Ashes Series 2023 Preview

The Ashes Series 2023 is officially here!! After talking about it for so long it has finally arrived with the first Test kicking off tomorrow at Edgbaston Stadium, and it is set to be a thriller of a series.

The 2023 Series:

1st Test – Friday 16 June – Tuesday 20 June 2023 – Edgbaston Stadium

2nd Test – Wednesday 28 June – Sunday 2 July – Lord’s Cricket Ground

3rd Test – Thursday 6 July – Monday 10 July - Headingley

4th Test – Wednesday 19 July – Sunday 23 July – Emirates Old Trafford

5th Test – Thursday 27 July – Monday 31 July – The Kia Oval


With both England and Australia coming off recent Test wins against Ireland and India, both sides are looking for a big result to start off the competition at Edgbaston. The first Test is vital for the sides to set the tone for the remainder of the series. Whoever wins at Edgbaston will not only be leading in points but also will be moving onto Lords in high spirits and confidence, whilst the other team will be on the back foot fighting to equalise, giving the winners of the first Test a large mental advantage.

The England Team

The England team are coming off the back of a big Test win against Ireland which will of course boost confidence. However, with last minute squad changes due to injury, England will encounter some challenges. Moeen Ali has come out of retirement to replace Jack Leach who recently suffered a stress fracture in his lower back, ruling him out of the Ashes. Ali is coming back to play in what will be his third Ashes series and he will form a key part in Stokes’ plan. Moeen is confirmed to play in the opening test at Edgbaston where he is sure to feel comfortable at his home ground and we are certain the Hollies will be behind him as he enters the crease. Michael Vaughan commented on Moeen’s Ashes comeback stating that he has the ability to bowl truly great deliveries, and the Warwickshire star will certainly hope to bring plenty of them in an effort to add to his 190 test wickets.

It also looks like we will see Ben Stokes bowling at Edgbaston, with recent talks of injury and speculation over his role in the first Test, it’s great to see him bowling well in training over the last few days – albeit with a heavily strapped knee. Stokes will look to play a key role in England’s pace attack but needs to be careful not to overdo it in the first Test to remain on top form for the remaining four.
England are in a good position currently. They are on form, coming off the back of a win and overall, in a much stronger position now than they were leading into the 2019 edition. England should be feeling positive and excited to make an impact in the first Test with their new *Bazball style.

*Bazball – Named after the test cricket head coach Brendon McCullum (nicknamed ‘Baz’), Bazball commonly refers to the aggressive style of play of the England cricket team, where they play fast cricket much more like traditionally seen in one day fixtures rather than a test match.

The Australia Team

Like England, Australia is coming off the back of a recent Test win. However, it could be argued that Australia had a slightly tougher job in facing India in the ICC World Test Championship Final (WTC Final) than England did facing Ireland.

The Australian team looked strong against India and comfortably won by 209 runs, there is no argument that over the Test Australia were the superior side. This result will put Australia in good spirits having just won a major trophy and has highlighted some key players that England will need to be careful of. Scott Boland is one player that stood out during the WTC Final and definitely one for England to look out for. Boland has played just seven tests for Australia in his career but has taken a total 28 wickets and will certainly be looking to add to this during the Ashes.

In terms of batting, as always, Steve Smith is a key threat for Australia and someone they will look to for some high scoring innings throughout the series. It is unlikely that Smith will change his game to deal with England’s new Bazball approach. Instead, it is likely he will try to play like he did in the 2019 series where his performance was hailed as one of the best batting performances of all time in a series. He scored a phenomenal total of 774 runs at an average of 110.54. It is vital that England are able to keep his score much lower in this edition in order to regain the Ashes.

Overall, it is set to be an exhilarating Ashes series with both teams on from and looking to send a message at Edgbaston tomorrow.



Book your place at the fifth and final test at The Kia Oval here.

See the full Edgbaston Stadium 2023 fixtures here.