<p>Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has slammed Ben Stokes-led England after they lost the Edgbaston Test to Australia by two wickets and conceded a 1-0 lead in the Ashes 2023 edition. Despite dominating the opening Test for the most part, England failed to close the game as Pat Cummins (44 not out) and Nathan Lyon's (unbeaten 16)&nbsp;unbroken 55-run ninth-wicket stand rescued Australia in pursuit of 282.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Throughout the game, a lot was said and written about England's Bazball approach. Stokes surprised one and all by declaring the first innings at 393 for 8 despite Joe Root remaining&nbsp;unbeaten at 118. He impressed everyone with his field placements and bowling changes as Australia were dismissed for 386 in reply. Further, England continued to go hard with the bat for most parts in their second innings before they folded for 273; giving a challenging 282-run target in the process. However, Boycott believes England concentrated more on entertaining than winning the match.</p>

<h2><strong>'England are in danger of reducing the Ashes to an exhibition'</strong></h2>

<p>"England are in danger of reducing the Ashes to an exhibition," Boycott wrote in his scathing column for The Telegraph. "England have got carried away with Bazball and seem to think entertaining is more important than winning. But England supporters want one thing more than anything else -- to win the Ashes."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-bell-claims-australia-have-more-to-work-on-despite-cummins-cos-narrow-win-in-edgbaston-607319">Ashes 2023: Bell claims 'Australia have more to work on' despite Cummins &amp; Co.'s narrow win in Edgbaston</a></strong></p>

<p>Boycott further opined, "Scoring fast runs, whacking lots of fours and sixes is lovely. It is great. But only if England do not lose sight of the big prize which is to beat Australia. If at the end of the series Australia go home with the Ashes, we will feel sick, regardless of how much we have been entertained. If England are not playing to win then these Ashes Tests are not that important. They are only exhibition matches. They have got it back to front. It is not about entertaining and then winning. It is about winning first."</p>

<p>The veteran added, "By all means entertain but cricket is like chess. There are moments when you need to defend. Sometimes you need to be patient and accept it. Do not just attack, attack, attack. England need a bit of common sense and pragmatism. That is all that is required. They do not have to change being positive because they are a better side than Australia and will win if they just show that common sense."</p>

<p>England, under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, have promised to come hard at Australia in the second Test, which kicks off on June 28 at Lord's.</p>

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Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has slammed Ben Stokes-led England after they lost the Edgbaston Test to Australia by two wickets and conceded a 1-0 lead in the Ashes 2023 edition.

Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has slammed Ben Stokes-led England after they lost the Edgbaston Test to Australia by two wickets and conceded a 1-0 lead in the Ashes 2023 edition. Despite dominating the opening Test for the most part, England failed to close the game as Pat Cummins (44 not out) and Nathan Lyon's (unbeaten 16) unbroken 55-run ninth-wicket stand rescued Australia in pursuit of 282. Throughout the game, a lot was said and written about England's Bazball approach. Stokes surprised one and all by declaring the first innings at 393 for 8 despite Joe Root remaining unbeaten at 118. He impressed everyone with his field placements and bowling changes as Australia were dismissed for 386 in reply. Further, England continued to go hard with the bat for most parts in their second innings before they folded for 273; giving a challenging 282-run target in the process. However, Boycott believes England concentrated more on entertaining than winning the match. 'England are in danger of reducing the Ashes to an exhibition' "England are in danger of reducing the Ashes to an exhibition," Boycott wrote in his scathing column for The Telegraph. "England have got carried away with Bazball and seem to think entertaining is more important than winning. But England supporters want one thing more than anything else -- to win the Ashes." Also read: Ashes 2023: Bell claims 'Australia have more to work on' despite Cummins & Co.'s narrow win in Edgbaston Boycott further opined, "Scoring fast runs, whacking lots of fours and sixes is lovely. It is great. But only if England do not lose sight of the big prize which is to beat Australia. If at the end of the series Australia go home with the Ashes, we will feel sick, regardless of how much we have been entertained. If England are not playing to win then these Ashes Tests are not that important. They are only exhibition matches. They have got it back to front. It is not about entertaining and then winning. It is about winning first." The veteran added, "By all means entertain but cricket is like chess. There are moments when you need to defend. Sometimes you need to be patient and accept it. Do not just attack, attack, attack. England need a bit of common sense and pragmatism. That is all that is required. They do not have to change being positive because they are a better side than Australia and will win if they just show that common sense." England, under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, have promised to come hard at Australia in the second Test, which kicks off on June 28 at Lord's. 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: England focused on entertaining more than winning 1st Test, says Geoffrey Boycott

<p>England lost the Edgbaston Test by two wickets as Australia gained a 1-0 lead in Ashes 2023. Day 5 of the first Test, on Tuesday (June 20), saw a delayed start due to rain. Australia resumed at 107 for 3, needing another 174 runs for a win. While England reduced them to 227 for 8, skipper Pat Cummins (44 not out) and Nathan Lyon's unbeaten 16 ensured the visitors edged past Ben Stokes &amp; Co. in an absolute thriller at Edgbaston, Birmingham to go 1-0 up in Ashes 2023.</p>

<p>After the thrilling tie, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting questioned England's attacking style of play. Ben Stokes &amp; Co. opted to bat first and declared at 393 for 8 despite Joe Root's 118. While they managed to attain a seven-run lead, many have questioned their declaration. Further, England kept on attacking despite in their second essay and paid the price as they were dismissed for 273, setting a 282-run target for Australia which they chased with two wickets to spare. Thus, Ponting has questioned England's approach and said 'is it going to hold up in an Ashes series'?</p>

<h2><strong>'There is more than one way to skin a cat'</strong></h2>

<p>“I think England have got the most questions to answer. Their style of play, is it going to hold up in an Ashes series?” Ponting said on&nbsp;<i>Sky Sports</i>. “By no means am I saying that England’s method is wrong, I have loved watching them play, but it just goes to show there is more than one way to skin a cat."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-idea-pat-cummins-epic-response-on-2019-headingley-loss-after-australia-conquer-edgbaston-606822">'No idea....': Pat Cummins' epic response on 2019 Headingley loss after Australia conquer Edgbaston</a></strong></p>

<p>“This is a long and hard game. Australia’s method has stood up and it has worked. I want this series to be played the same way and I know Ben and Brendon will play the same way, which adds even more to next week,” the Aussie legend added.</p>

<p>Despite England's loss, captain Stokes backed his declaration call on the opening day and stated that he is proud of the fight shown and entertainment provided by his side in the opening Test, indicating they won't back down from their aggressive approach in the remainder of the series. "A loss is a loss, we said we are going to keep playing this way. This is the way we will continue playing, going hard at Australia, taking certain decisions that feel right," Stokes revealed at the post-match presentation.</p>

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England lost the Edgbaston Test by two wickets as Australia gained a 1-0 lead in Ashes 2023. Day 5 of the first Test, on Tuesday (June 20), saw a delayed start due to rain.

England lost the Edgbaston Test by two wickets as Australia gained a 1-0 lead in Ashes 2023. Day 5 of the first Test, on Tuesday (June 20), saw a delayed start due to rain. Australia resumed at 107 for 3, needing another 174 runs for a win. While England reduced them to 227 for 8, skipper Pat Cummins (44 not out) and Nathan Lyon's unbeaten 16 ensured the visitors edged past Ben Stokes & Co. in an absolute thriller at Edgbaston, Birmingham to go 1-0 up in Ashes 2023. After the thrilling tie, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting questioned England's attacking style of play. Ben Stokes & Co. opted to bat first and declared at 393 for 8 despite Joe Root's 118. While they managed to attain a seven-run lead, many have questioned their declaration. Further, England kept on attacking despite in their second essay and paid the price as they were dismissed for 273, setting a 282-run target for Australia which they chased with two wickets to spare. Thus, Ponting has questioned England's approach and said 'is it going to hold up in an Ashes series'? 'There is more than one way to skin a cat' “I think England have got the most questions to answer. Their style of play, is it going to hold up in an Ashes series?” Ponting said on Sky Sports. “By no means am I saying that England’s method is wrong, I have loved watching them play, but it just goes to show there is more than one way to skin a cat." Also Read: 'No idea....': Pat Cummins' epic response on 2019 Headingley loss after Australia conquer Edgbaston “This is a long and hard game. Australia’s method has stood up and it has worked. I want this series to be played the same way and I know Ben and Brendon will play the same way, which adds even more to next week,” the Aussie legend added. Despite England's loss, captain Stokes backed his declaration call on the opening day and stated that he is proud of the fight shown and entertainment provided by his side in the opening Test, indicating they won't back down from their aggressive approach in the remainder of the series. "A loss is a loss, we said we are going to keep playing this way. This is the way we will continue playing, going hard at Australia, taking certain decisions that feel right," Stokes revealed at the post-match presentation. 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. ×

'Is it going to hold up?' Ricky Ponting questions England's 'style of play' after Edgbaston thriller

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<p>Following a foul-mouth send-off to Australian opener Usman Khawaja during the first innings of the Edgbaston Test, Ollie Robinson found himself in hot waters. Although sledging and swearing are usual, at least in Ashes, Robinson’s careless remark over how the Aussies will perceive this irked a few legends, including Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting.</p>

<p>While Ponting sent a clear warning to Robinson over him bringing his name in his defence during a presser after the third day’s play, Hayden also slammed the English seamer by calling him a ‘forgettable cricketer’.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-ollie-robinsons-latest-remarks-irks-ponting-ex-aussie-captain-issues-warning-607206">Ashes 2023: Ollie Robinson's latest remarks irks Ponting, ex-Aussie captain issues warning</a></p>

<p>After Khawaja scored his maiden hundred on UK soil, Robinson bowled him on 141 off a yorker and gave him a rusty send-off, using cuss words against him. Also, he mentioned how after picking Pat Cummins in the batting order, the English bowlers have three number 11s to deal with – a statement that backfired in the end, as it was the pair of Cummins and Nathan Lyon that helped Australia beat England by two wickets in Edgbaston on the final day.</p>

<p>"That's how you combat England as well. Soon Pat Cummins started coming at Joe Root and hit a couple of sixes," Hayden said in a conversation with Ian Healy, as quoted by Hindustan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Then the other bloke; he's a forgettable cricketer. A fast bowler that is bowling 124 (kph) nude nuts, and he's got a mouth from the south." When Healy asked, "Who, Ollie Robinson?", Hayden replied, "Someone like him, you can just go, 'Brother, I'm coming at ya'."</p>

<h2><strong>‘I don’t care</strong></h2>

<p>While Robinson’s send-off upset a few Aussies, the English seamer didn’t bother much to react to this. Speaking to the media after England dismissed Australia seven runs shy of their first innings total on day three, Robinson said he doesn’t care how his celebration is perceived by the opposite camp. He added he was just elated after picking the big wicket of Usman Khawaja.</p>

<p>"It's my first home Ashes, and to get the big wicket at the time was special for me. I think Uzzie (Khawaja) played unbelievably well. To get that wicket for us as a team at the time was massive. We all want that theatre of the game, don't we? So, I'm here to provide it," he said. "I don't really care how it's perceived, to be honest. It's the Ashes. It's a professional sport. If you can't handle that, what can you handle?"</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the second Test begins at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 28.</p>

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Following a foul-mouth send-off to Australian opener Usman Khawaja during the first innings of the Edgbaston Test, Ollie Robinson found himself in hot waters. Although sledging and swearing are usual, at least in Ashes, Robinson’s careless remark over how the Aussies will perceive this irked a few legends, including Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting.

Following a foul-mouth send-off to Australian opener Usman Khawaja during the first innings of the Edgbaston Test, Ollie Robinson found himself in hot waters. Although sledging and swearing are usual, at least in Ashes, Robinson’s careless remark over how the Aussies will perceive this irked a few legends, including Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting. While Ponting sent a clear warning to Robinson over him bringing his name in his defence during a presser after the third day’s play, Hayden also slammed the English seamer by calling him a ‘forgettable cricketer’. ALSO READ: Ashes 2023: Ollie Robinson's latest remarks irks Ponting, ex-Aussie captain issues warning After Khawaja scored his maiden hundred on UK soil, Robinson bowled him on 141 off a yorker and gave him a rusty send-off, using cuss words against him. Also, he mentioned how after picking Pat Cummins in the batting order, the English bowlers have three number 11s to deal with – a statement that backfired in the end, as it was the pair of Cummins and Nathan Lyon that helped Australia beat England by two wickets in Edgbaston on the final day. "That's how you combat England as well. Soon Pat Cummins started coming at Joe Root and hit a couple of sixes," Hayden said in a conversation with Ian Healy, as quoted by Hindustan Times. "Then the other bloke; he's a forgettable cricketer. A fast bowler that is bowling 124 (kph) nude nuts, and he's got a mouth from the south." When Healy asked, "Who, Ollie Robinson?", Hayden replied, "Someone like him, you can just go, 'Brother, I'm coming at ya'." ‘I don’t care While Robinson’s send-off upset a few Aussies, the English seamer didn’t bother much to react to this. Speaking to the media after England dismissed Australia seven runs shy of their first innings total on day three, Robinson said he doesn’t care how his celebration is perceived by the opposite camp. He added he was just elated after picking the big wicket of Usman Khawaja. "It's my first home Ashes, and to get the big wicket at the time was special for me. I think Uzzie (Khawaja) played unbelievably well. To get that wicket for us as a team at the time was massive. We all want that theatre of the game, don't we? So, I'm here to provide it," he said. "I don't really care how it's perceived, to be honest. It's the Ashes. It's a professional sport. If you can't handle that, what can you handle?" Meanwhile, the second Test begins at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 28. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes: After Ponting, Hayden slams 'forgettable cricketer' Ollie Robinson for foul-mouth send-off to Khawaja

<p>England and Australia produced a humdinger of a match in the Ashes 2023 opener at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Opting to bat first, Ben Stokes-led England declared at 393 for 8, with Joe Root unbeaten on 118, whereas Australia posted 386 all-out courtesy of Usman Khawaja's 141. With a seven-run lead, England were dismissed for 273 but still gave a challenging 282-run target for the visitors, who rode on Khawaja's 65 and skipper Pat Cummins' 44 not out to win by two wickets in the final moments of the epic clash.</p>

<p>During the course of the game, many lauded Stokes-led England for their aggressive style of play. They declared their innings to put Australia to bat in the last few minutes of the opening day, to test the openers and create some chances, kept scoring at over 4, impressed one and all with their unorthodox field sets and smart bowling changes by Stokes.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Cummins received some criticism for his defensive field placements but the Aussie line-up trusted their own methods and didn't look completely out of sorts in front of England's Bazball approach. Eventually, Australia never allowed England to run away with the game and stayed alive to emerge on top by a whisker. Former Australian captain Tim Paine commented on both teams' contrasting style of play.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Stokes and England make some funky fields and all of a sudden it's genius'</strong></h2>

<p>“I thought it was pretty much as I expected to be honest. I think Australia were always going to set slightly what you can call defensive fields if you like. I think they were no different really to Ben Stokes,” Paine said on SEN podcast ‘Whateley’.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-michael-vaughan-points-out-hosts-blunder-at-edgbaston-says-england-just-didnt-do-that-607026">Ashes 2023: Michael Vaughan points out hosts' BLUNDER at Edgbaston, says 'England just didn’t do that'</a></strong></p>

<p>“Ben Stokes and England make some funky fields and all of a sudden it's genius. Australia put a couple of people on the fence and all of a sudden it's defensive. I think there were some clear strategies from both sides, whether it was attack or defense,” the veteran further added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Stokes &amp; Co. backed their brand of cricket despite ending on the losing side in Edgbaston. The second Test kicks off on June 28, at Lord's, with Australia leading&nbsp;the five-match series 1-0.</p>

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England and Australia produced a humdinger of a match in the Ashes 2023 opener at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Opting to bat first, Ben Stokes-led England declared at 393 for 8, with Joe Root unbeaten on 118, whereas Australia posted 386 all-out courtesy of Usman Khawaja's 141.

England and Australia produced a humdinger of a match in the Ashes 2023 opener at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Opting to bat first, Ben Stokes-led England declared at 393 for 8, with Joe Root unbeaten on 118, whereas Australia posted 386 all-out courtesy of Usman Khawaja's 141. With a seven-run lead, England were dismissed for 273 but still gave a challenging 282-run target for the visitors, who rode on Khawaja's 65 and skipper Pat Cummins' 44 not out to win by two wickets in the final moments of the epic clash. During the course of the game, many lauded Stokes-led England for their aggressive style of play. They declared their innings to put Australia to bat in the last few minutes of the opening day, to test the openers and create some chances, kept scoring at over 4, impressed one and all with their unorthodox field sets and smart bowling changes by Stokes. On the other hand, Cummins received some criticism for his defensive field placements but the Aussie line-up trusted their own methods and didn't look completely out of sorts in front of England's Bazball approach. Eventually, Australia never allowed England to run away with the game and stayed alive to emerge on top by a whisker. Former Australian captain Tim Paine commented on both teams' contrasting style of play. 'Stokes and England make some funky fields and all of a sudden it's genius' “I thought it was pretty much as I expected to be honest. I think Australia were always going to set slightly what you can call defensive fields if you like. I think they were no different really to Ben Stokes,” Paine said on SEN podcast ‘Whateley’. Also Read: Ashes 2023: Michael Vaughan points out hosts' BLUNDER at Edgbaston, says 'England just didn’t do that' “Ben Stokes and England make some funky fields and all of a sudden it's genius. Australia put a couple of people on the fence and all of a sudden it's defensive. I think there were some clear strategies from both sides, whether it was attack or defense,” the veteran further added. Meanwhile, Stokes & Co. backed their brand of cricket despite ending on the losing side in Edgbaston. The second Test kicks off on June 28, at Lord's, with Australia leading the five-match series 1-0. 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: 'Stokes, England make some funky fields and suddenly it's genius' - Paine's remark after Edgbaston Test

<p>England and Australia played a game for ages in Edgbaston but the teams paid the price for the entertainment they produced. The teams were docked two points each along with 40 per cent match fees of all the players. The docked points will reflect in their tally of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle of 2023-25.</p>

<p>Match referee Andy Pycroft, after the match, which Australia won by two wickets, reprimanded both teams. As per the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, players get docked 20 per cent of their match fee for each over short. The teams were found two overs short after considering the allowance time to complete the overs.</p>

<p>After taking the docked points into account, England stand at minus two while Australia stand at 10 after getting 12 points for their win in the current WTC cycle.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/is-it-going-to-hold-up-ricky-ponting-questions-englands-style-of-play-after-edgbaston-thriller-606880">Ricky Ponting questions England's 'style of play' after Edgbaston thriller</a></p>

<h2>Australia equalize Edgbaston 2005 score</h2>

<p>England and Australia had played a thriller on the same ground in the 2005 Ashes as well which the hosts had won by the barest of the margins - two runs to be exact. Needing 174 runs on the final day, the game in 2023 also had the same vibes about it.</p>

<p>Australia looked ahead at tea after the morning session got washed out. English skipper Ben Stokes then took the wicket of Man of the Match Usman Khawaja to break the game open. With Moeen Ali being injured, Joe Root was given the ball and he obliged with the wicket of Alex Carey.</p>

<p>Skipper Patrick Cummins and Nathan Lyon then added 55 runs for the ninth wicket as Australia held their nerves and went on to win the first Test by two wickets.</p>

<h2>The frantic final hour</h2>

<p>The new ball was available to England but they decided not to take it. The move, at first, gave England the wicket of Carey but Cummins then decided to turn on the heat. Needing 51 runs in the final 15 overs (maximum possible), Cummins hit Root for two sixes in the first of those overs, bringing down the equation to 36.</p>

<p>Lyon was dropped in the very next over as Stokes couldn't latch onto a catch despite his superhuman effort. The Aussie pair then played relatively calmly even as the new ball zipped past their edge on more than a couple of occasions.</p>

<p>An edge off a short Ollie Robinson delivery, which seemed to get Australia one run out three needed, was pushed to the boundary at third man, giving Australia a famous win.</p>

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England and Australia played a game for ages in Edgbaston but the teams paid the price for the entertainment they produced. The teams were docked two points each along with 40 per cent match fees of all the players.

England and Australia played a game for ages in Edgbaston but the teams paid the price for the entertainment they produced. The teams were docked two points each along with 40 per cent match fees of all the players. The docked points will reflect in their tally of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle of 2023-25. Match referee Andy Pycroft, after the match, which Australia won by two wickets, reprimanded both teams. As per the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, players get docked 20 per cent of their match fee for each over short. The teams were found two overs short after considering the allowance time to complete the overs. After taking the docked points into account, England stand at minus two while Australia stand at 10 after getting 12 points for their win in the current WTC cycle. Also Read: Ricky Ponting questions England's 'style of play' after Edgbaston thriller Australia equalize Edgbaston 2005 score England and Australia had played a thriller on the same ground in the 2005 Ashes as well which the hosts had won by the barest of the margins - two runs to be exact. Needing 174 runs on the final day, the game in 2023 also had the same vibes about it. Australia looked ahead at tea after the morning session got washed out. English skipper Ben Stokes then took the wicket of Man of the Match Usman Khawaja to break the game open. With Moeen Ali being injured, Joe Root was given the ball and he obliged with the wicket of Alex Carey. Skipper Patrick Cummins and Nathan Lyon then added 55 runs for the ninth wicket as Australia held their nerves and went on to win the first Test by two wickets. The frantic final hour The new ball was available to England but they decided not to take it. The move, at first, gave England the wicket of Carey but Cummins then decided to turn on the heat. Needing 51 runs in the final 15 overs (maximum possible), Cummins hit Root for two sixes in the first of those overs, bringing down the equation to 36. Lyon was dropped in the very next over as Stokes couldn't latch onto a catch despite his superhuman effort. The Aussie pair then played relatively calmly even as the new ball zipped past their edge on more than a couple of occasions. An edge off a short Ollie Robinson delivery, which seemed to get Australia one run out three needed, was pushed to the boundary at third man, giving Australia a famous win. 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: England, Australia reprimanded for slow over rate in Edgbaston

<p>Australia skipper Patrick Cummins took his team home in the first Ashes Test by two wickets in another thriller at Edgbaston. The fans across the world couldn't keep calm after Cummins got the winning runs off a misfield and neither could the Aussie players.</p>

<p>Cummins added 55 runs for the ninth wicket with Nathan Lyon as the Aussies held off a mighty English effort led by Ben Stokes' wicket of Man of the Match Usman Khawaja. Have a look at the tweets here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PATRICK CUMMINS YOU KING 👑</p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1671222164752564236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Test cricket is like a beautifully sung raga. You live the many moods of it.</p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1671226444142485505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An old-fashioned TEST will never be out of fashion ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a></p>
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohammadKaif/status/1671210850646884375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">AN ICONIC PICTURE.<br />
<br />
PAT CUMMINS IS THE HERO. <a href="https://t.co/D21lZiSjUX">pic.twitter.com/D21lZiSjUX</a></p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1671223653768499200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is like watching Gabba chase without Rishabh Pant's knock.</p>
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1671205271400591386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Ben Stokes sends Edgbaston into frenzy</strong></h2>

<p>Australia were looking easy at 209/6 when Ben Stokes decided to bowl for the first time in 2nd innings. The English skipper bowled a superb slow leg-cutter delivery on which Khawaja chopped on and Edgbaston erupted. The Aussie opener, who had scored 141 in the first innings, scored 65 in second as well.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-french-mid-fielder-ngolo-kante-latest-to-saudi-joins-al-ittihad-606759">French mid-fielder N'Golo Kante latest to go Saudi, joins Al Ittihad</a></p>

<p>Cummins joined Alex Carey on the crease and the duo added 18 runs before Joe Root held onto a sensational return catch to dismiss Carey. England were all over Australia and almost got Lyon out on a short ball shortly after. Ben Stokes, who made a superhuman effort, couldn't hold on to the catch at mid-wicket as Lyon survived.</p>

<p>The Aussie pair then played each ball according to merit as England kept looking for a breakthrough which never came.</p>

<h2><strong>The frantic final hour</strong></h2>

<p>The new ball was available to England but they decided not to take it. The move, at first, gave England the wicket of Carey but Cummins then decided to turn on the heat. Needing 51 runs in final 15 overs (maximum possible), Cummins hit Root for two sixes in the first of those overs, bringing down equation to 36.</p>

<p>Lyon was dropped in the very next over as Stokes couldn't latch onto a catch. The Aussie pair then played relatively calmly even as the new ball zipped past their edge on more than a couple of occasions.</p>

<p>An edge off a short Ollie Robinson delivery, which seemed to get Australia one run out of three needed, was pushed to boundary at third man. The Australian supporters, before whom the winning runs were given, erupted in joy and so did the Aussie dressing room after conquering Edgbaston by two wickets.</p>

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Australia skipper Patrick Cummins took his team home in the first Ashes Test by two wickets in another thriller at Edgbaston. The fans across the world couldn't keep calm after Cummins got the winning runs off a misfield and neither could the Aussie players.

Australia skipper Patrick Cummins took his team home in the first Ashes Test by two wickets in another thriller at Edgbaston. The fans across the world couldn't keep calm after Cummins got the winning runs off a misfield and neither could the Aussie players. Cummins added 55 runs for the ninth wicket with Nathan Lyon as the Aussies held off a mighty English effort led by Ben Stokes' wicket of Man of the Match Usman Khawaja. Have a look at the tweets here: PATRICK CUMMINS YOU KING 👑 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 20, 2023 × Test cricket is like a beautifully sung raga. You live the many moods of it. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 20, 2023 × An old-fashioned TEST will never be out of fashion ❤️ #Ashes — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 20, 2023 × AN ICONIC PICTURE. PAT CUMMINS IS THE HERO. pic.twitter.com/D21lZiSjUX — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 20, 2023 × This is like watching Gabba chase without Rishabh Pant's knock. — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) June 20, 2023 × Ben Stokes sends Edgbaston into frenzy Australia were looking easy at 209/6 when Ben Stokes decided to bowl for the first time in 2nd innings. The English skipper bowled a superb slow leg-cutter delivery on which Khawaja chopped on and Edgbaston erupted. The Aussie opener, who had scored 141 in the first innings, scored 65 in second as well. Also Read: French mid-fielder N'Golo Kante latest to go Saudi, joins Al Ittihad Cummins joined Alex Carey on the crease and the duo added 18 runs before Joe Root held onto a sensational return catch to dismiss Carey. England were all over Australia and almost got Lyon out on a short ball shortly after. Ben Stokes, who made a superhuman effort, couldn't hold on to the catch at mid-wicket as Lyon survived. The Aussie pair then played each ball according to merit as England kept looking for a breakthrough which never came. The frantic final hour The new ball was available to England but they decided not to take it. The move, at first, gave England the wicket of Carey but Cummins then decided to turn on the heat. Needing 51 runs in final 15 overs (maximum possible), Cummins hit Root for two sixes in the first of those overs, bringing down equation to 36. Lyon was dropped in the very next over as Stokes couldn't latch onto a catch. The Aussie pair then played relatively calmly even as the new ball zipped past their edge on more than a couple of occasions. An edge off a short Ollie Robinson delivery, which seemed to get Australia one run out of three needed, was pushed to boundary at third man. The Australian supporters, before whom the winning runs were given, erupted in joy and so did the Aussie dressing room after conquering Edgbaston by two wickets. 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: Twitter reacts as Australia beat England in Edgbaston thriller by two wickets

<p>England and Australia produced a thrilling contest in the Ashes 2023 opener at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The contest was decided in the final few overs as Pat Cummins (44 not out) and Nathan Lyon's (16 not out)&nbsp;unbroken 55-run ninth-wicket stand propelled Australia to a narrow two-wicket win in pursuit of 282 on Tuesday evening (June 20). England were on top in most parts and having reduced the Aussies to 227 for 8, they were certainly on the cusp of a win but failed to get the last two breakthroughs.</p>

<p>Opting to bat first, Ben Stokes-led England declared at 393 for 8 despite Joe Root being unbeaten on 118. In reply, Usman Khawaja's 141 took Australia to 386 all-out, handing a slender seven-run lead to the hosts. England were dismissed for 273 in their second essay as they set a challenging 282-run target for Cummins &amp; Co., which they achieved in the final moments despite their back against the wall. Thus, skipper Cummins, who hit the winning runs, was asked about the Headingley Test defeat of Ashes 2019 -- where Australia failed to defend 359 despite reducing England to 286 for 9, and he gave an epic response. Back then, Stokes (135 not out) hit the winning rusn off Cummins' delivery.</p>

<p>When asked if the Edgbaston win serves as redemption for the Headingley heartbreak, Cummins said at the post-match presentation, "No idea what you’re talking about."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-going-to-ben-stokes-backs-declaration-call-after-england-lose-edgbaston-test-to-australia-606798">'Not going to...': Ben Stokes backs declaration call after England lose Edgbaston Test to Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>Cummins also opened up on the contrasting styles of play between England and Australia in the Edgbaston Test. "Both teams spoke about playing their styles, we played to our strengths and we don’t know which is better, but makes for good entertainment," he stated.</p>

<p>The second Test will kick off on June 28 at the iconic Lord's Cricket Stadium, London. For now, Australia will rejoice having taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.</p>

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England and Australia produced a thrilling contest in the Ashes 2023 opener at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The contest was decided in the final few overs as Pat Cummins (44 not out) and Nathan Lyon's (16 not out) unbroken 55-run ninth-wicket stand propelled Australia to a narrow two-wicket win in pursuit of 282 on Tuesday evening (June 20).

England and Australia produced a thrilling contest in the Ashes 2023 opener at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The contest was decided in the final few overs as Pat Cummins (44 not out) and Nathan Lyon's (16 not out) unbroken 55-run ninth-wicket stand propelled Australia to a narrow two-wicket win in pursuit of 282 on Tuesday evening (June 20). England were on top in most parts and having reduced the Aussies to 227 for 8, they were certainly on the cusp of a win but failed to get the last two breakthroughs. Opting to bat first, Ben Stokes-led England declared at 393 for 8 despite Joe Root being unbeaten on 118. In reply, Usman Khawaja's 141 took Australia to 386 all-out, handing a slender seven-run lead to the hosts. England were dismissed for 273 in their second essay as they set a challenging 282-run target for Cummins & Co., which they achieved in the final moments despite their back against the wall. Thus, skipper Cummins, who hit the winning runs, was asked about the Headingley Test defeat of Ashes 2019 -- where Australia failed to defend 359 despite reducing England to 286 for 9, and he gave an epic response. Back then, Stokes (135 not out) hit the winning rusn off Cummins' delivery. When asked if the Edgbaston win serves as redemption for the Headingley heartbreak, Cummins said at the post-match presentation, "No idea what you’re talking about." Also Read: 'Not going to...': Ben Stokes backs declaration call after England lose Edgbaston Test to Australia Cummins also opened up on the contrasting styles of play between England and Australia in the Edgbaston Test. "Both teams spoke about playing their styles, we played to our strengths and we don’t know which is better, but makes for good entertainment," he stated. The second Test will kick off on June 28 at the iconic Lord's Cricket Stadium, London. For now, Australia will rejoice having taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. 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. ×

'No idea....': Pat Cummins' epic response on 2019 Headingley loss after Australia conquer Edgbaston

<p>England and Australia produced a humdinger of a Test in Edgbaston, Birmingham before Pat Cummins &amp; Co. edged past the hosts by two wickets on the final day, on Tuesday (June 20), of the Ashes 2023 opener. Opting to bat first, England rode on Joe Root's unbeaten 118 to declare their first innings at 393 for 8. In reply, Australia posted 386 all-out courtesy of Usman Khawaja's 141 before England set up a challenging 282-run target. The final day's play saw a delayed start before the game went down to the wire but Khawaja (65), Cummins (44 not out) and Nathan Lyon (16 not out) took the Aussies home.</p>

<p>While England's Bazball approach entertained one and all throughout the contest and kept viewers at the edge of their seat, English captain Ben Stokes' first-innings declaration became a talking point after they went down by two wickets on Tuesday evening.</p>

<h2><strong>'Not going to be looking back on this game as 'what ifs'</strong></h2>

<p>Stokes backed his declaration call decision on the opening day, made when a well-set Root was batting on 118 along with two wickets in hand. He said after the game, "If we were in the same position? Yeah. I would like to be 398 for 6 [sic] with 20 minutes left. That would be great."</p>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"I could also turn it around and say, 'if we didn't declare, would we have got the excitement that we did at the end of day five?' I'm not a hundred per cent sure, but I'm not going to be looking back on this game as 'what ifs'... the reality is, we just didn't manage to get over the line," Stokes further added.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-twitter-reacts-as-australia-beat-england-in-edgbaston-thriller-by-two-wickets-606767">Ashes 2023: Twitter reacts as Australia beat England in Edgbaston thriller by two wickets</a></strong></section>

<p>Despite England's early declaration on Day 1, they kept resorting to their exciting and aggressive style of cricket and were on top in most parts of the game. However, Cummins-led Australia never looked out of sorts and kept coming back before pulling off a heist in the final hour courtesy of an unbroken 55-run ninth-wicket stand between skipper Cummins and Lyon.</p>

<p>While one can point fingers at England's declaration, they did miss a chance to not dismiss Australia early in their first essay after reducing them to 220 for 5. Also, England should have ideally set a target beyond 300 but Cummins &amp; Co. did well to dismiss them for 273.</p>

<p>The second Test commences on June 28 (Wednesday) at the iconic Lord's Cricket Stadium, London.</p>

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England and Australia produced a humdinger of a Test in Edgbaston, Birmingham before Pat Cummins & Co. edged past the hosts by two wickets on the final day, on Tuesday (June 20), of the Ashes 2023 opener.

England and Australia produced a humdinger of a Test in Edgbaston, Birmingham before Pat Cummins & Co. edged past the hosts by two wickets on the final day, on Tuesday (June 20), of the Ashes 2023 opener. Opting to bat first, England rode on Joe Root's unbeaten 118 to declare their first innings at 393 for 8. In reply, Australia posted 386 all-out courtesy of Usman Khawaja's 141 before England set up a challenging 282-run target. The final day's play saw a delayed start before the game went down to the wire but Khawaja (65), Cummins (44 not out) and Nathan Lyon (16 not out) took the Aussies home. While England's Bazball approach entertained one and all throughout the contest and kept viewers at the edge of their seat, English captain Ben Stokes' first-innings declaration became a talking point after they went down by two wickets on Tuesday evening. 'Not going to be looking back on this game as 'what ifs' Stokes backed his declaration call decision on the opening day, made when a well-set Root was batting on 118 along with two wickets in hand. He said after the game, "If we were in the same position? Yeah. I would like to be 398 for 6 [sic] with 20 minutes left. That would be great." "I could also turn it around and say, 'if we didn't declare, would we have got the excitement that we did at the end of day five?' I'm not a hundred per cent sure, but I'm not going to be looking back on this game as 'what ifs'... the reality is, we just didn't manage to get over the line," Stokes further added. Also Read: Ashes 2023: Twitter reacts as Australia beat England in Edgbaston thriller by two wickets Despite England's early declaration on Day 1, they kept resorting to their exciting and aggressive style of cricket and were on top in most parts of the game. However, Cummins-led Australia never looked out of sorts and kept coming back before pulling off a heist in the final hour courtesy of an unbroken 55-run ninth-wicket stand between skipper Cummins and Lyon. While one can point fingers at England's declaration, they did miss a chance to not dismiss Australia early in their first essay after reducing them to 220 for 5. Also, England should have ideally set a target beyond 300 but Cummins & Co. did well to dismiss them for 273. The second Test commences on June 28 (Wednesday) at the iconic Lord's Cricket Stadium, London. 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. ×

'Not going to...': Ben Stokes backs declaration call after England lose Edgbaston Test to Australia

<p>Ben Stokes-led England have entertained one and all with their playing style in the first Test of Ashes 2023 in Edgbaston, Birmingham. After setting a challenging 282-run target for Australia on Day 4, England ended the day's proceedings with the visitors being 107 for 3, needing another 174 runs for a win. Throughout the Test, England's Bazball approach has made heads turn. On Day 1, Stokes declared the innings with England being 393 for 8 with Joe Root batting on 118. Australia&nbsp;came close to England's score but the home side attained a slender seven-run lead courtesy of their attacking field sets and bowling changes.</p>

<p>With Day 5, on Tuesday (June 20), seeing a delayed start, due to rain, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers lavished huge praise on England's approach. The veteran feels the English line-up's exciting brand of cricket has made sure they are the favourites heading into the final day's play despite a delayed start. de Villiers added that England have played smart cricket and have made decisions to enforce a result at all times in the course of the game; keeping ego and personal records at bay. He even compared them to&nbsp;MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK)'s&nbsp;successful campaign in IPL 2023.</p>

<h2><strong>'The way England played now makes sense'</strong></h2>

<p>De Villiers wrote, "I never looked at the Birmingham weather leading up to this Test match. The way England played now makes sense. Call it what you want, some say Bazz Ball, I just think it’s smart Cricket. The best teams are prepared to adapt and play situations in a way that’ll ultimately put them in a winning position more often than the rest, whether that’s by making bold declarations or playing reverse sweeps a lot, whatever it takes. The only way to make it impactful is to have complete buy-in from every individual, no egos, no stats-driven players, just a full-on buy-in to be the best team in the world. That’s how I see the Eng team play atm. Also saw that with MSD and co. in the IPL."</p>

<p>"Gonna be a fascinating final day. Let’s get it going. Aus still in with a chance here, unlikely, but possible."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-are-you-doing-that-for-alex-carey-shares-virat-kohlis-reaction-on-his-wtc-final-dismissal-606475">'What are you doing that for?': Alex Carey shares Virat Kohli's reaction on his WTC final dismissal</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I never looked at the Birmingham weather leading up to this Test match. The way England played now makes sense. Call it what you want, some say Bazz Ball, I just think it’s smart Cricket. The best teams are prepared to adapt and play situations in a way that’ll ultimately put…</p>
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1671136645771395073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>England's Stuart Broad removed nightwatchman Scott Boland, for 20 (40), when play kicked off on the final day on Tuesday. The home side will be eager to remove in-form batters Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Alex Carey and emerge on top in the contest in Edgbaston, Birmingham.&nbsp;</p>

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Ben Stokes-led England have entertained one and all with their playing style in the first Test of Ashes 2023 in Edgbaston, Birmingham. After setting a challenging 282-run target for Australia on Day 4, England ended the day's proceedings with the visitors being 107 for 3, needing another 174 runs for a win.

Ben Stokes-led England have entertained one and all with their playing style in the first Test of Ashes 2023 in Edgbaston, Birmingham. After setting a challenging 282-run target for Australia on Day 4, England ended the day's proceedings with the visitors being 107 for 3, needing another 174 runs for a win. Throughout the Test, England's Bazball approach has made heads turn. On Day 1, Stokes declared the innings with England being 393 for 8 with Joe Root batting on 118. Australia came close to England's score but the home side attained a slender seven-run lead courtesy of their attacking field sets and bowling changes. With Day 5, on Tuesday (June 20), seeing a delayed start, due to rain, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers lavished huge praise on England's approach. The veteran feels the English line-up's exciting brand of cricket has made sure they are the favourites heading into the final day's play despite a delayed start. de Villiers added that England have played smart cricket and have made decisions to enforce a result at all times in the course of the game; keeping ego and personal records at bay. He even compared them to MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK)'s successful campaign in IPL 2023. 'The way England played now makes sense' De Villiers wrote, "I never looked at the Birmingham weather leading up to this Test match. The way England played now makes sense. Call it what you want, some say Bazz Ball, I just think it’s smart Cricket. The best teams are prepared to adapt and play situations in a way that’ll ultimately put them in a winning position more often than the rest, whether that’s by making bold declarations or playing reverse sweeps a lot, whatever it takes. The only way to make it impactful is to have complete buy-in from every individual, no egos, no stats-driven players, just a full-on buy-in to be the best team in the world. That’s how I see the Eng team play atm. Also saw that with MSD and co. in the IPL." "Gonna be a fascinating final day. Let’s get it going. Aus still in with a chance here, unlikely, but possible." Also Read: 'What are you doing that for?': Alex Carey shares Virat Kohli's reaction on his WTC final dismissal I never looked at the Birmingham weather leading up to this Test match. The way England played now makes sense. Call it what you want, some say Bazz Ball, I just think it’s smart Cricket. The best teams are prepared to adapt and play situations in a way that’ll ultimately put… — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 20, 2023 × England's Stuart Broad removed nightwatchman Scott Boland, for 20 (40), when play kicked off on the final day on Tuesday. The home side will be eager to remove in-form batters Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Alex Carey and emerge on top in the contest in Edgbaston, Birmingham. 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. ×

Smart cricket: AB de Villiers in awe of England's Day 1 declaration in Edgbaston Test

<p>There's a thriller brewing in Edgbaston, 18 years after that jaw-dropping 2005 Ashes Test. Australia are chasing 174 runs for the win on final day in 2023 and England look to take seven wickets before that happens. Aussie openers made a solid start in chase of 281 before Stuart Broad rocked them with two quick wickets. Broad's twin strikes cracked the game wide open for England who were dismissed for 273 in their second innings.</p>

<p>Australia opener David Warner, meanwhile, has said that his team won't go into shell. He's also confident of Australia going long in the game if they are patient enough.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“For us it’s about going out there and playing the way that you play. You can’t go into your shell. The positive thing is the wicket isn’t going up and down as much as you’d think from a deteriorating wicket, probably on the lower side. If we keep being patient and we keep looking to score, we’ll go a long way in this game,” said Warner in a conversation with SEN cricket.</p>

<p>There, however, are chances of rain on day 5 but Warner looks unperturbed by that as he 'can't control that.'</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-stuart-broads-inspired-spell-revives-struggling-england-on-day-4-606239">Stuart Broad’s inspired spell revives struggling England on day 4</a></p>

<p>“There’s going to be a bit of weather around but we can’t control that. If it rains and rains heavy, I think it will burn off and that’s what the predictions are," added the Aussie opener.</p>

<p>Speaking on the the affect rain could have on the batting, Warner said, "You’ve got to just keep that out of your mind and play as the ball comes at you, respect each delivery and then look to score.”</p>

<h2><strong>Final day equation</strong></h2>

<p>England, playing the Bazball way, went hard after Australia in the second innings as well. The hosts, however, kept losing wickets at regular interval and eventually folded out for 273. A seven-run lead in the first innings meant that Australia required 281 for a win.</p>

<p>The visiting openers looked good as they added 61 for the first wicket before Ollie Robinson got Warner (36) out caught behind. Veteran English pacer Broad then got his tail up as he dismissed Marnus Labuschagne (13) and Steve Smith (6) in space of 11 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Night watchman Scott Boland (13 not out), however, stood strong with first innings hero Usman Khawaja (34 not out) to take Australia back without further damage. Australia finished the day with 107 run on board and seven wickets in hand, setting up a exciting final day in Birmingham.&nbsp;</p>

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There's a thriller brewing in Edgbaston, 18 years after that jaw-dropping 2005 Ashes Test. Australia are chasing 174 runs for the win on final day in 2023 and England look to take seven wickets before that happens.

There's a thriller brewing in Edgbaston, 18 years after that jaw-dropping 2005 Ashes Test. Australia are chasing 174 runs for the win on final day in 2023 and England look to take seven wickets before that happens. Aussie openers made a solid start in chase of 281 before Stuart Broad rocked them with two quick wickets. Broad's twin strikes cracked the game wide open for England who were dismissed for 273 in their second innings. Australia opener David Warner, meanwhile, has said that his team won't go into shell. He's also confident of Australia going long in the game if they are patient enough. “For us it’s about going out there and playing the way that you play. You can’t go into your shell. The positive thing is the wicket isn’t going up and down as much as you’d think from a deteriorating wicket, probably on the lower side. If we keep being patient and we keep looking to score, we’ll go a long way in this game,” said Warner in a conversation with SEN cricket. There, however, are chances of rain on day 5 but Warner looks unperturbed by that as he 'can't control that.' Also Read: Stuart Broad’s inspired spell revives struggling England on day 4 “There’s going to be a bit of weather around but we can’t control that. If it rains and rains heavy, I think it will burn off and that’s what the predictions are," added the Aussie opener. Speaking on the the affect rain could have on the batting, Warner said, "You’ve got to just keep that out of your mind and play as the ball comes at you, respect each delivery and then look to score.” Final day equation England, playing the Bazball way, went hard after Australia in the second innings as well. The hosts, however, kept losing wickets at regular interval and eventually folded out for 273. A seven-run lead in the first innings meant that Australia required 281 for a win. The visiting openers looked good as they added 61 for the first wicket before Ollie Robinson got Warner (36) out caught behind. Veteran English pacer Broad then got his tail up as he dismissed Marnus Labuschagne (13) and Steve Smith (6) in space of 11 runs. Night watchman Scott Boland (13 not out), however, stood strong with first innings hero Usman Khawaja (34 not out) to take Australia back without further damage. Australia finished the day with 107 run on board and seven wickets in hand, setting up a exciting final day in Birmingham. 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: David Warner confident of Australia 'going long way' on final day sans rain interruption

<p>Stuart Broad revived England's hopes of winning an enthralling opening Ashes test with a superb late burst just when Australia appeared to have taken the upper hand on Monday.</p>

<p>After bowling England out for 273 just before tea on the fourth day, Australia set about their 281 victory target in serene fashion but ended the day wobbling on 107 for three.</p>

<p>Australia's opener David Warner and first innings centurion Usman Khawaja looked rock-solid, putting on 61 before Warner edged a beauty from Ollie Robinson having made a fluent 36.</p>

<p>With England off-spinner Moeen Ali struggling for grip with a cut hand, Broad then returned for a second spell to swing the momentum back towards the hosts.</p>

<p>Whipping the raucous crowd into a frenzy, he had world number one test batsman Marnus Labuschagne caught behind for 13, having removed him for a duck in the first innings.</p>

<p>Steve Smith (6) then edged another Broad delivery into the waiting gloves of England keeper Jonny Bairstow.</p>

<p>Khawaja, who scored his first century in England in the first innings, remained unbeaten at the close on 34 with night watchman Scott Boland on 13 not out.</p>

<p>Rain is expected early on Tuesday before drier conditions and, with Australia requiring a further 174 runs and England needing seven wickets, a draw looks a remote possibility.</p>

<p>Broad, England's second most successful test bowler behind team mate James Anderson, took three wickets in Australia's first innings and returned to haunt the visitors who need the joint second-highest successful chase at Edgbaston to win.</p>

<p>A spellbinding four days now looks like providing a fitting climax which has echoes of the 2005 Ashes test at Edgbaston when Australia fell three runs short of chasing down 282.</p>

<p>England had begun the fourth day precariously placed on 28 for two after Sunday's rain-shortened action, a lead of 35.</p>

<p>Instead of a cagey start, however, Joe Root immediately went into full 'Bazzball' mode, attempting a reverse scoop off the first ball of the day bowled by Pat Cummins, missing it, and seeing the ball whistle over his stumps, before breaking into a smile.</p>

<p>Root then produced two more reverse scoops in the next over off Boland, the first going for four and the second for an outrageous six, then pummelled a more conventional boundary.</p>

<p>Initially bamboozled, Australia struck back with Cummins flattening Ollie Pope's off stump with a superb inswinger.</p>

<p>Root was joined by Harry Brook and they put on a swift 52 in 49 balls with Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon's opening over of the day going for 14.</p>

<p>Lyon hit back though and deceived a charging Root who was stumped by wicketkeeper Alex Carey for 46 -- the first time in 131 tests he has been dismissed in that way.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;The Ashes: Robinson defends foul-mouthed celebration</strong></p>

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<p>Brook also fell four short of his half-century, attemphalf-centuryp Lyon through the leg side but only picking out Labuschagne who took a low catch.</p>

<p>England led by 162 runs at lunch and with Ben Stokes and Bairstow together they looked set for an afternoon onslaught but again Australia hit back.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-1st-test-england-will-tease-australia-with-something-appealing-to-chase-says-kumar-sangakkara-606141"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Ashes 2023, 1st Test: England will tease Australia with something appealing to chase, says Kumar Sangakkara</strong></a></p>

<p>Stokes's and Bairstow's partnership moved to 46 before Bairstow (20) tried to sweep Lyon and was out lbw.</p>

<p>Cummins then angled a ball in to the pads of Stokes who reviewed his lbw in hope more than expectation.</p>

<p>Moeen also got a good start but was out caught behind trying to swipe away a short Josh Hazlewood ball.</p>

<p>Robinson, Broad and Anderson then added useful late runs to push Australia's victory target over the 250 mark.</p>

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Stuart Broad revived England's hopes of winning an enthralling opening Ashes test with a superb late burst just when Australia appeared to have taken the upper hand on Monday.

Stuart Broad revived England's hopes of winning an enthralling opening Ashes test with a superb late burst just when Australia appeared to have taken the upper hand on Monday. After bowling England out for 273 just before tea on the fourth day, Australia set about their 281 victory target in serene fashion but ended the day wobbling on 107 for three. Australia's opener David Warner and first innings centurion Usman Khawaja looked rock-solid, putting on 61 before Warner edged a beauty from Ollie Robinson having made a fluent 36. With England off-spinner Moeen Ali struggling for grip with a cut hand, Broad then returned for a second spell to swing the momentum back towards the hosts. Whipping the raucous crowd into a frenzy, he had world number one test batsman Marnus Labuschagne caught behind for 13, having removed him for a duck in the first innings. Steve Smith (6) then edged another Broad delivery into the waiting gloves of England keeper Jonny Bairstow. Khawaja, who scored his first century in England in the first innings, remained unbeaten at the close on 34 with night watchman Scott Boland on 13 not out. Rain is expected early on Tuesday before drier conditions and, with Australia requiring a further 174 runs and England needing seven wickets, a draw looks a remote possibility. Broad, England's second most successful test bowler behind team mate James Anderson, took three wickets in Australia's first innings and returned to haunt the visitors who need the joint second-highest successful chase at Edgbaston to win. A spellbinding four days now looks like providing a fitting climax which has echoes of the 2005 Ashes test at Edgbaston when Australia fell three runs short of chasing down 282. England had begun the fourth day precariously placed on 28 for two after Sunday's rain-shortened action, a lead of 35. Instead of a cagey start, however, Joe Root immediately went into full 'Bazzball' mode, attempting a reverse scoop off the first ball of the day bowled by Pat Cummins, missing it, and seeing the ball whistle over his stumps, before breaking into a smile. Root then produced two more reverse scoops in the next over off Boland, the first going for four and the second for an outrageous six, then pummelled a more conventional boundary. Initially bamboozled, Australia struck back with Cummins flattening Ollie Pope's off stump with a superb inswinger. Root was joined by Harry Brook and they put on a swift 52 in 49 balls with Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon's opening over of the day going for 14. Lyon hit back though and deceived a charging Root who was stumped by wicketkeeper Alex Carey for 46 -- the first time in 131 tests he has been dismissed in that way. Watch: The Ashes: Robinson defends foul-mouthed celebration × Brook also fell four short of his half-century, attemphalf-centuryp Lyon through the leg side but only picking out Labuschagne who took a low catch. England led by 162 runs at lunch and with Ben Stokes and Bairstow together they looked set for an afternoon onslaught but again Australia hit back. Also read: Ashes 2023, 1st Test: England will tease Australia with something appealing to chase, says Kumar Sangakkara Stokes's and Bairstow's partnership moved to 46 before Bairstow (20) tried to sweep Lyon and was out lbw. Cummins then angled a ball in to the pads of Stokes who reviewed his lbw in hope more than expectation. Moeen also got a good start but was out caught behind trying to swipe away a short Josh Hazlewood ball. Robinson, Broad and Anderson then added useful late runs to push Australia's victory target over the 250 mark. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ashes 2023: Stuart Broad’s inspired spell revives struggling England on day 4

<p>England all-rounder Moeen Ali received a pleasant surprise earlier this month when he was picked for the first Ashes Test. Moeen, who did not play Test cricket for nearly two years, was named in the playing XI for the opening Test against Australia. But the comeback has not been quite a smooth one for him. He was fined 25 per cent of his match fees for breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct. The 36-year-old was handed a fine for using drying spray to his finger. It was understood that he had done this without seeking prior approval from the on-field umpires. It is now being learnt he is facing a serious finger injury threat in the ongoing Test. With seven wickets to pick on the final day of the encounter, Moeen’s injury is undoubtedly a deadly blow for the hosts. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon talked about the matter during the press conference yesterday.</p>

<p>What did Lyon say?</p>

<p>"It's massive, to be honest with you, I actually sitting here have a lot of sympathy for Moeen. Not coming off any red-ball cricket for two years and was thrown into bowling a lot of overs. The best way I can probably sum it up, and it will probably sound weird, is a singer losing their vocals but expecting to go out and put a concert on," Nathan Lyon said in the post-match presser. Expressing his sympathy for Moeen, the ace Aussie spinner explained why it is tough to grip the ball as finger spinners. But when asked to offer a piece advice to the English cricketer, Lyon said, "I don't have to tell you what I do in my hotel room. We'll leave it at that."</p>

<p>Moeen Ali’s performance</p>

<p>Moeen Ali claimed two wickets in the first innings. Conceding 147 runs in his 33 overs, Moeen picked up the wickets of Travis Head and Cameron Green. Moeen’s 33 overs appeared to be the joint-sixth-most he has ever bowled in one particular innings. In the second innings, he has not yet been able to claim a wicket after bowling seven overs. The Pat Cummins-led side will need 174 runs more to win the Edgbaston Test. Usman Khawaja and Scott Boland remained unbeaten at the end of the fourth day’s play.</p>


England all-rounder Moeen Ali received a pleasant surprise earlier this month when he was picked for the first Ashes Test. Moeen, who did not play Test cricket for nearly two years, was named in the playing XI for the opening Test against Australia.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali received a pleasant surprise earlier this month when he was picked for the first Ashes Test. Moeen, who did not play Test cricket for nearly two years, was named in the playing XI for the opening Test against Australia. But the comeback has not been quite a smooth one for him. He was fined 25 per cent of his match fees for breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct. The 36-year-old was handed a fine for using drying spray to his finger. It was understood that he had done this without seeking prior approval from the on-field umpires. It is now being learnt he is facing a serious finger injury threat in the ongoing Test. With seven wickets to pick on the final day of the encounter, Moeen’s injury is undoubtedly a deadly blow for the hosts. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon talked about the matter during the press conference yesterday. What did Lyon say? "It's massive, to be honest with you, I actually sitting here have a lot of sympathy for Moeen. Not coming off any red-ball cricket for two years and was thrown into bowling a lot of overs. The best way I can probably sum it up, and it will probably sound weird, is a singer losing their vocals but expecting to go out and put a concert on," Nathan Lyon said in the post-match presser. Expressing his sympathy for Moeen, the ace Aussie spinner explained why it is tough to grip the ball as finger spinners. But when asked to offer a piece advice to the English cricketer, Lyon said, "I don't have to tell you what I do in my hotel room. We'll leave it at that." Moeen Ali’s performance Moeen Ali claimed two wickets in the first innings. Conceding 147 runs in his 33 overs, Moeen picked up the wickets of Travis Head and Cameron Green. Moeen’s 33 overs appeared to be the joint-sixth-most he has ever bowled in one particular innings. In the second innings, he has not yet been able to claim a wicket after bowling seven overs. The Pat Cummins-led side will need 174 runs more to win the Edgbaston Test. Usman Khawaja and Scott Boland remained unbeaten at the end of the fourth day’s play.

Ashes 2023: Nathan Lyon talks about England all-rounder Moeen Ali's injury

<p>The opening Test of Ashes 2023 has lived up to expectations. After England opted to bat first, they rode on Joe Root's 118 not out to declare at 393 for 8. In reply, Australia made 386 all-out courtesy of Usman Khawaja's 141 as Ben Stokes &amp; Co. ended Day 3 at 28 for 2, with a lead of 35 runs. Day 4 turned out to be another exciting contest between bat and ball with the hosts restricting Australia to 107 for 3 in pursuit of 282. The penultimate day's play also saw the English fans target Steve Smith once again.</p>

<p>Ever since Smith returned to international cricket post the infamous sandpaper gate fiasco, which took place during his captaincy tenure in Australia's tour of South Africa in early 2018, the English fans have given him a hard time. They mocked him during the 2019 ODI World Cup, Ashes 2019 and the Edgbaston fans sledged him during Day 4's proceedings on Monday (June 19).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video that has gone viral on social media platforms, home fans chanted 'Saw you cry&nbsp;on the telly' for Smith, reminding him of his press conference where he accepted his involvement in the sandpaper gate saga in 2018. Smith, however, didn't react much to the taunts. <strong>Here's the video -</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">English Crowd Mocking Steven Smith: We Saw You Crying on the Telly.<br />
Steven Smith is Tackling that with a smile🥺💯. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StevenSmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StevenSmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvsAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvsAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes2023</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes23</a> <a href="https://t.co/jgEwQ9MMpf">pic.twitter.com/jgEwQ9MMpf</a></p>
— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SharyOfficial/status/1670859548905570330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/just-because-they-didnt-win-wtc-final-former-aussie-skipper-backs-rohit-sharma-to-remain-india-captain-606377">'Just because they didn’t win WTC final...': Former Aussie skipper backs Rohit Sharma to remain India captain</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Here's a throwback to Smith's press conference following the Sandpaper gate scandal -</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heartbreaking. Steve Smith has broken down delivering a message to young Aussie cricket fans. <a href="https://t.co/l14AsvAhXz">pic.twitter.com/l14AsvAhXz</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/979294929418670080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Talking about the first Test in Ashes 2023, England's Stuart Broad's twin strikes dented Australia in a chase of 282 in the last session of Day 4. Broad also removed Smith for 6 (13) as the match is evenly poised at stumps on the&nbsp;penultimate day, with Australia in need of 174 more runs and England requiring seven wickets for a win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Day 5 has seen a delayed start due to rain. Fans from both camps will hope for rain to not hamper the entire day's play with an exciting end on cards at Edgbaston, Birmingham.</p>

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The opening Test of Ashes 2023 has lived up to expectations. After England opted to bat first, they rode on Joe Root's 118 not out to declare at 393 for 8. In reply, Australia made 386 all-out courtesy of Usman Khawaja's 141 as Ben Stokes & Co.

The opening Test of Ashes 2023 has lived up to expectations. After England opted to bat first, they rode on Joe Root's 118 not out to declare at 393 for 8. In reply, Australia made 386 all-out courtesy of Usman Khawaja's 141 as Ben Stokes & Co. ended Day 3 at 28 for 2, with a lead of 35 runs. Day 4 turned out to be another exciting contest between bat and ball with the hosts restricting Australia to 107 for 3 in pursuit of 282. The penultimate day's play also saw the English fans target Steve Smith once again. Ever since Smith returned to international cricket post the infamous sandpaper gate fiasco, which took place during his captaincy tenure in Australia's tour of South Africa in early 2018, the English fans have given him a hard time. They mocked him during the 2019 ODI World Cup, Ashes 2019 and the Edgbaston fans sledged him during Day 4's proceedings on Monday (June 19). In a video that has gone viral on social media platforms, home fans chanted 'Saw you cry on the telly' for Smith, reminding him of his press conference where he accepted his involvement in the sandpaper gate saga in 2018. Smith, however, didn't react much to the taunts. Here's the video - English Crowd Mocking Steven Smith: We Saw You Crying on the Telly. Steven Smith is Tackling that with a smile🥺💯. #StevenSmith #ENGvsAUS #Ashes2023 #Ashes23 pic.twitter.com/jgEwQ9MMpf — Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) June 19, 2023 × Also Read: 'Just because they didn’t win WTC final...': Former Aussie skipper backs Rohit Sharma to remain India captain Here's a throwback to Smith's press conference following the Sandpaper gate scandal - Heartbreaking. Steve Smith has broken down delivering a message to young Aussie cricket fans. pic.twitter.com/l14AsvAhXz — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 29, 2018 × Talking about the first Test in Ashes 2023, England's Stuart Broad's twin strikes dented Australia in a chase of 282 in the last session of Day 4. Broad also removed Smith for 6 (13) as the match is evenly poised at stumps on the penultimate day, with Australia in need of 174 more runs and England requiring seven wickets for a win. Day 5 has seen a delayed start due to rain. Fans from both camps will hope for rain to not hamper the entire day's play with an exciting end on cards at Edgbaston, Birmingham. 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: English fans mock Steve Smith with 'saw you cry on telly' chants in Edgbaston Test - Watch

<p>The fourth day of the opening Ashes Test got underway in a blistering fashion at the Edgbaston. English batter Joe Root, who was facing Pat Cummins, tried to hit an outrageous reverse sweep on the opening ball of the fourth day of the Test. Root did fail to connect the shot properly but the former English skipper was in no mood to stop. Root once again tried to play the same shot in the very next over and this time he succeeded in making a sweet contact. While facing Scott Boland, the England batter played a ramp shot for a six. He slammed another boundary on the next delivery in a similar fashion. Following the completion of the fourth day’s play, Joe Root opened up on his much-talked-about attacking mindset.</p>

<p>What did Joe Root say?</p>

<p>“You're playing a full schedule of international cricket all the time, you don't get blocks to train or a chance to improve. Obviously, I was preparing for T20 cricket while I was out there. I have quite a bit of experience behind me now, I've had success in Test cricket, so I know what it requires to go and get it done, but if there were other things to add it felt like a really good environment to do that,” Joe Root revealed while talking to Sky Sports.</p>

<p>Root’s dismissal</p>

<p>Joe Root, eventually, went back to the dressing room after pulling off a fine knock of 46 off 55 balls. Looking to wallop a six, Root came down the track but he failed to hit Nathan Lyon’s delivery and wicketkeeper Alex Carey made no mistake in executing a simple stumping. Root’s knock comprised five boundaries and one six. Earlier, in the first innings, the 32-year-old had come up a terrific knock of unbeaten 118. It was Root’s first Ashes century since 2015. England were bowled out for 273 in the second innings. Nathan Lyon and skipper Pat Cummins scalped four wickets each in the second innings.</p>

<p>With a target of 281 to chase, Australia lost their three wickets on the penultimate day of the opening Test. The visitors ended the fourth day’s play at 107/3. The Pat Cummins-led side require 174 runs more to clinch 1-0 lead in the Ashes Test series.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Joe Root, while facing Pat Cummins, tried to hit an outrageous reverse sweep on the opening delivery of the fourth day of the first Ashes Test. Root was dismissed for 46 by Nathan Lyon.

The fourth day of the opening Ashes Test got underway in a blistering fashion at the Edgbaston. English batter Joe Root, who was facing Pat Cummins, tried to hit an outrageous reverse sweep on the opening ball of the fourth day of the Test. Root did fail to connect the shot properly but the former English skipper was in no mood to stop. Root once again tried to play the same shot in the very next over and this time he succeeded in making a sweet contact. While facing Scott Boland, the England batter played a ramp shot for a six. He slammed another boundary on the next delivery in a similar fashion. Following the completion of the fourth day’s play, Joe Root opened up on his much-talked-about attacking mindset. What did Joe Root say? “You're playing a full schedule of international cricket all the time, you don't get blocks to train or a chance to improve. Obviously, I was preparing for T20 cricket while I was out there. I have quite a bit of experience behind me now, I've had success in Test cricket, so I know what it requires to go and get it done, but if there were other things to add it felt like a really good environment to do that,” Joe Root revealed while talking to Sky Sports. Root’s dismissal Joe Root, eventually, went back to the dressing room after pulling off a fine knock of 46 off 55 balls. Looking to wallop a six, Root came down the track but he failed to hit Nathan Lyon’s delivery and wicketkeeper Alex Carey made no mistake in executing a simple stumping. Root’s knock comprised five boundaries and one six. Earlier, in the first innings, the 32-year-old had come up a terrific knock of unbeaten 118. It was Root’s first Ashes century since 2015. England were bowled out for 273 in the second innings. Nathan Lyon and skipper Pat Cummins scalped four wickets each in the second innings. With a target of 281 to chase, Australia lost their three wickets on the penultimate day of the opening Test. The visitors ended the fourth day’s play at 107/3. The Pat Cummins-led side require 174 runs more to clinch 1-0 lead in the Ashes Test series.

Ashes 2023: Joe Root’s big statement on his batting style

<p>Australia batter Usman Khawaja came up with a fabulous knock of 141 in the first innings of the opening Ashes Test at the Edgbaston. Khawaja’s brilliant century helped the Aussies in securing a seven-run lead against England. English bowlers worked hard to pick up the wicket of Khawaja and it required a unique field set-up, deployed by Ben Stokes, to dismiss the southpaw. Khawaja was batting on 141 when the English skipper decided to set, what can be called as an umbrella field. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has now opened up on Stokes’ much-talked-about ploy. The World Cup-winning captain revealed that he had never seen such kind of a field placement.</p>

<p>"I don't think I've ever seen a field like that in Test cricket before. There was just an umbrella of fielders around in front of the batsman's face. And it was all about bowling a couple of slower balls and being able to bowl a yorker. And sure enough, Khawaja used his feet, gave himself some room, gave up his stumps, and the yorker knocked his off stump out of the ground. It's fantastic stuff. It's really refreshing for the Test game to see a team play this way and a captain happy to try everything he possibly can," Ricky Ponting was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council (ICC).</p>

<p>Three close-in players were placed on the on-side and as many fielders were put on the other side by England captain Ben Stokes. The unorthodox field placement did the trick as Usman Khawaja tried to breach the attacking set-up but the 36-year-old failed in doing so. Khawaja ended up losing his wicket after failing to read Ollie Robinson’s yorker. Khawaja’s spectacular innings comprised 14 boundaries and three sixes. This was Khawaja’s first Test ton on English soil. Overall, he has so far notched up 15 centuries in red-ball cricket. Stuart Broad and Robinson claimed three wickets each in the first innings.</p>

<p>England, in the second innings, folded for 273 setting up a target of 281 for Australia. Skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon scalped four wickets each in the second innings for the visitors. Australia ended the fourth day’s play at 107/3. Aussies will need 174 more runs to secure 1-0 lead in the Ashes Test series. At Stumps, Usman Khawaja was unbeaten on 34. Scott Boland, on the other hand, is batting on five.</p>


English bowlers worked hard to pick up the wicket of Usman Khawaja and it required a unique field set-up deployed by Ben Stokes to dismiss the southpaw. Ricky Ponting revealed that he had never seen such kind of a field placement.

Australia batter Usman Khawaja came up with a fabulous knock of 141 in the first innings of the opening Ashes Test at the Edgbaston. Khawaja’s brilliant century helped the Aussies in securing a seven-run lead against England. English bowlers worked hard to pick up the wicket of Khawaja and it required a unique field set-up, deployed by Ben Stokes, to dismiss the southpaw. Khawaja was batting on 141 when the English skipper decided to set, what can be called as an umbrella field. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has now opened up on Stokes’ much-talked-about ploy. The World Cup-winning captain revealed that he had never seen such kind of a field placement. "I don't think I've ever seen a field like that in Test cricket before. There was just an umbrella of fielders around in front of the batsman's face. And it was all about bowling a couple of slower balls and being able to bowl a yorker. And sure enough, Khawaja used his feet, gave himself some room, gave up his stumps, and the yorker knocked his off stump out of the ground. It's fantastic stuff. It's really refreshing for the Test game to see a team play this way and a captain happy to try everything he possibly can," Ricky Ponting was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Three close-in players were placed on the on-side and as many fielders were put on the other side by England captain Ben Stokes. The unorthodox field placement did the trick as Usman Khawaja tried to breach the attacking set-up but the 36-year-old failed in doing so. Khawaja ended up losing his wicket after failing to read Ollie Robinson’s yorker. Khawaja’s spectacular innings comprised 14 boundaries and three sixes. This was Khawaja’s first Test ton on English soil. Overall, he has so far notched up 15 centuries in red-ball cricket. Stuart Broad and Robinson claimed three wickets each in the first innings. England, in the second innings, folded for 273 setting up a target of 281 for Australia. Skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon scalped four wickets each in the second innings for the visitors. Australia ended the fourth day’s play at 107/3. Aussies will need 174 more runs to secure 1-0 lead in the Ashes Test series. At Stumps, Usman Khawaja was unbeaten on 34. Scott Boland, on the other hand, is batting on five.

Ricky Ponting impressed with Ben Stokes’ umbrella field in the Ashes

<p>Kevin Pietersen was left disappointed with England’s decision to declare their innings after producing 393 runs on the opening day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. While analysing England’s performance in the first innings, Pieterson anticipated that a 400-plus total would be more comfortable lead against a star-studded batting unit like Australia, putting stress on the psychological factor. Also, the former English batter doubted the Edgbaston track could become more handy for the batters as the game progressed to the second day and beyond. If that happens, a solid lead in the first innings would make things easier for Ben Stokes and Co. “It is a wicket that did get better for batting, and I guess tomorrow might be the most beautiful day. For this reason, I didn't like the declaration,” Pietersen said on Sky Sports, as quoted by Sportskeeda.</p>

<h2><strong>Kevin Pietersen on England's decision</strong></h2>

<p>In a&nbsp;bid to substantiate&nbsp;his thoughts, Kevin Pietersen dug out the reference to England's rescheduled Test against India at Edgbaston last year. India could post a decent 416 in the first innings, which seemed a good total initially. But it didn’t work as the pitch had nothing for the bowlers when England began their chase in the fourth innings. The Three Lions finally prevailed on the occasion, comfortably chasing down 378 runs to pick up a seven-wicket victory.</p>

<p>“We will find out if it was the right decision. For some reason, I was usually instructed to reach 400-450 runs in the opening innings of a Test match. I know they're close, but it's psychological. Maybe I'm being too critical. I'm not sure, let’s see,” Pietersen explained further.</p>

<h2><strong>Ashes 2023: Nasser Hussain thinks otherwise</strong></h2>

<p>Another country legend, Nasser Hussain however showed his faith in England’s decision. Anticipating the reason behind it, the former England captain said that Ben Stokes might consider Stuart Broad’s dominance against Aussie opener David Warner and wanted to get rid of the big man early when the ball remains new on Day 2.</p>

<p>Whenever England and Australia have squared off for a red-ball clash, the duel between Broad and Warner has always been an event to watch. The English pacer has so far dismissed Warner 14 times in Test, conceding 397 runs off 721 balls at an average of 28.4.</p>

<p>England stuck to their aggressive approach batting first in the first Ashes Test. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow shone with the bat for the hosts, scoring 118 and 78 runs. Opener Zak Crawley also pulled off a good start and contributed 61 runs to the scoresheet. At the end of Day 1, Australia were batting at 14 runs with both openers unbeaten at the crease.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Kevin Pietersen was left disappointed with England’s decision to declare their innings after producing 393 runs on the opening day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

Kevin Pietersen was left disappointed with England’s decision to declare their innings after producing 393 runs on the opening day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. While analysing England’s performance in the first innings, Pieterson anticipated that a 400-plus total would be more comfortable lead against a star-studded batting unit like Australia, putting stress on the psychological factor. Also, the former English batter doubted the Edgbaston track could become more handy for the batters as the game progressed to the second day and beyond. If that happens, a solid lead in the first innings would make things easier for Ben Stokes and Co. “It is a wicket that did get better for batting, and I guess tomorrow might be the most beautiful day. For this reason, I didn't like the declaration,” Pietersen said on Sky Sports, as quoted by Sportskeeda. Kevin Pietersen on England's decision In a bid to substantiate his thoughts, Kevin Pietersen dug out the reference to England's rescheduled Test against India at Edgbaston last year. India could post a decent 416 in the first innings, which seemed a good total initially. But it didn’t work as the pitch had nothing for the bowlers when England began their chase in the fourth innings. The Three Lions finally prevailed on the occasion, comfortably chasing down 378 runs to pick up a seven-wicket victory. “We will find out if it was the right decision. For some reason, I was usually instructed to reach 400-450 runs in the opening innings of a Test match. I know they're close, but it's psychological. Maybe I'm being too critical. I'm not sure, let’s see,” Pietersen explained further. Ashes 2023: Nasser Hussain thinks otherwise Another country legend, Nasser Hussain however showed his faith in England’s decision. Anticipating the reason behind it, the former England captain said that Ben Stokes might consider Stuart Broad’s dominance against Aussie opener David Warner and wanted to get rid of the big man early when the ball remains new on Day 2. Whenever England and Australia have squared off for a red-ball clash, the duel between Broad and Warner has always been an event to watch. The English pacer has so far dismissed Warner 14 times in Test, conceding 397 runs off 721 balls at an average of 28.4. England stuck to their aggressive approach batting first in the first Ashes Test. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow shone with the bat for the hosts, scoring 118 and 78 runs. Opener Zak Crawley also pulled off a good start and contributed 61 runs to the scoresheet. At the end of Day 1, Australia were batting at 14 runs with both openers unbeaten at the crease.

Ashes 2023: Kevin Pietersen criticises England’s decision to declare below 400 on Day 1

<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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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<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

<p>The Bazall philosophy continued to enthrall fans in Edgbaston as Joe Root pulled off an aggressive start to England’s batting on the fourth day of the opening Ashes Test. After losing both openers in the first ten overs of their second innings, England were on the back foot when heavy showers forced the end of proceedings on Day 3. The early setback, however, seemingly had very little impact on Root. The English batter began Day 4 with an attempted reverse scoop off Australian pacer Scott Boland. He, however, failed to make contact as the ball found the clasp of England keeper Alex Carrey behind the stumps, going past the edge of Root’s bat. Underlining Root’s stunning approach, England Cricket tweeted, “First ball and Joe Root goes for the ramp shot.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">First ball... And Joe Root goes for the ramp shot 😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EnglandCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EnglandCricket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a></p>
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1670733330583547904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Joe Root might fail in his first attempt but did not refrain from his attacking mindset. He kept on trying the same reverse ramp in the subsequent overs and succeeded in getting some boundaries. From skipper Pat Cummins to in-form Scott Boland, no Aussie bowler was spared from the Englishman’s power-packed batting. Comprising some glimpses of Root’s blistering show, England Cricket dropped a video on Twitter and wrote, “A ramp-bunctious start from Joe Root.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A ramp-bunctious start from Joe Root 🔥<br />
<br />
What is going on!? 😂🤷‍♂️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EnglandCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EnglandCricket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/ieMdbBnRAH">pic.twitter.com/ieMdbBnRAH</a></p>
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1670737678973947904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cricket enthusiasts unquestionably enjoyed Joe Root’s batting in the initial overs as the video garnered significant traction from the social media population. Stunned by England’s aggressive brand of cricket, a fan acknowledged that he did not see such an approach in Test cricket in the last 50 years. “I’m in awe at the audacity and ambition of this side,” the user commented.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’m in awe at the audacity and ambition of this side. I’ve not seen anything that approaches this in 50+ years of watching cricket 👏👏</p>
— Shawls 🏏📚🎬 (@Shawls259) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shawls259/status/1670741547732594691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>An English fan immediately branded Joe Root as the “greatest player of Test cricket,” commenting, “I think at the moment, no one is better than Joe Root seriously.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Greatest player of test🔥i think at the moment current time no one is better than joe root seriously.</p>
— Ash Ketchum (@ImKuljeetSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImKuljeetSingh/status/1670739393076928513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>While heaping praise on Joe Root, a fan predicted that the fifth day of the first Ashes Test would be “more dramatic,” considering the progress of the match. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Day 5 will be dramatic.. well played root .. legend</p>
— Rohan Patankar (@Galileo_rohan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Galileo_rohan/status/1670744966363217920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>After watching Joe Root’s out-of-the-box batting, an Indian cricket fan hardly took any time to dig out the reference to Rishabh Pant as the Indian wicketkeeper-batter is also known for playing red-ball cricket with much aggression.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have seen this before,<a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> ...our champion 🏆🏆🏆</p>
— Dr CP Singh (@DrCPSin09847853) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrCPSin09847853/status/1670749796318220288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Joe Root had already struck as many as five boundaries and one maximum when Nathan Lyon finally came to Australia’s rescue. Picking up a delivery on his off-stump, Root tried to smash it over the long-on. But the ball suddenly turned inside, leaving Alex Carry with a comfortable opportunity to complete the stumping. Joot headed to the hut for 46 runs, for which he took just 55 balls.</p>

<p>Joe Root was the pick of the batters for England during their first innings. After the top order surrendered early in front of Australia’s lethal bowling, Root showed nerves of steel, while also dishing out occasional boundaries. He remained unbeaten at 118 runs, a knock which was decorated with 7 fours and 4 sixes.</p>


The Bazall philosophy continued to enthrall fans in Edgbaston as Joe Root pulled off an aggressive start to England’s batting on the fourth day of the opening Ashes Test.

The Bazall philosophy continued to enthrall fans in Edgbaston as Joe Root pulled off an aggressive start to England’s batting on the fourth day of the opening Ashes Test. After losing both openers in the first ten overs of their second innings, England were on the back foot when heavy showers forced the end of proceedings on Day 3. The early setback, however, seemingly had very little impact on Root. The English batter began Day 4 with an attempted reverse scoop off Australian pacer Scott Boland. He, however, failed to make contact as the ball found the clasp of England keeper Alex Carrey behind the stumps, going past the edge of Root’s bat. Underlining Root’s stunning approach, England Cricket tweeted, “First ball and Joe Root goes for the ramp shot.” First ball... And Joe Root goes for the ramp shot 😂#EnglandCricket | #Ashes — England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 19, 2023 × Joe Root might fail in his first attempt but did not refrain from his attacking mindset. He kept on trying the same reverse ramp in the subsequent overs and succeeded in getting some boundaries. From skipper Pat Cummins to in-form Scott Boland, no Aussie bowler was spared from the Englishman’s power-packed batting. Comprising some glimpses of Root’s blistering show, England Cricket dropped a video on Twitter and wrote, “A ramp-bunctious start from Joe Root.” A ramp-bunctious start from Joe Root 🔥 What is going on!? 😂🤷‍♂️ #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/ieMdbBnRAH — England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 19, 2023 × Cricket enthusiasts unquestionably enjoyed Joe Root’s batting in the initial overs as the video garnered significant traction from the social media population. Stunned by England’s aggressive brand of cricket, a fan acknowledged that he did not see such an approach in Test cricket in the last 50 years. “I’m in awe at the audacity and ambition of this side,” the user commented. I’m in awe at the audacity and ambition of this side. I’ve not seen anything that approaches this in 50+ years of watching cricket 👏👏 — Shawls 🏏📚🎬 (@Shawls259) June 19, 2023 × An English fan immediately branded Joe Root as the “greatest player of Test cricket,” commenting, “I think at the moment, no one is better than Joe Root seriously.” Greatest player of test🔥i think at the moment current time no one is better than joe root seriously. — Ash Ketchum (@ImKuljeetSingh) June 19, 2023 × While heaping praise on Joe Root, a fan predicted that the fifth day of the first Ashes Test would be “more dramatic,” considering the progress of the match. Day 5 will be dramatic.. well played root .. legend — Rohan Patankar (@Galileo_rohan) June 19, 2023 × After watching Joe Root’s out-of-the-box batting, an Indian cricket fan hardly took any time to dig out the reference to Rishabh Pant as the Indian wicketkeeper-batter is also known for playing red-ball cricket with much aggression. I have seen this before,@RishabhPant17 ...our champion 🏆🏆🏆 — Dr CP Singh (@DrCPSin09847853) June 19, 2023 × Joe Root had already struck as many as five boundaries and one maximum when Nathan Lyon finally came to Australia’s rescue. Picking up a delivery on his off-stump, Root tried to smash it over the long-on. But the ball suddenly turned inside, leaving Alex Carry with a comfortable opportunity to complete the stumping. Joot headed to the hut for 46 runs, for which he took just 55 balls. Joe Root was the pick of the batters for England during their first innings. After the top order surrendered early in front of Australia’s lethal bowling, Root showed nerves of steel, while also dishing out occasional boundaries. He remained unbeaten at 118 runs, a knock which was decorated with 7 fours and 4 sixes.

Ashes 2023: Joe Root goes for a ‘ramp shot’ on opening delivery of Day 4; fans in ‘awe’

<p>England fast bowler Stuart Broad has called the Edgbaston pitch 'characterless and soulless.' The comments were made by Broad to broadcasters after the end of the second day's play in the ongoing first Ashes Test. Notably, the veteran fast bowler, earlier on day 2, took two wickets in two balls.</p>

<p>"Hopefully it's not a trend for the whole series," Broad told the broadcasters after the stumps on day 2. The Edgbaston pitch is juxtaposed to England skipper Ben Stokes' demand for 'fast and flat tracks.' Stokes had made the request ahead of the start of the English summer season.</p>

<p>Broad, meanwhile, didn't hold back at all and went on to call the pitch 'slowest he can remember bowling on in England.'</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-james-andersons-bowls-magical-ball-to-dismiss-alex-carey-for-1100th-first-class-wicket-watch-605786">James Anderson bowls MAGICAL ball to dismiss Alex Carey for 1100th First Class wicket | WATCH</a></p>

<p>"How can I be polite? It's a very slow, low surface that saps the energy out of the ball, would be the nice way to put it," Broad said. "It's been pretty characterless so far - a bit soulless. But ultimately you can only judge it towards the end of a Test match and see how it develops.</p>

<p>"It's certainly one of the slowest pitches I can remember bowling on in England. I think there was a stat that, for the Aussies in the first 10 overs, it moved the least-ever recorded. It has certainly been hard work for the seamers.</p>

<p>"Ultimately, we're looking to entertain and have fun and get the crowd jumping, and it's quite a difficult pitch to get plays-and-misses on and nicks to slip and stuff… these sorts of pitches are your worst nightmare when Steve Smith walks to the crease, to be honest," added the fast bowler.</p>

<p>As for the match, England came back strongly on day 3 to dismiss Australia for&nbsp;386 in their first innings and took a seven-run lead by lunch on day 3. Usman Khawaja scored a sublime 141 for Aussies and Broad and Ollie Robinson took three wickets each for England.</p>

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England fast bowler Stuart Broad has called the Edgbaston pitch 'characterless and soulless.' The comments were made by Broad to broadcasters after the end of the second day's play in the ongoing first Ashes Test.

England fast bowler Stuart Broad has called the Edgbaston pitch 'characterless and soulless.' The comments were made by Broad to broadcasters after the end of the second day's play in the ongoing first Ashes Test. Notably, the veteran fast bowler, earlier on day 2, took two wickets in two balls. "Hopefully it's not a trend for the whole series," Broad told the broadcasters after the stumps on day 2. The Edgbaston pitch is juxtaposed to England skipper Ben Stokes' demand for 'fast and flat tracks.' Stokes had made the request ahead of the start of the English summer season. Broad, meanwhile, didn't hold back at all and went on to call the pitch 'slowest he can remember bowling on in England.' Also Read: James Anderson bowls MAGICAL ball to dismiss Alex Carey for 1100th First Class wicket | WATCH "How can I be polite? It's a very slow, low surface that saps the energy out of the ball, would be the nice way to put it," Broad said. "It's been pretty characterless so far - a bit soulless. But ultimately you can only judge it towards the end of a Test match and see how it develops. "It's certainly one of the slowest pitches I can remember bowling on in England. I think there was a stat that, for the Aussies in the first 10 overs, it moved the least-ever recorded. It has certainly been hard work for the seamers. "Ultimately, we're looking to entertain and have fun and get the crowd jumping, and it's quite a difficult pitch to get plays-and-misses on and nicks to slip and stuff… these sorts of pitches are your worst nightmare when Steve Smith walks to the crease, to be honest," added the fast bowler. As for the match, England came back strongly on day 3 to dismiss Australia for 386 in their first innings and took a seven-run lead by lunch on day 3. Usman Khawaja scored a sublime 141 for Aussies and Broad and Ollie Robinson took three wickets each for England. 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: England's Stuart Broad calls Edgbaston pitch 'characterless and soulless'

<p>After seven days of uninterrupted play in the UK in the previous two games – including the WTC Final and now the ongoing first Ashes Test in Edgbaston, the rain finally made its presence felt. Day three between England and Australia ended with the hosts reeling at 28 for two in the second innings, leading by 35 runs.</p>

<p>In Australia’s first innings, the touring side got all out on 386 as Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson picked three wickets each.</p>

<p>Day three started with centurion Usman Khawaja and keeper-batter Alex Carey continuing from where they left the other day and even completed a 100-plus stand for the sixth wicket.</p>

<p>Veteran seamer James Anderson broke the partnership, dismissing Carey clean bowled on 66 off 99 balls. With this, Anderson also picked up his record 1100th first-class wicket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-zimbabwe-earn-crucial-win-over-minnows-in-world-cup-qualifiers-605828">West Indies, Zimbabwe earn crucial win over minnows in World Cup Qualifiers</a></p>

<p>When it looked like captain Pat Cummins and Khawaja might help Australia take any lead, some clever and tactical captaincy from Ben Stokes resulted in Khawaja’s wicket. Looking strong and set on 141, Khawaja was surrounded by close-in fielders on both sides.</p>

<p>The trick seemed to work as Robinson got the big fish bowled off a Yorker. There was a sense of jubilation on the ground as England knew by picking Australia’s last-recognised batter, the hosts can wrap them under 393.</p>

<p>With English bowlers continuing to follow the plan, they got rid of the tail, including picking Pat on a well-made 33. Broad, who before the start of the third day’s play called this Edgbaston pitch ‘lifeless’ ended with figures of three for 68, while Robinson finished with three for 55.</p>

<p>England had the psychological advantage over the mighty Aussies with a seven-run lead and tried capitalising on it in their second innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley looked set from the ball one and were on course of displaying the Bazball brand of cricket that everyone had come to watch for. Their plans, however, were cut short by the passing rain.</p>

<p>Since it broke the momentum, Australia, upon resuming, picked two wickets, with Scott Boland and Cummins removing both openers in two overs.</p>

<p>While Cameron Green lived up to his hype of being an excellent slip-cordon fielder, Boland’s experience counted during Crawley’s dismissal.</p>

<p>England, at that time, was reduced to 28 for two when the rain came down harder, and eventually the day got called off.</p>

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After seven days of uninterrupted play in the UK in the previous two games – including the WTC Final and now the ongoing first Ashes Test in Edgbaston, the rain finally made its presence felt.

After seven days of uninterrupted play in the UK in the previous two games – including the WTC Final and now the ongoing first Ashes Test in Edgbaston, the rain finally made its presence felt. Day three between England and Australia ended with the hosts reeling at 28 for two in the second innings, leading by 35 runs. In Australia’s first innings, the touring side got all out on 386 as Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson picked three wickets each. Day three started with centurion Usman Khawaja and keeper-batter Alex Carey continuing from where they left the other day and even completed a 100-plus stand for the sixth wicket. Veteran seamer James Anderson broke the partnership, dismissing Carey clean bowled on 66 off 99 balls. With this, Anderson also picked up his record 1100th first-class wicket. ALSO READ: West Indies, Zimbabwe earn crucial win over minnows in World Cup Qualifiers When it looked like captain Pat Cummins and Khawaja might help Australia take any lead, some clever and tactical captaincy from Ben Stokes resulted in Khawaja’s wicket. Looking strong and set on 141, Khawaja was surrounded by close-in fielders on both sides. The trick seemed to work as Robinson got the big fish bowled off a Yorker. There was a sense of jubilation on the ground as England knew by picking Australia’s last-recognised batter, the hosts can wrap them under 393. With English bowlers continuing to follow the plan, they got rid of the tail, including picking Pat on a well-made 33. Broad, who before the start of the third day’s play called this Edgbaston pitch ‘lifeless’ ended with figures of three for 68, while Robinson finished with three for 55. England had the psychological advantage over the mighty Aussies with a seven-run lead and tried capitalising on it in their second innings. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley looked set from the ball one and were on course of displaying the Bazball brand of cricket that everyone had come to watch for. Their plans, however, were cut short by the passing rain. Since it broke the momentum, Australia, upon resuming, picked two wickets, with Scott Boland and Cummins removing both openers in two overs. While Cameron Green lived up to his hype of being an excellent slip-cordon fielder, Boland’s experience counted during Crawley’s dismissal. England, at that time, was reduced to 28 for two when the rain came down harder, and eventually the day got called off. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes, 1st Test, Day 3: Australia crawl back into the game before rain halts play

<p>The first Test of Ashes 2023 is living upto expectations. After Ben Stokes-led England opted to bat first on the opening day, on Friday (June 16), they rode on Joe Root's unbeaten 118 to declare at 393 for 8. In reply, Australia posted 386 all-out courtesy of Usman Khawaja's sublime 141 and fifties from Travis Head and Alex Carey.</p>

<p>Day 3 of the opening Test was a rain-marred affair as England went to stumps at 28 for 2, with an overall lead of 35 runs as the match remains in the balance. After the third day's play, Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara feels Stokes &amp; Co. will definitely tease Australia with 'something appealing to chase' in the first Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham.</p>

<p>Speaking on Sky Sports, the cricketer-turned-commentator Sangakkara said, "I think Australia are on top at the moment. The rain helped them yesterday, it got quite murky and the ball started swinging. At two wickets down, England have some decisions to make."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/they-have-no-vision-nor-cricketing-sense-1983-world-cup-winner-lashes-out-at-bcci-past-selectors-606104">1983 World Cup winner lashes out at BCCI, past selectors for not finding Rohit Sharma's successor</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'England will back themselves to score quickly'</strong></h2>

<p>The former Sri Lankan captain further added, "They (England)&nbsp;will back themselves to score quickly which will create chances for Australia. If England are chasing a win, they will have to declare at some stage. I think they will tease Australia with something appealing to chase."</p>

<p>Talking about the fourth day, England went to lunch at 155 for 5 with the lead standing at 162 runs with captain Stokes and wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow in the middle on Monday (June 19). The two will take some time post the lunch break and resort to their attacking style of play, i.e. known as England's newly-invented&nbsp;Bazball approach, to give a challenging target to Pat Cummins &amp; Co.</p>

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The first Test of Ashes 2023 is living upto expectations. After Ben Stokes-led England opted to bat first on the opening day, on Friday (June 16), they rode on Joe Root's unbeaten 118 to declare at 393 for 8.

The first Test of Ashes 2023 is living upto expectations. After Ben Stokes-led England opted to bat first on the opening day, on Friday (June 16), they rode on Joe Root's unbeaten 118 to declare at 393 for 8. In reply, Australia posted 386 all-out courtesy of Usman Khawaja's sublime 141 and fifties from Travis Head and Alex Carey. Day 3 of the opening Test was a rain-marred affair as England went to stumps at 28 for 2, with an overall lead of 35 runs as the match remains in the balance. After the third day's play, Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara feels Stokes & Co. will definitely tease Australia with 'something appealing to chase' in the first Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Speaking on Sky Sports, the cricketer-turned-commentator Sangakkara said, "I think Australia are on top at the moment. The rain helped them yesterday, it got quite murky and the ball started swinging. At two wickets down, England have some decisions to make." Also Read: 1983 World Cup winner lashes out at BCCI, past selectors for not finding Rohit Sharma's successor 'England will back themselves to score quickly' The former Sri Lankan captain further added, "They (England) will back themselves to score quickly which will create chances for Australia. If England are chasing a win, they will have to declare at some stage. I think they will tease Australia with something appealing to chase." Talking about the fourth day, England went to lunch at 155 for 5 with the lead standing at 162 runs with captain Stokes and wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow in the middle on Monday (June 19). The two will take some time post the lunch break and resort to their attacking style of play, i.e. known as England's newly-invented Bazball approach, to give a challenging target to Pat Cummins & Co. 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, 1st Test: England will tease Australia with something appealing to chase, says Kumar Sangakkara

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuiduPLAkMeOB8oY" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Returning England all-rounder Moeen Ali has been fined 25% of his match fees and also handed one demerit point for applying a spray on his bowling hand without notifying the on-field umpires during day two of the ongoing first Ashes Test in Edgbaston. The cricket's governing body ICC - in its statement stated Ali admitted the offence and accepted the sanctions levelled by match referee Andy Pycroft.</p>

<p>"In reaching his decision to sanction the player, the match referee was satisfied that Ali had used the spray only to dry his hands," the ICC said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although ICC confirmed Moeen applying a ‘drying agent’ on his hand had nothing to do with ball tampering in any way, which would have been another breach of an ICC clause.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-1st-test-day-2-usman-khawajas-maiden-hundred-in-england-powers-australia-to-3115-605628">Ashes, 1st Test, Day 2: Usman Khawaja's maiden hundred in England powers Australia to 311/5</a></p>

<p>"The spray was not used as an artificial substance on the ball, and consequently, it had not changed the condition of the ball, which would have been in breach of clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions - Unfair Play - The Match Ball - Changing its Condition."</p>

<p>The Ashes winner with England in 2015, Moeen came out of Test retirement on request of captain Ben Stokes and the team management after regular spinner Jack Leach got ruled out of the iconic Ashes 2023 at the last minute.</p>

<p>Upon announcing his return and confirming his availability for selection, Moeen got picked straightaway and made little contributions in the first innings. Though with the bat in hand, he tried applying the Bazball approach to his game, Moeen returned with two wickets on day two, picking dangerous Travis Head and Cameron Green off a Jaffa.</p>

<p>Moeen, who last played a Test match in 2021, didn’t even appear in any red-ball cricket since, and it’s fair to say, he looked a bit rusty bowling his usual off-spin on this unusual low-bounce surface in Edgbaston.</p>

<p>Celebrating his birthday on Sunday, Moeen, who recently won his second IPL title with Chennai Super Kings, will look to get to his best in this ongoing Test.</p>

<h2>It’s Even-Stevens in Birmingham</h2>

<p>After England declared on 393 for eight before stumps on day one, it surprised and shocked many pundits and fans across the world. Given the game situation, England should have pounced on this opportunity, but Usman Khawaja’s maiden Test hundred on English soil denied them.</p>

<p>As things stand, on day three, Australia has almost closed the gap and looks to put England’s Bazball approach by playing their style of cricket.</p>

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Returning England all-rounder Moeen Ali has been fined 25% of his match fees and also handed one demerit point for applying a spray on his bowling hand without notifying the on-field umpires during day two of the ongoing first Ashes Test in Edgbaston.

Returning England all-rounder Moeen Ali has been fined 25% of his match fees and also handed one demerit point for applying a spray on his bowling hand without notifying the on-field umpires during day two of the ongoing first Ashes Test in Edgbaston. The cricket's governing body ICC - in its statement stated Ali admitted the offence and accepted the sanctions levelled by match referee Andy Pycroft. "In reaching his decision to sanction the player, the match referee was satisfied that Ali had used the spray only to dry his hands," the ICC said. Although ICC confirmed Moeen applying a ‘drying agent’ on his hand had nothing to do with ball tampering in any way, which would have been another breach of an ICC clause. ALSO READ: Ashes, 1st Test, Day 2: Usman Khawaja's maiden hundred in England powers Australia to 311/5 "The spray was not used as an artificial substance on the ball, and consequently, it had not changed the condition of the ball, which would have been in breach of clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions - Unfair Play - The Match Ball - Changing its Condition." The Ashes winner with England in 2015, Moeen came out of Test retirement on request of captain Ben Stokes and the team management after regular spinner Jack Leach got ruled out of the iconic Ashes 2023 at the last minute. Upon announcing his return and confirming his availability for selection, Moeen got picked straightaway and made little contributions in the first innings. Though with the bat in hand, he tried applying the Bazball approach to his game, Moeen returned with two wickets on day two, picking dangerous Travis Head and Cameron Green off a Jaffa. Moeen, who last played a Test match in 2021, didn’t even appear in any red-ball cricket since, and it’s fair to say, he looked a bit rusty bowling his usual off-spin on this unusual low-bounce surface in Edgbaston. Celebrating his birthday on Sunday, Moeen, who recently won his second IPL title with Chennai Super Kings, will look to get to his best in this ongoing Test. It’s Even-Stevens in Birmingham After England declared on 393 for eight before stumps on day one, it surprised and shocked many pundits and fans across the world. Given the game situation, England should have pounced on this opportunity, but Usman Khawaja’s maiden Test hundred on English soil denied them. As things stand, on day three, Australia has almost closed the gap and looks to put England’s Bazball approach by playing their style of cricket. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes: Returning Moeen Ali fined 25% match fee, handed one demerit point for applying ‘spray’ on bowling hand

<p>Usman Khawaja’s maiden hundred in England powered Australia to 311 for five at stumps on day two of the first Ashes Test in Edgbaston. Fifties from man-in-form Travis Head and Alex Carey and handy contribution from Cameron Green saw Australia dominate the second day after England’s Bazball approach made headlines earlier.</p>

<p>With Australia starting day two on 14 for no loss, England took no time in bringing James Anderson - who is playing his tenth Ashes series, into the attack and share the new Dukes Ball with Stuart Broad. Broad, for the record 15th time in his career dismissed David Warner, bowled on nine. He picked up world number batter Marnus Labuschagne on the next delivery, sending shivers down the Aussie dressing room.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishan-kishan-among-other-contracted-players-head-to-nca-for-strength-conditioning-ahead-of-west-indies-tour-605602">Ishan Kishan among other contracted players head to NCA for strength &amp; conditioning ahead of West Indies tour</a></p>

<p>Australia’s best batter in the previous World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith took charge and bailed the team out of trouble. While Smith looked unfazed by Ben Stokes’ unusual tactics – including bringing Harry Brook inside the 15th over, the English captain got the big fish on 16, trapping him in front just ahead of lunch.</p>

<p>Fresh from his maiden WTC Final hundred against India, Head continued from where he left by taking the attack to the opposition. Soon he reached his fifty as Khawaja also looked set in the middle. Moeen Ali, returning to the Test setup after a gap of two wickets, picked Head getting him&nbsp;caught in the mid-wicket area. Two balls later, he outfoxed Cameron Green, only for Jonny Bairstow to miss a clear stumping chance.</p>

<p>Just when Green and Khawaja looked like drifting the game away from England, Ali broke the stand with a ‘Jaffa’, dismissing Green clean bowled on 38.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">"LOL"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EnglandCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EnglandCricket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/hNHY3Owd0s">pic.twitter.com/hNHY3Owd0s</a></p>
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1670094150929379328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The rest of day did belong to the left-handed pair of Khawaja, who completed his maiden hundred on the English soil, and Alex Carey, who didn’t give any easy chances to England.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Much like how a few no balls cost Pat Cummins a couple of wickets against India at the Oval, one this time cost England as Broad was denied his third scalp of the day when umpires gave a no-ball after he clean bowled Khawaja. Soon after, Carey also completed his maiden fifty against England in England.</p>

<p>The pair added 91 runs as Australia’s scorecard read 311 for five at stumps on day two.</p>

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Usman Khawaja’s maiden hundred in England powered Australia to 311 for five at stumps on day two of the first Ashes Test in Edgbaston. Fifties from man-in-form Travis Head and Alex Carey and handy contribution from Cameron Green saw Australia dominate the second day after England’s Bazball approach made headlines earlier.

Usman Khawaja’s maiden hundred in England powered Australia to 311 for five at stumps on day two of the first Ashes Test in Edgbaston. Fifties from man-in-form Travis Head and Alex Carey and handy contribution from Cameron Green saw Australia dominate the second day after England’s Bazball approach made headlines earlier. With Australia starting day two on 14 for no loss, England took no time in bringing James Anderson - who is playing his tenth Ashes series, into the attack and share the new Dukes Ball with Stuart Broad. Broad, for the record 15th time in his career dismissed David Warner, bowled on nine. He picked up world number batter Marnus Labuschagne on the next delivery, sending shivers down the Aussie dressing room. ALSO READ: Ishan Kishan among other contracted players head to NCA for strength & conditioning ahead of West Indies tour Australia’s best batter in the previous World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith took charge and bailed the team out of trouble. While Smith looked unfazed by Ben Stokes’ unusual tactics – including bringing Harry Brook inside the 15th over, the English captain got the big fish on 16, trapping him in front just ahead of lunch. Fresh from his maiden WTC Final hundred against India, Head continued from where he left by taking the attack to the opposition. Soon he reached his fifty as Khawaja also looked set in the middle. Moeen Ali, returning to the Test setup after a gap of two wickets, picked Head getting him caught in the mid-wicket area. Two balls later, he outfoxed Cameron Green, only for Jonny Bairstow to miss a clear stumping chance. Just when Green and Khawaja looked like drifting the game away from England, Ali broke the stand with a ‘Jaffa’, dismissing Green clean bowled on 38. "LOL"#EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/hNHY3Owd0s — England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 17, 2023 × The rest of day did belong to the left-handed pair of Khawaja, who completed his maiden hundred on the English soil, and Alex Carey, who didn’t give any easy chances to England. Much like how a few no balls cost Pat Cummins a couple of wickets against India at the Oval, one this time cost England as Broad was denied his third scalp of the day when umpires gave a no-ball after he clean bowled Khawaja. Soon after, Carey also completed his maiden fifty against England in England. The pair added 91 runs as Australia’s scorecard read 311 for five at stumps on day two. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes, 1st Test, Day 2: Usman Khawaja's maiden hundred in England powers Australia to 311/5

<p>The Edgbaston pitch was the central point of discussions after more than 400 runs were scored on the opening day of the first match of the Ashes. England declared their innings after putting up a total of 393 on Friday. England’s total also turned out to be the second-highest by any team on day one of an Ashes match since the World War II. The proceedings of day one’s play prompted fans to question the nature of the pitch. Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer also took a cheeky dig at the Edgbaston pitch. Questioning the nature of the pitch, the ex-India batter shared an edited picture of the ground along with a photo of the highway. “Closer look at the Edgbaston pitch Ashes 2023,” Jaffer tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Closer look at the Edgbaston pitch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes23</a> <a href="https://t.co/0gNSMWdPim">pic.twitter.com/0gNSMWdPim</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1669710286671204352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>&nbsp;How Fans Are Reacting To The Picture</strong></h2>

<p>The picture went viral soon and cricket fans did not waste much time in reacting to the cheeky post.</p>

<p>“I hope Michael Vaughan will not complain about this pitch. Or ICC will not rate for the flat road,” wrote one Twitter user.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I hope <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MichaelVaughan</a> will not complain about this pitch? Or <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> will not rate for the flat road😅😛</p>
— Vipesh Patel (@VipeshPatel27) <a href="https://twitter.com/VipeshPatel27/status/1669712968987164673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recalling Team India’s World Test Championship (WTC) final loss, this person inquired, “Why did they make a green one for us?”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Why did they make a green one for us ?</p>
— Harpreet Singh (@Harpreetlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/Harpreetlaw/status/1669724952533291009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another social media user felt that the pitch at Edgbaston is ‘batting paradise.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Batting paradise</p>
— Mohali to Melbourne 82* (@MelbourneNT82) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelbourneNT82/status/1669712084018536450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about England cricket team’s attacking style of playing, another person replied, “Absolute road, didn’t even swing 1 ball. This is how Bazball works.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Absolute road, didn’t even swing 1 ball. This is how bazball works.</p>
— Sudip Maji (@cool_msudip) <a href="https://twitter.com/cool_msudip/status/1669773971708076033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another Twitter user sarcastically commented, “They want Bazball and these pitches are ok, we want spin but our pitches are not ok.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They want bazzball and these pitch are ok, we want spin but our pitches are not ok.</p>
— Jyotiraditya Pradhan (@Jyotira74697632) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jyotira74697632/status/1669729183491301376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Ashes 2023 1st Test: Current Scene&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Winning the toss, English skipper Ben Stokes decided to bat first. Joe Root showcased a tremendous batting to bring up his 30th Test century yesterday. With this, the former England captain succeeded in ending his eight-year wait for an Ashes ton. England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow pulled off a crucial knock of 78 in as many deliveries. Root remained unbeaten on 115 when England declared their first innings at 393/8. At Stumps, Australia were at 14/0. The hosts will be eager to win the Ashes series for the first time since 2015. In the last Ashes, the Aussies had hammered England 4-0.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Edgbaston pitch was the central point of discussions after more than 400 runs were scored on the opening day of the first match of the Ashes. England declared their innings after putting up a total of 393 on Friday.

The Edgbaston pitch was the central point of discussions after more than 400 runs were scored on the opening day of the first match of the Ashes. England declared their innings after putting up a total of 393 on Friday. England’s total also turned out to be the second-highest by any team on day one of an Ashes match since the World War II. The proceedings of day one’s play prompted fans to question the nature of the pitch. Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer also took a cheeky dig at the Edgbaston pitch. Questioning the nature of the pitch, the ex-India batter shared an edited picture of the ground along with a photo of the highway. “Closer look at the Edgbaston pitch Ashes 2023,” Jaffer tweeted. Closer look at the Edgbaston pitch #Ashes23 pic.twitter.com/0gNSMWdPim — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 16, 2023 × How Fans Are Reacting To The Picture The picture went viral soon and cricket fans did not waste much time in reacting to the cheeky post. “I hope Michael Vaughan will not complain about this pitch. Or ICC will not rate for the flat road,” wrote one Twitter user. I hope @MichaelVaughan will not complain about this pitch? Or @ICC will not rate for the flat road😅😛 — Vipesh Patel (@VipeshPatel27) June 16, 2023 × Recalling Team India’s World Test Championship (WTC) final loss, this person inquired, “Why did they make a green one for us?” Why did they make a green one for us ? — Harpreet Singh (@Harpreetlaw) June 16, 2023 × Another social media user felt that the pitch at Edgbaston is ‘batting paradise.” Batting paradise — Mohali to Melbourne 82* (@MelbourneNT82) June 16, 2023 × Talking about England cricket team’s attacking style of playing, another person replied, “Absolute road, didn’t even swing 1 ball. This is how Bazball works.” Absolute road, didn’t even swing 1 ball. This is how bazball works. — Sudip Maji (@cool_msudip) June 16, 2023 × Another Twitter user sarcastically commented, “They want Bazball and these pitches are ok, we want spin but our pitches are not ok.” They want bazzball and these pitch are ok, we want spin but our pitches are not ok. — Jyotiraditya Pradhan (@Jyotira74697632) June 16, 2023 × Ashes 2023 1st Test: Current Scene Winning the toss, English skipper Ben Stokes decided to bat first. Joe Root showcased a tremendous batting to bring up his 30th Test century yesterday. With this, the former England captain succeeded in ending his eight-year wait for an Ashes ton. England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow pulled off a crucial knock of 78 in as many deliveries. Root remained unbeaten on 115 when England declared their first innings at 393/8. At Stumps, Australia were at 14/0. The hosts will be eager to win the Ashes series for the first time since 2015. In the last Ashes, the Aussies had hammered England 4-0.

Ashes 2023: Wasim Jaffer takes a dig at the Edgbaston pitch

<p>England's men's and women's players will wear black armbands on Day One of their Test match&nbsp;against Australia this month as a tribute to victims of a stabbing and van attack in the English city of Nottingham, the country's cricket board (ECB) said on Thursday.</p>

<p>A minute's silence will be observed before the men's opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Friday, as well as the women's one-off test against Australia in Nottingham from June 22-26.</p>

<p>"The deeply distressing scenes witnessed in Nottingham this week have brought immense sorrow to everyone, particularly the cherished friends and families of the victims," England men's test captain Ben Stokes said. "It is impossible to express how much their lives and futures have been tragically disrupted."</p>

<p>"These events sadden the England cricket teams, and we are thinking about those affected at this harrowing time. As a gesture of respect, we will honour them by wearing black armbands."</p>

<p>Three people died and another was left in a critical condition after the attack. One of the teenage victims, Grace Kumar, had played hockey for England's Under-18 team and cricket for Woodford Wells Cricket Club and her fellow student Barnaby Webber was said to be a keen cricketer.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-1st-test-england-vs-australia-preview-and-result-prediction-604796">Ashes 2023, 1st Test, England vs Australia - Preview and Result Prediction</a></p>

<p>"It was incredibly saddening to learn about the events that took place in Nottingham, and it felt a bit closer to home to learn that two of the victims had been cricket players," England women's captain Heather Knight said.</p>

<h2><strong>Ashes begins Friday</strong></h2>

<p>England and Australia gear up for the iconic Ashes, with the hosts waiting to stamp authority on their Aussie counterparts. With England already announcing their XI ahead of the first day's play, it reflects their confidence in Bazball - an attacking brand of cricket that had put the cricketing world on notice.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia is undecided on whom to pick between Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood for that one spot. While Hazlewood was rested for the recently-contested WTC Final against India on precautionary grounds and remains the frontrunner to return to XI on experience, Boland's latest run of form will make it incredibly hard for captain Cummins to drop him.</p>

<p><strong>Here is England's confirmed Playing XI for the first Ashes Test -</strong></p>

<p>Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson</p>

<p><strong>Here is Australia's Predicted XI for the first Ashes Test -</strong></p>

<p>David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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England's men's and women's players will wear black armbands on Day One of their Test match against Australia this month as a tribute to victims of a stabbing and van attack in the English city of Nottingham, the country's cricket board (ECB) said on Thursday.

England's men's and women's players will wear black armbands on Day One of their Test match against Australia this month as a tribute to victims of a stabbing and van attack in the English city of Nottingham, the country's cricket board (ECB) said on Thursday. A minute's silence will be observed before the men's opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Friday, as well as the women's one-off test against Australia in Nottingham from June 22-26. "The deeply distressing scenes witnessed in Nottingham this week have brought immense sorrow to everyone, particularly the cherished friends and families of the victims," England men's test captain Ben Stokes said. "It is impossible to express how much their lives and futures have been tragically disrupted." "These events sadden the England cricket teams, and we are thinking about those affected at this harrowing time. As a gesture of respect, we will honour them by wearing black armbands." Three people died and another was left in a critical condition after the attack. One of the teenage victims, Grace Kumar, had played hockey for England's Under-18 team and cricket for Woodford Wells Cricket Club and her fellow student Barnaby Webber was said to be a keen cricketer. ALSO READ: Ashes 2023, 1st Test, England vs Australia - Preview and Result Prediction "It was incredibly saddening to learn about the events that took place in Nottingham, and it felt a bit closer to home to learn that two of the victims had been cricket players," England women's captain Heather Knight said. Ashes begins Friday England and Australia gear up for the iconic Ashes, with the hosts waiting to stamp authority on their Aussie counterparts. With England already announcing their XI ahead of the first day's play, it reflects their confidence in Bazball - an attacking brand of cricket that had put the cricketing world on notice. Meanwhile, Australia is undecided on whom to pick between Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood for that one spot. While Hazlewood was rested for the recently-contested WTC Final against India on precautionary grounds and remains the frontrunner to return to XI on experience, Boland's latest run of form will make it incredibly hard for captain Cummins to drop him. Here is England's confirmed Playing XI for the first Ashes Test - Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson Here is Australia's Predicted XI for the first Ashes Test - David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes 2023: Players to wear black armbands, observe silence in honour of Nottingham attack victims

<p>Modern-day best Test batter Steve Smith says that for the English and Australian players winning the Ashes is above everything else. As the Ashes 2023 gets underway in Edgbaston on Friday, Smith talked about the 140-year-plus-old history of this iconic rivalry and its importance for both teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the start of the first Test, Australia beat India by 209 runs to win their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the Oval. Smith, who became the second Aussie batter after Travis Head to complete a hundred in the WTC Final, said he enjoyed lifting the Test mace, but to him, winning as Ashes would still top everything.</p>

<p>Smith's maiden WTC Final hundred, his 31st overall in Tests, helped Australia put a mammoth 469 in the first innings against India. After the Aussies wrapped up India's first innings on 296, they piled up 270 for eight (declared) and gave India a daunting target of 444. Following a cautious start, the Indian batters failed to stick as they got all out on 234, thus going down by 209 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-bazball-to-keep-draw-out-of-equation-says-nasser-hussain-605127">Ashes 2023: 'Bazball' to keep draw out of equation, says Nasser Hussain</a></p>

<p>“We had a great last week winning the Test championship. It was two years of hard work that went into it. It was a really proud moment for all the boys, but yeah, the Ashes, for Australia and England cricketers, is the pinnacle. We work for it throughout our life, so it's going to be exciting,” Smith said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, England's track record under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been excellent, with them winning 11 of the last 13 matches. Australia, which holds a better head-to-head record (34-32), are up for the challenge, and Smith feels the upcoming series will be an exciting contest.</p>

<p>“Just the history of it. Australia and England, it's the biggest series. It's the one you want to do really well in, and hope your team has success. The way England have been in playing, the way we have been playing, it's going to be exciting series. The boys can't wait to get into it,” added former Australia skipper Smith.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here is the Ashes schedule -</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>First Test (Edgbaston) - June 16 - June 20</li>
	<li>Second Test (Lord's) - June 28 - July 2</li>
	<li>Third Test (Clean Slate Headingley) - July 6 - July 10</li>
	<li>Fourth Test (Emirates Old Trafford) - July 19 - July 23</li>
	<li>Fifth Test (The Kia Oval) - July 27 - July 31</li>
</ul>

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Modern-day best Test batter Steve Smith says that for the English and Australian players winning the Ashes is above everything else. As the Ashes 2023 gets underway in Edgbaston on Friday, Smith talked about the 140-year-plus-old history of this iconic rivalry and its importance for both teams.

Modern-day best Test batter Steve Smith says that for the English and Australian players winning the Ashes is above everything else. As the Ashes 2023 gets underway in Edgbaston on Friday, Smith talked about the 140-year-plus-old history of this iconic rivalry and its importance for both teams. Ahead of the start of the first Test, Australia beat India by 209 runs to win their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the Oval. Smith, who became the second Aussie batter after Travis Head to complete a hundred in the WTC Final, said he enjoyed lifting the Test mace, but to him, winning as Ashes would still top everything. Smith's maiden WTC Final hundred, his 31st overall in Tests, helped Australia put a mammoth 469 in the first innings against India. After the Aussies wrapped up India's first innings on 296, they piled up 270 for eight (declared) and gave India a daunting target of 444. Following a cautious start, the Indian batters failed to stick as they got all out on 234, thus going down by 209 runs. ALSO READ: Ashes 2023: 'Bazball' to keep draw out of equation, says Nasser Hussain “We had a great last week winning the Test championship. It was two years of hard work that went into it. It was a really proud moment for all the boys, but yeah, the Ashes, for Australia and England cricketers, is the pinnacle. We work for it throughout our life, so it's going to be exciting,” Smith said, as quoted by Hindustan Times. Meanwhile, England's track record under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been excellent, with them winning 11 of the last 13 matches. Australia, which holds a better head-to-head record (34-32), are up for the challenge, and Smith feels the upcoming series will be an exciting contest. “Just the history of it. Australia and England, it's the biggest series. It's the one you want to do really well in, and hope your team has success. The way England have been in playing, the way we have been playing, it's going to be exciting series. The boys can't wait to get into it,” added former Australia skipper Smith. Here is the Ashes schedule - First Test (Edgbaston) - June 16 - June 20 Second Test (Lord's) - June 28 - July 2 Third Test (Clean Slate Headingley) - July 6 - July 10 Fourth Test (Emirates Old Trafford) - July 19 - July 23 Fifth Test (The Kia Oval) - July 27 - July 31 WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

For WTC Final we work for two years, for Ashes we work throughout our life: Steve Smith

<p>Winning the Ashes for the first time since 2015 will be on the minds of the England cricket team as the first Test in underway at Edgbaston. The Ashes, over the years, has produced some incredible moments and enticing duels. The face-off between David Warner and Stuart Broad has been one such face off which the cricket fans are very much looking forward to. Ahead of the Test series opener against Australia at the Edgbaston, England Test skipper Ben Stokes came up with a cheeky Ravichandran Ashwin reference while speaking on the issue. While talking about Broad’s selection in the playing XI, Stokes reportedly said, “It’s just one of those things – like Ashwin against me. Broady has been an unbelievable performer over many years. What the Ashes bring, it’s so hard to look past someone like that.”</p>

<h2><strong>David Warner vs Stuart Broad</strong></h2>

<p>David Warner faced difficulties in dealing with Stuart Broad in the 2019 series. The English pacer had dismissed Warner on seven occasions in 10 innings during that series. As for Ashwin's name, it's no surprise why Stokes mentioned the India spinner in the pre-match presser. The England Test captain has fallen prey to Ashwin 11 times in Tests and four times in the 50-over format.</p>

<h2><strong>David Warner's form</strong></h2>

<p>Coming back to the Ashes, David Warner’s dismal form in Tests has been a point of concern. The Aussie opening batter did play a fine knock of 43 in the first innings of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India. But in the second innings, the 36-year-old was dismissed for just one run.</p>

<p>Australia captain Pat Cummins also recently shared his opinion on the opening batter. "I'm sure he's thought about it a lot over the last couple of years hoping to get another crack at it. Davey (David Warner) will have all his plans in place. I'm sure you'll see a bit more of an aggressive Davey than what you saw in 2019 and he's itching to get out there and have another chance at it," Cummins was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.</p>

<p>In red-ball cricket, David Warner has so far represented Australia on 104 occasions. The New South Wales-born has till now scored 8,202 runs at an average of 45.31. The opener has 25 centuries and 34 half centuries under his belt in Test cricket. Australia will come into the Ashes series having won their maiden WTC title. In the last Ashes, the Aussies had decimated the English side by a convincing margin of 4-0.</p>


Winning the Ashes for the first time since 2015 will be on the minds of the England cricket team as the first Test in underway at Edgbaston. The Ashes, over the years, has produced some incredible moments and enticing duels.

Winning the Ashes for the first time since 2015 will be on the minds of the England cricket team as the first Test in underway at Edgbaston. The Ashes, over the years, has produced some incredible moments and enticing duels. The face-off between David Warner and Stuart Broad has been one such face off which the cricket fans are very much looking forward to. Ahead of the Test series opener against Australia at the Edgbaston, England Test skipper Ben Stokes came up with a cheeky Ravichandran Ashwin reference while speaking on the issue. While talking about Broad’s selection in the playing XI, Stokes reportedly said, “It’s just one of those things – like Ashwin against me. Broady has been an unbelievable performer over many years. What the Ashes bring, it’s so hard to look past someone like that.” David Warner vs Stuart Broad David Warner faced difficulties in dealing with Stuart Broad in the 2019 series. The English pacer had dismissed Warner on seven occasions in 10 innings during that series. As for Ashwin's name, it's no surprise why Stokes mentioned the India spinner in the pre-match presser. The England Test captain has fallen prey to Ashwin 11 times in Tests and four times in the 50-over format. David Warner's form Coming back to the Ashes, David Warner’s dismal form in Tests has been a point of concern. The Aussie opening batter did play a fine knock of 43 in the first innings of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India. But in the second innings, the 36-year-old was dismissed for just one run. Australia captain Pat Cummins also recently shared his opinion on the opening batter. "I'm sure he's thought about it a lot over the last couple of years hoping to get another crack at it. Davey (David Warner) will have all his plans in place. I'm sure you'll see a bit more of an aggressive Davey than what you saw in 2019 and he's itching to get out there and have another chance at it," Cummins was quoted as saying by news agency IANS. In red-ball cricket, David Warner has so far represented Australia on 104 occasions. The New South Wales-born has till now scored 8,202 runs at an average of 45.31. The opener has 25 centuries and 34 half centuries under his belt in Test cricket. Australia will come into the Ashes series having won their maiden WTC title. In the last Ashes, the Aussies had decimated the English side by a convincing margin of 4-0.

Ashes 2023: Ben Stokes uses Ravichandran Ashwin's name to talk on this issue

<p>The most iconic rivalry in Tests - the Ashes, is set to get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham, and former England captain Nasser Hussain feels given what the hosts have achieved by deploying the 'Bazball' brand of cricket, expecting a draw as a result in any of the five Tests would be criminal. Nasser remains firm on his stance on England's newest tactic to keep no results out of the equation.</p>

<p>Since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over the reins in Test cricket, it changed English Test cricket for good. Under Root, the England team managed just one win from the past 17 Tests; however, with this new pair at the helm, England won their last 11 out of 13 matches.</p>

<p>Though England last won the Ashes in 2015 under veteran batter Alastair Cook, their counterpart Australia hasn't claimed the urn on English soil since last winning in 2001.<br />
Speaking ahead of the start of the first Test, in a conversation with ICC, Nasser Hussain said, “I can't see many draws simply because of the way England are playing, they're trying to take the draw out of the equation."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trent-boults-flexi-contract-with-nzc-will-open-a-can-of-worms-feels-ex-coach-mike-hesson-605061">Trent Boult's 'flexi' contract with NZC will open a 'can of worms', feels ex-coach Mike Hesson</a></p>

<p>England, meanwhile, got thrashed 4-0 on back-to-back away Ashes in 2017 and 2021, but Nasser feels with the momentum on their side this time, England have a strong chance of reclaiming the Ashes from Australia. He predicts a 3-2 win for England in the summer Ashes.</p>

<p>“Australia in Australia, England have got hammered. Australia in England, Australia haven't won here, won an Ashes series since 2001, but they've always been close. I'm going to go 3-2 to England,” Nasser added.</p>

<h2>All eyes on debutant Brook, returning Moeen Ali</h2>

<p>Two days before the start of the first Test, England announced their playing XI, while Australia team is still pondering over whom to pick between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland for that one spot in the XI.</p>

<p>Star youngster Harry Brook is going to attract eyeballs for what he brings to the table, whereas, Moeen Ali made headlines for coming out of retirement for this mega series.</p>

<p><strong>Here is England's confirmed XI for the first Test -</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson</p>

<p><strong>Here is the Ashes schedule -</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>First Test (Edgbaston) - June 16 - June 20</li>
	<li>Second Test (Lord's) - June 28 - July 2</li>
	<li>Third Test (Clean Slate Headingley) - July 6 - July 10</li>
	<li>Fourth Test (Emirates Old Trafford) - July 19 - July 23</li>
	<li>Fifth Test (The Kia Oval) - July 27 - July 31<br />
	<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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The most iconic rivalry in Tests - the Ashes, is set to get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham, and former England captain Nasser Hussain feels given what the hosts have achieved by deploying the 'Bazball' brand of cricket, expecting a draw as a result in any of the five Tests would be criminal.

The most iconic rivalry in Tests - the Ashes, is set to get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham, and former England captain Nasser Hussain feels given what the hosts have achieved by deploying the 'Bazball' brand of cricket, expecting a draw as a result in any of the five Tests would be criminal. Nasser remains firm on his stance on England's newest tactic to keep no results out of the equation. Since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over the reins in Test cricket, it changed English Test cricket for good. Under Root, the England team managed just one win from the past 17 Tests; however, with this new pair at the helm, England won their last 11 out of 13 matches. Though England last won the Ashes in 2015 under veteran batter Alastair Cook, their counterpart Australia hasn't claimed the urn on English soil since last winning in 2001. Speaking ahead of the start of the first Test, in a conversation with ICC, Nasser Hussain said, “I can't see many draws simply because of the way England are playing, they're trying to take the draw out of the equation." ALSO READ: Trent Boult's 'flexi' contract with NZC will open a 'can of worms', feels ex-coach Mike Hesson England, meanwhile, got thrashed 4-0 on back-to-back away Ashes in 2017 and 2021, but Nasser feels with the momentum on their side this time, England have a strong chance of reclaiming the Ashes from Australia. He predicts a 3-2 win for England in the summer Ashes. “Australia in Australia, England have got hammered. Australia in England, Australia haven't won here, won an Ashes series since 2001, but they've always been close. I'm going to go 3-2 to England,” Nasser added. All eyes on debutant Brook, returning Moeen Ali Two days before the start of the first Test, England announced their playing XI, while Australia team is still pondering over whom to pick between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland for that one spot in the XI. Star youngster Harry Brook is going to attract eyeballs for what he brings to the table, whereas, Moeen Ali made headlines for coming out of retirement for this mega series. Here is England's confirmed XI for the first Test - Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson Here is the Ashes schedule - First Test (Edgbaston) - June 16 - June 20 Second Test (Lord's) - June 28 - July 2 Third Test (Clean Slate Headingley) - July 6 - July 10 Fourth Test (Emirates Old Trafford) - July 19 - July 23 Fifth Test (The Kia Oval) - July 27 - July 31 WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes 2023: 'Bazball' to keep draw out of equation, says Nasser Hussain

<p>England all-rounder Moeen Ali was awarded the OBE for his services to cricket. Ali received the prestigious award at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, just two days before the Ashes. The 35-year-old has been recalled to the England Test squad for the Test series against Australia. A report published by ESPNcricinfo revealed that Moeen Ali had to cancel a family holiday in order to make himself available for the Ashes. Ali, however, had to miss Wednesday's training session at Edgbaston to collect his OBE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moeen Ali is set to make his first Test appearance in the Ashes opener after almost two years. England Test skipper Ben Stokes called Ali to make a comeback to red-ball cricket after spinner Jack Leach was ruled out of the Ashes due to injury. “The fact that it is The Ashes and it is such a big series, to be part of it would be amazing. The exciting cricket the guys have been playing, it's an era I would have loved when I was playing [before]. I am a guy who goes with the flow. At the moment it's just these two games, so let's see what happens,” the England all-rounder was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.</p>

<p>The official Twitter handle of England cricket shared a photo of Moeen Ali collecting his OBE. “moBE. Moeen Ali received his OBE from Windsor Castle for his outstanding contributions to cricket,” the tweet read.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">m𝗼𝗕𝗘 🥇👏<br />
<br />
Moeen Ali received his OBE from Windsor Castle for his outstanding contributions to cricket. 🏏 <a href="https://t.co/sjcTVlObDl">pic.twitter.com/sjcTVlObDl</a></p>
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1669314695092662273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>&nbsp;Moeen Ali’s Test Career</h2>

<p>In Tests, Moeen Ali has so far represented England in 64 matches. He has 2,914 runs to his name in this format, with five centuries and 14 half centuries. Ali also has 195 wickets at an average of 36.66. In red-ball cricket, he was last seen in action against India in September 2021 at The Oval. After England’s Test series against India in September 2021, Ali had announced his retirement from this format. He has not played a first-class match since retiring from Test cricket.</p>

<h2>Ashes 2023</h2>

<p>England, under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, will now be aiming to win the prestigious Ashes for the first time since 2015. The first Test between England and Australia is scheduled to start from today at Edgbaston. In the last Ashes, the Aussies had decimated England by a margin of 4-0.</p>


England all-rounder Moeen Ali was awarded the OBE for his services to cricket. Ali received the prestigious award at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, just two days before the Ashes.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali was awarded the OBE for his services to cricket. Ali received the prestigious award at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, just two days before the Ashes. The 35-year-old has been recalled to the England Test squad for the Test series against Australia. A report published by ESPNcricinfo revealed that Moeen Ali had to cancel a family holiday in order to make himself available for the Ashes. Ali, however, had to miss Wednesday's training session at Edgbaston to collect his OBE. Moeen Ali is set to make his first Test appearance in the Ashes opener after almost two years. England Test skipper Ben Stokes called Ali to make a comeback to red-ball cricket after spinner Jack Leach was ruled out of the Ashes due to injury. “The fact that it is The Ashes and it is such a big series, to be part of it would be amazing. The exciting cricket the guys have been playing, it's an era I would have loved when I was playing [before]. I am a guy who goes with the flow. At the moment it's just these two games, so let's see what happens,” the England all-rounder was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. The official Twitter handle of England cricket shared a photo of Moeen Ali collecting his OBE. “moBE. Moeen Ali received his OBE from Windsor Castle for his outstanding contributions to cricket,” the tweet read. m𝗼𝗕𝗘 🥇👏 Moeen Ali received his OBE from Windsor Castle for his outstanding contributions to cricket. 🏏 pic.twitter.com/sjcTVlObDl — England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 15, 2023 × Moeen Ali’s Test Career In Tests, Moeen Ali has so far represented England in 64 matches. He has 2,914 runs to his name in this format, with five centuries and 14 half centuries. Ali also has 195 wickets at an average of 36.66. In red-ball cricket, he was last seen in action against India in September 2021 at The Oval. After England’s Test series against India in September 2021, Ali had announced his retirement from this format. He has not played a first-class match since retiring from Test cricket. Ashes 2023 England, under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, will now be aiming to win the prestigious Ashes for the first time since 2015. The first Test between England and Australia is scheduled to start from today at Edgbaston. In the last Ashes, the Aussies had decimated England by a margin of 4-0.

Ashes 2023: Moeen Ali collects OBE for 'outstanding contributions to cricket'

<p><strong>Ashes 2023: &nbsp;ENG vs AUS 1st Test&nbsp; </strong><meta name="uuid" content="uuidcJylIBJvGEo2" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The highly-anticipated 73rd edition of the Ashes will start on Friday, June 16. It is the oldest and most prestigious contest in Test cricket. The historic Ashes 2023 test series between Australia and England will kick off at Edgbaston. The two countries will lock horns in a thrilling battle for cricket supremacy. England, seeking to win the coveted trophy after eight years, will host Australia in an exciting five-match Test series. Five different venues will host the most-awaited test matches between Australia and England. However, Trent Bridge, one of England's traditional venues, will not host any game. Ben Stokes will lead England, and Pat Cummins will lead Australia in the highly-anticipated match. Stokes has captained the team in 13 games and won 11 of them. Meanwhile, Cummins will enter the field after winning the ICC World Test Championship Final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's everything you need to know about Ashes 2023 between Australia and England.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ashes 2023 Full Squads</strong></h2>

<p><strong>England:</strong></p>

<p>Ben Stokes (c), Ollie Pope (vc), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Joe Root, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Dan Lawrence, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue</p>

<p><strong>Australia:</strong></p>

<p>Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, David Warner</p>

<h2><strong>Ashes 2023: Schedule &amp; Venue</strong></h2>

<p>1st Test: June 16-20, Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, 03:30 PM</p>

<p>2nd Test: June 28-July 2, Lord's, London, 03:30 PM</p>

<p>3rd Test: July 6-10, Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds, 03:30 PM</p>

<p>4th Test: July 19-23, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester, 03:30 PM</p>

<p>5th Test: July 27-31, The Oval, London, 03:30 PM</p>

<h2><strong>Ashes 2023&nbsp;History</strong></h2>

<p>Australia and England are the two oldest nations in cricket. They have played 356 test matches against each other. England has won 110 matches, whereas Australia has won 150. England will host Australia for the second consecutive time for the Ashes. Both nations have played 72 series. Australia has won 34 times, and England has won 32 times.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Ashes 2023 Live Streaming</h2>

<p><strong>How to watch Ashes 2023 live in India?</strong></p>

<p>In India, Sony Sports TEN 5 and Sony Sports TEN 5 HD channels will telecast the Ashes 2023 live in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

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Ashes 2023: ENG vs AUS 1st Test The highly-anticipated 73rd edition of the Ashes will start on Friday, June 16. It is the oldest and most prestigious contest in Test cricket.

Ashes 2023: ENG vs AUS 1st Test The highly-anticipated 73rd edition of the Ashes will start on Friday, June 16. It is the oldest and most prestigious contest in Test cricket. The historic Ashes 2023 test series between Australia and England will kick off at Edgbaston. The two countries will lock horns in a thrilling battle for cricket supremacy. England, seeking to win the coveted trophy after eight years, will host Australia in an exciting five-match Test series. Five different venues will host the most-awaited test matches between Australia and England. However, Trent Bridge, one of England's traditional venues, will not host any game. Ben Stokes will lead England, and Pat Cummins will lead Australia in the highly-anticipated match. Stokes has captained the team in 13 games and won 11 of them. Meanwhile, Cummins will enter the field after winning the ICC World Test Championship Final. Here's everything you need to know about Ashes 2023 between Australia and England. Ashes 2023 Full Squads England: Ben Stokes (c), Ollie Pope (vc), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Joe Root, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Dan Lawrence, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, David Warner Ashes 2023: Schedule & Venue 1st Test: June 16-20, Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, 03:30 PM 2nd Test: June 28-July 2, Lord's, London, 03:30 PM 3rd Test: July 6-10, Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds, 03:30 PM 4th Test: July 19-23, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester, 03:30 PM 5th Test: July 27-31, The Oval, London, 03:30 PM Ashes 2023 History Australia and England are the two oldest nations in cricket. They have played 356 test matches against each other. England has won 110 matches, whereas Australia has won 150. England will host Australia for the second consecutive time for the Ashes. Both nations have played 72 series. Australia has won 34 times, and England has won 32 times. Ashes 2023 Live Streaming How to watch Ashes 2023 live in India? In India, Sony Sports TEN 5 and Sony Sports TEN 5 HD channels will telecast the Ashes 2023 live in India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ashes 2023:  ENG vs AUS 1st Test full squads, schedule, Date, Time venue, live stream all you need to know

<p>The greatest rivalry in Tests - the Ashes 2023 is set to get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 16. Since last year when Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took over the reins in the Test setup, England's track record changed for good. On the other hand, Australia boosted their chances of tackling the most-talked-about 'Bazball' approach in the upcoming five-match series with a massive 209-run win over India in the recently-contested WTC Final 2023.</p>

<p>The hosts have their basis covered, and two days before the start of the first day's play announced their XI, with the inclusion of coming-out-of-retirement Moeen Ali. Though they are dealing with some injury issues with Jofra Archer, Olly Stone and spinner Jack Leach all ruled out of English summer, the inclusion of Anderson, Broad and Robinson reflects their plans against the mighty Aussies.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/moeen-alis-selection-receives-backlash-as-ex-captain-plays-down-englands-latest-move-to-boost-ashes-hopes-604755">Moeen Ali's selection receives backlash as ex-captain plays down England's latest move to boost Ashes hopes</a></p>

<p>With England's top-three in good form, considering their latest outing against Ireland in the one-off Test at Lord's, their tactics of taking down the mighty Aussie attack from the word go look well on track. Joe Root, perhaps England's best batter on paper, will dictate terms in the middle order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The young Harry Brook also looks set to unleash himself, as his credentials have already kept the Aussies on notice. Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, two batters who haven't spent much time on the crease in the build-up to this Test, will possess challenge when on the song.</p>

<h2>Australia ready to create history</h2>

<p>The touring Australia team looks daunting after the recent success against India, and with how their players are faring on the latest ICC Rankings for batters in Tests, they know they can pull the rabbit out of the hat and win their first away Ashes in 22 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While their batting order looks sorted, the Australian selection committee will have a good headache with whom to pick from for that one slot, Josh Hazlewood or Scott Boland. With Ricky Ponting and others vouching for Hazlewood's inclusion in the XI despite him missing the WTC Final on precautionary grounds, consensus says Boland might get retained for the first Test.</p>

<p>Considering the previous result at this venue in 2022, when England chased down the mammoth 378 against India with seven wickets in hand, both sides will fancy bowling first in Edgbaston.</p>

<p><strong>Here is England's confirmed Playing XI for the first Ashes Test -</strong></p>

<p>Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson</p>

<p><strong>Here is Australia's Predicted XI for the first Ashes Test -</strong></p>

<p>David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon</p>

<p><strong>Match Prediction -</strong></p>

<p>England looks confident like never before, and with momentum on their side, let alone the crowd, they are likely to draw first blood against Australia.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


The greatest rivalry in Tests - the Ashes 2023 is set to get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 16. Since last year when Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took over the reins in the Test setup, England's track record changed for good.

The greatest rivalry in Tests - the Ashes 2023 is set to get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 16. Since last year when Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took over the reins in the Test setup, England's track record changed for good. On the other hand, Australia boosted their chances of tackling the most-talked-about 'Bazball' approach in the upcoming five-match series with a massive 209-run win over India in the recently-contested WTC Final 2023. The hosts have their basis covered, and two days before the start of the first day's play announced their XI, with the inclusion of coming-out-of-retirement Moeen Ali. Though they are dealing with some injury issues with Jofra Archer, Olly Stone and spinner Jack Leach all ruled out of English summer, the inclusion of Anderson, Broad and Robinson reflects their plans against the mighty Aussies. ALSO READ: Moeen Ali's selection receives backlash as ex-captain plays down England's latest move to boost Ashes hopes With England's top-three in good form, considering their latest outing against Ireland in the one-off Test at Lord's, their tactics of taking down the mighty Aussie attack from the word go look well on track. Joe Root, perhaps England's best batter on paper, will dictate terms in the middle order. The young Harry Brook also looks set to unleash himself, as his credentials have already kept the Aussies on notice. Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, two batters who haven't spent much time on the crease in the build-up to this Test, will possess challenge when on the song. Australia ready to create history The touring Australia team looks daunting after the recent success against India, and with how their players are faring on the latest ICC Rankings for batters in Tests, they know they can pull the rabbit out of the hat and win their first away Ashes in 22 years. While their batting order looks sorted, the Australian selection committee will have a good headache with whom to pick from for that one slot, Josh Hazlewood or Scott Boland. With Ricky Ponting and others vouching for Hazlewood's inclusion in the XI despite him missing the WTC Final on precautionary grounds, consensus says Boland might get retained for the first Test. Considering the previous result at this venue in 2022, when England chased down the mammoth 378 against India with seven wickets in hand, both sides will fancy bowling first in Edgbaston. Here is England's confirmed Playing XI for the first Ashes Test - Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson Here is Australia's Predicted XI for the first Ashes Test - David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon Match Prediction - England looks confident like never before, and with momentum on their side, let alone the crowd, they are likely to draw first blood against Australia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes 2023, 1st Test, England vs Australia - Preview and Result Prediction