England vs Australia – The Ashes 1st Test Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is England vs Australia taking place? Thursday 1st August, 11:00 (UK)
Where is England vs Australia taking place? Edgbaston, Birmingham
What is the expected weather for England vs Australia? Temperatures as high as 20-21c expected for the duration but rain could hit throughout the test
What channel is England vs Australia on? The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream England vs Australia? England vs Australia will be streamed live on the Sky Go app
Where can I get tickets for England vs Australia? https://edgbaston.com/events/ashes-england-vs-australia-2019/
LAST MEETING
Australia beat England by an innings and 123 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
ENGLAND
- England will hope they can build on their ODI side’s World Cup success over the summer and use that experience to their advantage as many of that side now feature in the squad for the longer format of the game in this highly-anticipated Ashes series.
- The home side’s warm-up game against Ireland will leave a lot of questions regarding not only the make-up of the team but the strength of the batting line-up after they were bowled out for just 88 in their first innings.
- Jofra Archer is expected to make his Test debut following his brilliant performances at the World Cup to boost England’s pace options but how the top order will line-up remains a mystery with Jason Roy set to be included either as an opener or coming in at three.
AUSTRALIA
- Australia will be confident of retaining the Ashes as they head to England but will have to overcome recent history after failing to win an Ashes series away from home since a 4-1 triumph back in 2001.
- Cameron Bancroft is the headline name in the Australian squad as he makes his return following the ball-tampering ban he received in 2018 and he could line-up against fellow transgressors Dave Warner and Steve Smith.
- Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Wade have earned recalls to the touring party and form part of a 17-man squad that also features the uncapped Michael Neser who will be hoping to feature alongside Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in the bowling attack.
THE PREDICTION
After the highs of the World Cup for England, their attention quickly turned to this first match of what should be an enthralling Ashes series. Many of that winning squad over the summer will turn their arm to the Test arena as they look to wrestle the urn back from Australia. There are question marks surrounding both squads with England’s batting issues the main concern. This first Test could be heavily affected by the rain which should see this opening contest end in a draw but hopefully enough cricket is played to at least see what shape both teams are in.
