Ben Stokes decided to declare on 393 for eight,&nbsp;at a time when Root had just completed his hundred and was looking strong to add more to his tally. That decision, however, came as a shocker for most non-English fans, who argued England made a mistake by not trying to carry the momentum forward.</p>

<p>Captain Stokes and most of the cricket pundits from the country deferred from that opinion, adding that call was ‘brave’ and gave England a good chance to pick a couple of wickets before stumps on day one. While that didn’t happen, what unfolded later cost England – even if they disagree now.</p>

<p>With all falling on Pat’s shoulders in the final session on day five, he held his nerves and helped Australia break the ice and win the first Test by two wickets. That win not only helped the Aussies take an unlikely lead but also saw them crack open a loophole in England’s newest formula to win.</p>

<p>The loss hurt England like anything, as fans and experts blamed the strange declaration for the defeat.</p>

<h2>Lord’s beating added salt to wounds</h2>

<p>While England’s under-par performance with the bat got overshadowed by a lot of things in the first Test, it came into the limelight in the second match, which saw the hosts suffer a similar fate and go down 0-2 in the five-match series. Well, those who followed the first two games will question team selection also, with veteran James Anderson failing to make an impact and Stokes sticking with unfit Robinson instead of bowling the pair of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood waiting in the wings.</p>

<p>The Jonny Bairstow-Alex Carey controversy, and what followed later in the Lord’s Long Room, also took away the attention from these two topics as England was left with nothing but to play for a win in the remaining matches.</p>

<p>After two back-to-back losses, head coach Brendon McCullum didn’t shy from continuing to play the same brand of cricket in the next game, as they managed to win their first Test against mighty Aussies this summer at Leeds.</p>

<p>Any guesses on how did this happen? Woakes and Wood partnered with both bat and ball and helped England taste success, much to everyone’s amusement. At that moment, England’s leadership group realised their mistake of not picking the right XI and playing poorly as reasons for the result at hand.</p>

<h3>Manchester Test brought hope, but the rains helped Oz</h3>

<p>Come the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, England was geared to take the Aussies by their neck, and their approach was apt for the occasion. After dismissing the batting-heavy Australian team for a mere 317, England piled up almost double the score, with Crawley hitting 189 and five other batters scoring respective fifties, including Bairstow, who remained unbeaten on 99.</p>

<p>England’s mantra of playing Bazball was to entertain people and bring them back to watch Tests – something they succeeded at, but at the same time, went too far with it, only for them to stay behind in the Test. While they didn’t declare and instead went after scoring more and more runs, that ploy helped the Aussies instead.</p>

<p>Since rain was predicted for the final two days and with England giving Australia less time to bat on day three, the Oz made the most of the chance and played for a draw.</p>

<p>Anderson, who returned to the Test side for perhaps his final home game in whites, again failed to deliver as England couldn’t dismiss Australia, and with rain washing out the remaining two days, the match ended in a&nbsp;draw, and Australia retained the Ashes.</p>

<p>The fifth Test will start at The Oval in London on July 27.</p>

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Bazball was all over everyone before the Ashes 2023 had even begun, and most Australian fans were on their toes, knowing how well England has done under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.

Bazball was all over everyone before the Ashes 2023 had even begun, and most Australian fans were on their toes, knowing how well England has done under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. With England winning almost everything in under one year just by playing this ultra-attacking style of cricket, they were outright favourites to win back the urn, but as destiny had it, the flaws in this approach got exposed, and England was left wanting in the end. England batters were scoring runs at over run-a-ball strike-rate in subcontinent conditions, while their part-timers were among the leading wicket-takers, let alone the premium ones, who were already tearing into best of the line-ups. In an ideal world, it seemed like it was England’s best chance to beat the ageing Aussie side and win the Ashes for the first time since 2015. Amidst all the buzz, England began in the most English way in the first Test in Edgbaston with Zak Crawley, who unlike Rory Burns – who got out on a first-ball duck in the previous Ashes – smashed captain Pat Cummins for a glorious four this time. That shot had the crowd up on its feet, and the smile on Cummins’ face told the whole story. ALSO READ: Ashes: Unimpactful James Anderson lacked 'zip that he used to get', says Vaughan following Manchester draw After a great first day of Ashes 2023, Ben Stokes decided to declare on 393 for eight, at a time when Root had just completed his hundred and was looking strong to add more to his tally. That decision, however, came as a shocker for most non-English fans, who argued England made a mistake by not trying to carry the momentum forward. Captain Stokes and most of the cricket pundits from the country deferred from that opinion, adding that call was ‘brave’ and gave England a good chance to pick a couple of wickets before stumps on day one. While that didn’t happen, what unfolded later cost England – even if they disagree now. With all falling on Pat’s shoulders in the final session on day five, he held his nerves and helped Australia break the ice and win the first Test by two wickets. That win not only helped the Aussies take an unlikely lead but also saw them crack open a loophole in England’s newest formula to win. The loss hurt England like anything, as fans and experts blamed the strange declaration for the defeat. Lord’s beating added salt to wounds While England’s under-par performance with the bat got overshadowed by a lot of things in the first Test, it came into the limelight in the second match, which saw the hosts suffer a similar fate and go down 0-2 in the five-match series. Well, those who followed the first two games will question team selection also, with veteran James Anderson failing to make an impact and Stokes sticking with unfit Robinson instead of bowling the pair of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood waiting in the wings. The Jonny Bairstow-Alex Carey controversy, and what followed later in the Lord’s Long Room, also took away the attention from these two topics as England was left with nothing but to play for a win in the remaining matches. After two back-to-back losses, head coach Brendon McCullum didn’t shy from continuing to play the same brand of cricket in the next game, as they managed to win their first Test against mighty Aussies this summer at Leeds. Any guesses on how did this happen? Woakes and Wood partnered with both bat and ball and helped England taste success, much to everyone’s amusement. At that moment, England’s leadership group realised their mistake of not picking the right XI and playing poorly as reasons for the result at hand. Manchester Test brought hope, but the rains helped Oz Come the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, England was geared to take the Aussies by their neck, and their approach was apt for the occasion. After dismissing the batting-heavy Australian team for a mere 317, England piled up almost double the score, with Crawley hitting 189 and five other batters scoring respective fifties, including Bairstow, who remained unbeaten on 99. England’s mantra of playing Bazball was to entertain people and bring them back to watch Tests – something they succeeded at, but at the same time, went too far with it, only for them to stay behind in the Test. While they didn’t declare and instead went after scoring more and more runs, that ploy helped the Aussies instead. Since rain was predicted for the final two days and with England giving Australia less time to bat on day three, the Oz made the most of the chance and played for a draw. Anderson, who returned to the Test side for perhaps his final home game in whites, again failed to deliver as England couldn’t dismiss Australia, and with rain washing out the remaining two days, the match ended in a draw, and Australia retained the Ashes. The fifth Test will start at The Oval in London on July 27. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | How Bazball-led England messed up golden chance to win home Ashes against ageing Aussie side

<p>If not for anything, forcing a result out of an impossible situation is something Bazball has done to Test cricket and must get its dues. Under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, English Test cricket revived, the world got the entertainment they were craving, and results are likely to follow regardless of the conditions, pitch, line-ups and whatnot. Former Sri Lankan veteran Kumar Sangakkara is up for the same as he awaits the result of the ongoing fourth Test in Manchester.</p>

<p>As things stand, Australia is trailing by 61 runs with five wickets remaining as rain continues to play spoilsport at Old Trafford. For what is at stake, England must win this Test to stay in the hunt for the Ashes because if the game gets washed out and the match gets drawn, Australia will retain the urn.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harmanpreet-kaur-lands-in-huge-trouble-following-misconduct-with-officials-during-3rd-odi-vs-bangladesh-618634">Harmanpreet Kaur lands in HUGE trouble following misconduct with officials during 3rd ODI vs Bangladesh</a></p>

<p>With more than four sessions already washed out due to rain on days four and five, chances of England finding a way to win this Test are starting to look bleak. It is where the Bazball will come into play, and Sangakkara feels with what is being injected into the side, England know they can pull this off.</p>

<p>Writing for Sky Sports, Sangakkara shared his thoughts and wrote, “England have really turned Test cricket on its head and made it so approachable, so attractive. They have forced results from impossible positions.</p>

<p>"There is also a larger vision of entertainment in Test cricket for this England side and how they make it approachable to the newer generation, the younger generation that have done cricket in reverse - got into the franchise formats, fallen in love with the game and then looked around to see what else is out there,” he further wrote.</p>

<h2>‘Winning is important to this English side’</h2>

<p>Sangakkara backs the idea of England playing Bazball cricket for the greater good - making Test Cricket result-oriented and full of entertainment. He added for this English side winning is as important as anything, but on the larger front, Kumar feels England is doing something that is bringing fans back to the ground, something this game, or this format in particular, needed.</p>

<p>“Winning is important, and this particular England side want to win, they play to win, but the risks they run playing in the manner they do are worth the times you fail because it is fulfilling the larger vision.</p>

<p>Whatever happens in this series or isolated series does not matter. They have made a huge statement. They have asked fans if they are entertained, and the answer is 'yes',” Kumar wrote.</p>

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If not for anything, forcing a result out of an impossible situation is something Bazball has done to Test cricket and must get its dues. Under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, English Test cricket revived, the world got the entertainment they were craving, and results are likely to follow regardless of the conditions, pitch, line-ups and whatnot.

If not for anything, forcing a result out of an impossible situation is something Bazball has done to Test cricket and must get its dues. Under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, English Test cricket revived, the world got the entertainment they were craving, and results are likely to follow regardless of the conditions, pitch, line-ups and whatnot. Former Sri Lankan veteran Kumar Sangakkara is up for the same as he awaits the result of the ongoing fourth Test in Manchester. As things stand, Australia is trailing by 61 runs with five wickets remaining as rain continues to play spoilsport at Old Trafford. For what is at stake, England must win this Test to stay in the hunt for the Ashes because if the game gets washed out and the match gets drawn, Australia will retain the urn. ALSO READ: Harmanpreet Kaur lands in HUGE trouble following misconduct with officials during 3rd ODI vs Bangladesh With more than four sessions already washed out due to rain on days four and five, chances of England finding a way to win this Test are starting to look bleak. It is where the Bazball will come into play, and Sangakkara feels with what is being injected into the side, England know they can pull this off. Writing for Sky Sports, Sangakkara shared his thoughts and wrote, “England have really turned Test cricket on its head and made it so approachable, so attractive. They have forced results from impossible positions. "There is also a larger vision of entertainment in Test cricket for this England side and how they make it approachable to the newer generation, the younger generation that have done cricket in reverse - got into the franchise formats, fallen in love with the game and then looked around to see what else is out there,” he further wrote. ‘Winning is important to this English side’ Sangakkara backs the idea of England playing Bazball cricket for the greater good - making Test Cricket result-oriented and full of entertainment. He added for this English side winning is as important as anything, but on the larger front, Kumar feels England is doing something that is bringing fans back to the ground, something this game, or this format in particular, needed. “Winning is important, and this particular England side want to win, they play to win, but the risks they run playing in the manner they do are worth the times you fail because it is fulfilling the larger vision. Whatever happens in this series or isolated series does not matter. They have made a huge statement. They have asked fans if they are entertained, and the answer is 'yes',” Kumar wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes: England have made Test cricket approachable, attractive, says Sangakkara

<p>England remains in tight space after day three in the ongoing second Test at Lord’s; however, former captain Eoin Morgan feels only Bazball can help them escape Australia's grip in this Test. With the touring team leading by 221 runs with eight wickets remaining in their second innings, Morgan feels going ahead with the ultra-attacking approach is the only way the hosts can win the match and even the scoreline in Ashes 2023.</p>

<p>Though several pundits from both sides have come down hard on England for playing ‘entertaining’ cricket and not worrying about results, Morgan feels the way this team has grown over time by playing the same style that now gets criticised, must continue with that and believe in themselves.</p>

<p>"I think England will stick with their method. It has been so successful for them in such a short space of time, and we have watched the growth of players that had&nbsp;not been successful under previous leadership,” Morgan was quoted as saying on Sky Cricket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-welcomes-dream11-as-lead-sponsor-for-indian-cricket-team-on-three-year-deal-board-president-610773">BCCI welcomes Dream11 as lead sponsor for Indian Cricket Team on three-year deal: Board President</a></p>

<p>Since Australia have its nose in front as things stand, Morgan is not ruling England out, saying they can still make a comeback in this game, given they continue with the approach that brought them tremendous success over the past 12 months.</p>

<p>"You have to continue with that method, particularly in testing times. The last thing an England player in the dressing room wants to see is playing Australia at their own game Australia are the best in the world at that. England will only beat Australia playing England's game," Morgan added.</p>

<h2>Injury scares keep England on toes</h2>

<p>Worrying signs regarding injuries have made headlines in this Test, with Nathan Lyon from the Australia camp and Ollie Pope from England both likely to spend more time on sidelines than on the field. While Lyon is ruled out of the Test, shoulder injury to Pope on day three in Lord’s raises doubts over his participation while chasing.</p>

<p>Though spin-bowling coach Jeetan Patel has claimed Pope will bat at his regular number three during the chase.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after England managed to weather the ‘bouncer-tactic’ storm on day two, they fell prey to the plan as they lost six wickets in less than hundred innings, giving Australia a 91-run lead.</p>

<p>Australian openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja made most of the batting conditions, adding 63 for the first-wicket stand. Though Warner and Marnus Labuschagne (30 off 51) are back in the hut, first match hero Khawaja is unbeaten on 58 from 123 balls, with Steve Smith at the other end.</p>

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England remains in tight space after day three in the ongoing second Test at Lord’s; however, former captain Eoin Morgan feels only Bazball can help them escape Australia's grip in this Test.

England remains in tight space after day three in the ongoing second Test at Lord’s; however, former captain Eoin Morgan feels only Bazball can help them escape Australia's grip in this Test. With the touring team leading by 221 runs with eight wickets remaining in their second innings, Morgan feels going ahead with the ultra-attacking approach is the only way the hosts can win the match and even the scoreline in Ashes 2023. Though several pundits from both sides have come down hard on England for playing ‘entertaining’ cricket and not worrying about results, Morgan feels the way this team has grown over time by playing the same style that now gets criticised, must continue with that and believe in themselves. "I think England will stick with their method. It has been so successful for them in such a short space of time, and we have watched the growth of players that had not been successful under previous leadership,” Morgan was quoted as saying on Sky Cricket. ALSO READ: BCCI welcomes Dream11 as lead sponsor for Indian Cricket Team on three-year deal: Board President Since Australia have its nose in front as things stand, Morgan is not ruling England out, saying they can still make a comeback in this game, given they continue with the approach that brought them tremendous success over the past 12 months. "You have to continue with that method, particularly in testing times. The last thing an England player in the dressing room wants to see is playing Australia at their own game Australia are the best in the world at that. England will only beat Australia playing England's game," Morgan added. Injury scares keep England on toes Worrying signs regarding injuries have made headlines in this Test, with Nathan Lyon from the Australia camp and Ollie Pope from England both likely to spend more time on sidelines than on the field. While Lyon is ruled out of the Test, shoulder injury to Pope on day three in Lord’s raises doubts over his participation while chasing. Though spin-bowling coach Jeetan Patel has claimed Pope will bat at his regular number three during the chase. Meanwhile, after England managed to weather the ‘bouncer-tactic’ storm on day two, they fell prey to the plan as they lost six wickets in less than hundred innings, giving Australia a 91-run lead. Australian openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja made most of the batting conditions, adding 63 for the first-wicket stand. Though Warner and Marnus Labuschagne (30 off 51) are back in the hut, first match hero Khawaja is unbeaten on 58 from 123 balls, with Steve Smith at the other end. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes 2023: Only Bazball can help England escape Australia's grip at Lord's, reckons Eoin Morgan

<p>England suffered a horrible collapse in the first session of Day 3 of the second Ashes Test as they lost six wickets in a span of 46 runs. The titanic collapse saw England hand Australia a 91-run lead at the start of the second innings which now sees the host on the back foot. Former England cricketer Michael Atherton then took a big dig at his team, suggesting his former side is not in control of the situation. England were bowled out for 325, having started the day at 268/4 with Ben Stokes falling on the first delivery of the first session.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Quick turnaround as Australia wrap up England's innings! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC25</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvAUS</a> 📝: <a href="https://t.co/liWqlPCKqn">https://t.co/liWqlPCKqn</a> <a href="https://t.co/9fUH5dlKiD">pic.twitter.com/9fUH5dlKiD</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1674744363384020994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Atherton not impressed with England</strong></h2>

<p>“All of the chat around England's approach, you can sometimes forget what got you to this position. Here, it has felt England are not in control of what they are doing - in particular, Harry Brook,” said Atherton while speaking on air for Sky Sports.</p>

<p>Australia started the day with one specialised bowler short after Nathan Lyon was ruled out of the contest with a right calf injury. However, it did not damage the ambitions of Australia as their quick bowlers wrapped the English tail in next to no time. England could only add 46 runs to their overnight total and saw the likes of Harry Brook (50), Jonny Bairstow (16), and Stuart Broad (12) disappoint with the bat.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwc23-chris-gayle-predicts-virat-kohlis-future-following-home-world-cup-picks-semi-finalists-610486">CWC'23: Chris Gayle predicts Virat Kohli's future following home World Cup, picks semi-finalists</a></p>

<p>“England toned it down a little bit, but excellent bowling and excellent planning from Australia. Their attack is express pace, accurate, it's the best in the world. And you can't just go and belt the best in the world all over the place. It has to be more calculated than that,” Atherton added.</p>

<h2><strong>Australia start on the front foot</strong></h2>

<p>At the time of writing on Day 3, Australia were 67/1 and led by 158 runs as they stamped their authority on the contest. Usman Khawaja was batting on 36 while Marnus Labuschagne arrived in the middle after David Warner’s dismissal on 25. The pair of Khawaja and Warner put together a stand of 63 runs for the first wicket.</p>

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England suffered a horrible collapse in the first session of Day 3 of the second Ashes Test as they lost six wickets in a span of 46 runs. The titanic collapse saw England hand Australia a 91-run lead at the start of the second innings which now sees the host on the back foot.

England suffered a horrible collapse in the first session of Day 3 of the second Ashes Test as they lost six wickets in a span of 46 runs. The titanic collapse saw England hand Australia a 91-run lead at the start of the second innings which now sees the host on the back foot. Former England cricketer Michael Atherton then took a big dig at his team, suggesting his former side is not in control of the situation. England were bowled out for 325, having started the day at 268/4 with Ben Stokes falling on the first delivery of the first session. Quick turnaround as Australia wrap up England's innings! #WTC25 | #ENGvAUS 📝: https://t.co/liWqlPCKqn pic.twitter.com/9fUH5dlKiD — ICC (@ICC) June 30, 2023 × Atherton not impressed with England “All of the chat around England's approach, you can sometimes forget what got you to this position. Here, it has felt England are not in control of what they are doing - in particular, Harry Brook,” said Atherton while speaking on air for Sky Sports. Australia started the day with one specialised bowler short after Nathan Lyon was ruled out of the contest with a right calf injury. However, it did not damage the ambitions of Australia as their quick bowlers wrapped the English tail in next to no time. England could only add 46 runs to their overnight total and saw the likes of Harry Brook (50), Jonny Bairstow (16), and Stuart Broad (12) disappoint with the bat. ALSO READ | CWC'23: Chris Gayle predicts Virat Kohli's future following home World Cup, picks semi-finalists “England toned it down a little bit, but excellent bowling and excellent planning from Australia. Their attack is express pace, accurate, it's the best in the world. And you can't just go and belt the best in the world all over the place. It has to be more calculated than that,” Atherton added. Australia start on the front foot At the time of writing on Day 3, Australia were 67/1 and led by 158 runs as they stamped their authority on the contest. Usman Khawaja was batting on 36 while Marnus Labuschagne arrived in the middle after David Warner’s dismissal on 25. The pair of Khawaja and Warner put together a stand of 63 runs for the first wicket. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ashes 2023: Michael Atherton takes big dig at England's misfiring Bazball approach after Day 3 collapse

<p>World Test Champions Australia cinched a thrilling win at Edgbaston on Tuesday, June 20 as they beat England at their own game to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Ashes. The contest that lasted until the final session of the match saw Aussie batters resist the England bowling attack to hand them their third defeat since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over in June 2022. Aussie batter Usman Khawaja played a super match-winning knock to help his side to the famous two-wicket win.</p>

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<br />
Pat Cummins was the hero in a thrilling finish at Edgbaston 👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC25</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvAUS</a><a href="https://t.co/nZA4P3Iftp">https://t.co/nZA4P3Iftp</a></p>
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<h2><strong>Australia clinch nail-biter</strong></h2>

<p>Resuming the third session on Day 5 after tea break, Australia were 183/5. Usman Khawaja was batting solidly at 56* and Cameron Green 22*.</p>

<p>England made a comeback after Robinson cleaned up Cameron Green (28). Robinson hit the stumps as Green bat got an inside edge. Australia suffered another blow as England captain Ben Stokes dismissed Khawaja at 65. Australia were 209/7 with two new batters at the crease - Alex Carey and Pat Cummins. Both the batters were playing carefully as one wicket could have turned the tables and England could get their grip on the match.</p>

<p>England's hopes revived in the 81th over when Alex Carey went to the pavillion. Australia were 227/8 needing 54 runs to win with just two wickets in hand.</p>

<p>Cummins and Lyon's resilient half-century partnership took&nbsp;Australia through an intense phase of the game.</p>

<p>Broad (3/64), Robinson (2/43) were top bowlers for England. Moeen, Stokes and Root got one scalp each.</p>

<p>Earlier, coming to bat on Day 5, Australia needed 174 runs to win the first Ashes Test. After the first session was washed, Scott Boland 13 (19)* and Usman Khawaja 34 (81)* started the proceedings for the Aussies who were 107/3.</p>

<p>Stuart Broad struck early and took the wicket of Scott Boland. Boland was sent in as nightwatchman yesterday to save the wicket for Australia.</p>

<p>Scott Boland scored 20 runs. He went on to play a ball on the on-side, which led to an outside edge and the ball carried to the safe gloves of Jonny Bairstow. Australia were in a spot of bother at 121/4.</p>

<p>Travis Head was next on the crease and he carried on with his attacking gameplay, striking three fours.</p>

<p>Moeen Ali took the wicket of Travis Head who was trying to drive away the ball and was caught in the slip by Joe Root. Travis scored 16 runs while hitting three boundaries and half of the Australian team was back in the pavilion at 143.</p>

<p>Usman Khawaja continued to steady the innings and completed his half-century in 143 balls. The duo of Green and Khawaja took Australia through the remainder of the session.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened earlier on?</strong></h2>

<p>On Day 4, England started at 28/2 and were bundled out for 273. Knocks from Joe Root (46), Harry Brook (46) and skipper Ben Stokes (43) and lower order contribution from Ollie Robinson (27) helped England gain a 280-run lead with Australia needing 281 runs to win the match.</p>

<p>Pat Cummins (4/63) and Nathan Lyon (4/80) were the main wicket-takers for the Aussies. Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland got one wicket each.</p>

<p>In the first innings, Australia were bundled out for 386 and they trailed England by seven runs, who had scored 393 in their first innings after electing to bat and declare.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-usman-khawaja-joins-elite-test-list-becomes-only-second-aussie-batter-in-43-years-to-achieve-rare-feat-606578">Ashes: Usman Khawaja joins elite Test list, becomes only second Aussie batter in 43 years to achieve rare feat</a></p>

<p>Australia were once at 67/3 after David Warner (9), Marnus Labuschagne (0) and Steve Smith (16) were dismissed quickly. Then knocks from Khawaja (141), Alex Carey (66), Travis Head (50) and skipper Pat Cummins (38) had carried the Aussies to a big score, though not big enough to secure a lead.</p>

<p>Ollie Robinson (3/55) and Stuart Broad (3/68) were the pick of the bowlers for England. Moeen Ali picked two scalps while skipper Ben Stokes and James Anderson got one each.</p>

<p>In England's first innings, they had declared at 393/8d on Day 1. Joe Root scored a century (118)*, Zak Crawley and Bairstow smashed half-centuries, scoring 61 and 78 respectively.</p>

<p>Nathan Lyon was the pick of the bowlers in the first innings of England's batting. Hazlewood took two wickets, Scott Boland and Cameron Green picked one-wicket each.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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World Test Champions Australia cinched a thrilling win at Edgbaston on Tuesday, June 20 as they beat England at their own game to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Ashes.

World Test Champions Australia cinched a thrilling win at Edgbaston on Tuesday, June 20 as they beat England at their own game to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Ashes. The contest that lasted until the final session of the match saw Aussie batters resist the England bowling attack to hand them their third defeat since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over in June 2022. Aussie batter Usman Khawaja played a super match-winning knock to help his side to the famous two-wicket win. A phenomenal start to the #Ashes 🔥 Pat Cummins was the hero in a thrilling finish at Edgbaston 👇#WTC25 | #ENGvAUShttps://t.co/nZA4P3Iftp — ICC (@ICC) June 20, 2023 × Australia clinch nail-biter Resuming the third session on Day 5 after tea break, Australia were 183/5. Usman Khawaja was batting solidly at 56* and Cameron Green 22*. England made a comeback after Robinson cleaned up Cameron Green (28). Robinson hit the stumps as Green bat got an inside edge. Australia suffered another blow as England captain Ben Stokes dismissed Khawaja at 65. Australia were 209/7 with two new batters at the crease - Alex Carey and Pat Cummins. Both the batters were playing carefully as one wicket could have turned the tables and England could get their grip on the match. England's hopes revived in the 81th over when Alex Carey went to the pavillion. Australia were 227/8 needing 54 runs to win with just two wickets in hand. Cummins and Lyon's resilient half-century partnership took Australia through an intense phase of the game. Broad (3/64), Robinson (2/43) were top bowlers for England. Moeen, Stokes and Root got one scalp each. Earlier, coming to bat on Day 5, Australia needed 174 runs to win the first Ashes Test. After the first session was washed, Scott Boland 13 (19)* and Usman Khawaja 34 (81)* started the proceedings for the Aussies who were 107/3. Stuart Broad struck early and took the wicket of Scott Boland. Boland was sent in as nightwatchman yesterday to save the wicket for Australia. Scott Boland scored 20 runs. He went on to play a ball on the on-side, which led to an outside edge and the ball carried to the safe gloves of Jonny Bairstow. Australia were in a spot of bother at 121/4. Travis Head was next on the crease and he carried on with his attacking gameplay, striking three fours. Moeen Ali took the wicket of Travis Head who was trying to drive away the ball and was caught in the slip by Joe Root. Travis scored 16 runs while hitting three boundaries and half of the Australian team was back in the pavilion at 143. Usman Khawaja continued to steady the innings and completed his half-century in 143 balls. The duo of Green and Khawaja took Australia through the remainder of the session. What happened earlier on? On Day 4, England started at 28/2 and were bundled out for 273. Knocks from Joe Root (46), Harry Brook (46) and skipper Ben Stokes (43) and lower order contribution from Ollie Robinson (27) helped England gain a 280-run lead with Australia needing 281 runs to win the match. Pat Cummins (4/63) and Nathan Lyon (4/80) were the main wicket-takers for the Aussies. Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland got one wicket each. In the first innings, Australia were bundled out for 386 and they trailed England by seven runs, who had scored 393 in their first innings after electing to bat and declare. ALSO READ | Ashes: Usman Khawaja joins elite Test list, becomes only second Aussie batter in 43 years to achieve rare feat Australia were once at 67/3 after David Warner (9), Marnus Labuschagne (0) and Steve Smith (16) were dismissed quickly. Then knocks from Khawaja (141), Alex Carey (66), Travis Head (50) and skipper Pat Cummins (38) had carried the Aussies to a big score, though not big enough to secure a lead. Ollie Robinson (3/55) and Stuart Broad (3/68) were the pick of the bowlers for England. Moeen Ali picked two scalps while skipper Ben Stokes and James Anderson got one each. In England's first innings, they had declared at 393/8d on Day 1. Joe Root scored a century (118)*, Zak Crawley and Bairstow smashed half-centuries, scoring 61 and 78 respectively. Nathan Lyon was the pick of the bowlers in the first innings of England's batting. Hazlewood took two wickets, Scott Boland and Cameron Green picked one-wicket each. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ashes 2023: Australia clinch thriller to thump BAZBALL as Khawaja leads World Champions to 2-wicket win

<p>England batters found themselves in a precarious situation on the third day of the opening Ashes Test. Australia secured a seven-run lead on Sunday after they were bowled out for 386. Relentless rain on day three of the Test offered pacers some assistance and Aussie bowlers made full use of the conditions at Edgbaston. The hosts lost their opening batters - Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett - in the final session of the day’s play. When asked about how difficult it was to bat in such challenging conditions, former England skipper Nasser Hussain came up with a hilarious reply on-air. Ex-England batter Kevin Pietersen had asked Hussain, “Horrible time to bat Naz?" Hussain did not wait much before responding, “Absolutely, I'm not worried about Bazball. Nazball is walking out there very slowly at the moment. Making sure I take my guard wrong. Delay as much as possible."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Forget 'Bazball' it's time for 'Nazball' 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/Vqzli1HSNt">pic.twitter.com/Vqzli1HSNt</a></p>
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1670454540527890432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Aussie pacers dominate</strong></h2>

<p>Australia skipper Pat Cummins and fast bowler Scott picked up one wicket each to gain an upper hand for their side in the opening Ashes Test. Consistent rain in Birmingham enforced interruptions on the third day of the game. The proceedings had to be stopped right before the final ball of the seventh over during England’s second innings. Action did start again after one hour but only 3.4 overs could be bowled following the resumption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ben Duckett was the first to depart in the second innings after skipper Cummins dismissed the southpaw in the ninth over. Cameron Green, standing at gully, took a fabulous catch to send Duckett back to the dressing room for just 19. Crawley was the second batter to be dismissed in the very next over. Ollie Pope and Joe Root remained in the crease at stumps as England currently trail by 35 runs.</p>

<h2><strong>Khawaja’s century</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Australia ended their first innings at 386. Usman Khawaja scored a magnificent century to help his side in earning a valuable first-innings lead. The left-hander displayed resilient batting to achieve his first Test hundred on England soil. He breached the three-digit mark in 199 deliveries. Two English pacers - Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson - scalped three wickets each in the first innings.</p>

<p>The England cricket team are aiming to win their first Ashes series since 2015. A lot has already been said about the Bazball - a new attacking style of playing the game under Ben Stokes and Brendon Brendon McCullum - and only time will tell whether the brand-new method will guide the English cricketers to Ashes glory this time.</p>


England batters found themselves in a precarious situation on the third day of the opening Ashes Test. Australia secured a seven-run lead on Sunday after they were bowled out for 386.

England batters found themselves in a precarious situation on the third day of the opening Ashes Test. Australia secured a seven-run lead on Sunday after they were bowled out for 386. Relentless rain on day three of the Test offered pacers some assistance and Aussie bowlers made full use of the conditions at Edgbaston. The hosts lost their opening batters - Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett - in the final session of the day’s play. When asked about how difficult it was to bat in such challenging conditions, former England skipper Nasser Hussain came up with a hilarious reply on-air. Ex-England batter Kevin Pietersen had asked Hussain, “Horrible time to bat Naz?" Hussain did not wait much before responding, “Absolutely, I'm not worried about Bazball. Nazball is walking out there very slowly at the moment. Making sure I take my guard wrong. Delay as much as possible." Forget 'Bazball' it's time for 'Nazball' 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Vqzli1HSNt — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 18, 2023 × Aussie pacers dominate Australia skipper Pat Cummins and fast bowler Scott picked up one wicket each to gain an upper hand for their side in the opening Ashes Test. Consistent rain in Birmingham enforced interruptions on the third day of the game. The proceedings had to be stopped right before the final ball of the seventh over during England’s second innings. Action did start again after one hour but only 3.4 overs could be bowled following the resumption. Ben Duckett was the first to depart in the second innings after skipper Cummins dismissed the southpaw in the ninth over. Cameron Green, standing at gully, took a fabulous catch to send Duckett back to the dressing room for just 19. Crawley was the second batter to be dismissed in the very next over. Ollie Pope and Joe Root remained in the crease at stumps as England currently trail by 35 runs. Khawaja’s century Earlier, Australia ended their first innings at 386. Usman Khawaja scored a magnificent century to help his side in earning a valuable first-innings lead. The left-hander displayed resilient batting to achieve his first Test hundred on England soil. He breached the three-digit mark in 199 deliveries. Two English pacers - Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson - scalped three wickets each in the first innings. The England cricket team are aiming to win their first Ashes series since 2015. A lot has already been said about the Bazball - a new attacking style of playing the game under Ben Stokes and Brendon Brendon McCullum - and only time will tell whether the brand-new method will guide the English cricketers to Ashes glory this time.

Watch: Nasser Hussain’s hilarious take on Bazball leaves Kevin Pietersen in splits

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