Ashes in England 2023

Ashes in England 2023
1st Test June 16-20 Edgbaston
2nd Test June 28 - July 2 Lords
3rd Test July 6-10 Headingley
4th Test July 19-23 Old Trafford
5th Test July 27-31 The Oval

The usual war of words has kicked off in earnest, with Broad getting in a few jabs. His best one is that the 4-0 defeat in 21-22 doesn't count as a real Ashes series, due to the covid restriction that were in place at that time.
He also suggests that the traditional methods of Test batting favoured by Smith, Labuschagne & Khawaja might be thrown off if they try to match England's aggressive approach.
Interestingly, there was no mention of Warner who has struggled against Broad's round the wicket attack. Warner is set to call time on his Test career this year, but there's no guarantee he will make the starting XI.

Moeen Ali has been added to the England squad, replacing the injured Jack Leach.

Contrasting preparations for this series, Australia facing strong opposition in the WTC Test Final against India, whilst England will be heading up to Loch Lomond to play a bit of golf.

I suspect England will be undercooked, but Australia will have to get through 6 Tests in quick succession & could be overcooked towards the end.

Is Moeen Ali really the best England can come up with in the spin department? I thought the days of recalling serial failures were over.

I would say With Leach out we probably are a bit short in back up for Broad and Anderson, but I have to say probably if Ali doesn't work out as Stokes hopes, then we have no choice but to blood or or two new players during the Ashes with one of them a spinner.
I do hope Leach recovers soon.
It is a blow to lose Leach before the series starts, but we have to think positively.

England XI - 1st Test Edgbaston
Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes ©, Bairstow (wk), Ali, Boad, Robinson, Anderson

Latest ICC Men's Batting Rankings has the top 3 places filled by Australians. Labuschagne, Smith & Head.
The previous occasion that one team provided the top 3 players was 39 years ago, in 1984, with West Indies players Greenidge, Lloyd & Gomes.

Eng win toss and choose to bat.

So excited for the Ashes!

Duckett kicks the bucket, he's out for 12 runs.