Pitch and weather: It’s been a sweltering week in the UK, and though the first two days at Edgbaston look set to be scorchers, there’s a strong possibility of rain interruptions from Sunday onwards which may play a part in how this contest shakes down. A straw-coloured pitch has been rolled out in the centre of Edgbaston, and to judge by McCullum and Jonny Bairstow’s firm pushings and knockings on the eve of the contest, it’s likely to be hard and true, just as ordered.
England vs Australia The Ashes Highlights today. Friday 16-6-2023, 1st Test The Ashes 2023, Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Stokes says as a cheer goes up around the ground. “Looks a good cricket wicket, now we’re going to go out and put some runs on the board.” Cummins confirms Hazlewood has won the nod above Starc for the final spot in the Australia XI. “Tough call, I thought Mitch was really impressive last week but it’s a squad mentality. Really good problem to have.”
Are Australia ready for England to come at them? “I think so…” says Cummins with a smile.
Toss: England win the toss and will bat.
England team: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes (c), Bairstow †, Moeen, Robinson, Broad, Anderson.
Australia team: Warner, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith, Head, Green, Carey †, Cummins (c), Lyon, Boland, Hazlewood.
Head to Head In test’s: 356
England Won: 110
Australia Won: 150
England test Rankings: 3rd
Australia test Rankings: 2nd
Form guide
(Last five matches, most recent first)
England WLWWW
Australia WDWLL
Match Timings: 10:00 AM GMT | 11:00 AM Local
Umpires – Ahsan Raza, Marais Erasmus
TV Umpire – Chris Gaffaney
Match Referee – Andy Pycroft
Reserve Umpire – Mike Burns
Match number – Test no. 2507
