ENG vs AUS: Check our Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing Team Picks for Ashes 2023, 1st Test

Test cricket will be incomplete without the Ashes rivalry between England and Australia. The contributions from both powerhouses to the purest form of cricket are immense. The 73rd Ashes series will get started on Friday at Edgbaston.

England’s recent form in the traditional format has been mind-blowing, as they haven’t lost a series since Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have taken charge as Coach and Captaincy duties respectively. Australia on the other hand, will head into this Ashes on the back of a historic win against India in the 2nd edition of the WTC Final on Sunday.

Match Details:

England vs Australia, 1st Test

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Date & Time: June 16-20, at 3:30 PM IST and 11:00 AM Local Time

Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network

What is the pitch report for ENG vs AUS, Ashes 2023, 1st Test?

It’s a result-oriented surface that has produced many classic matches over a period of time. The bowlers will get early assistance with the new cherry and the batters are likely to dominate the entire game. Only one game ended in a draw out of the last 10 Test matches played here.

Recent form:

England: Won Lost Won Won Won

Australia: Won Draw Won Lost Lost

ENG vs AUS, Ashes 2023, 1st Test Probable Winners:

England are expected to win this match.

What is the expected, Probable Playing XIs for ENG vs AUS, Ashes 2023, 1st Test?

England

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Ollie Edward Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

Australia

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland / Josh Hazlewood

Injury Updates:

England:

James Anderson and Ollie Edward Robinson have completely recovered from injury and hence included in England’s playing eleven.

Jack Leach suffered a stress fracture during the Lord’s Test against Ireland which completely rules him out of the Ashes. All-rounder Moeen Ali was announced as his replacement.

Australia:

Josh Hazlewood who missed the WTC Final against India due to side soreness is fit and available for selection.

What are the Top Picks, players for Dream11, My11circle and MPL for ENG vs AUS, Ashes 2023, 1st Test?

Top Pick – Batter

Steven Smith’s love affair in England continues as he smacked his 31st Test century in the WTC Final against India at the Oval last week. In 17 Test matches on England soil, he hammered 1882 runs at an average of 60.7 which comprises 7 centuries.

Top Pick – All-Rounder

Cameron Green has already established himself as a regular all-rounder in the Aussie mix. The 24-year-old has collected 972 runs and picked up 25 wickets in his 21 Test matches.

Top Pick – Bowler

Even in the friendly seaming conditions of England, Nathan Lyon knows the knack of picking wickets where he recently returned with the match figures of 5 for 60 against India in the WTC Final. He is just 13 wickets short from claiming 500 Test wickets.

Top Pick – Wicketkeeper

Jonny Bairstow doesn’t afraid to cut loose from the ball. He has taken his place back from Ben Foakes in the England Test line-up as a specialist wicketkeeper batter. In his 90 Test matches, he has amassed 5482 runs at an average of 37.04 with the highest score of 167*.

X-Factor:

Joe Root forms an integral part of the mighty England line-up. The former England captain has mustered 11004 runs in 130 Test matches at an average of 50.24 which comprises 29 centuries and 58 half-centuries.

What are the fantasy suggested teams for ENG vs AUS, Ashes 2023, 1st Test?

1. Jonny Bairstow, Alex Carey, Steven Smith (vc), Joe Root (c), Travis Head, Zak Crawley, Harry Brook, Cameron Green, Stuart Broad, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins

2. Alex Carey (vc), David Warner (c), Steven Smith, Joe Root, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad, Mitchell Starc, Ollie Edward Robinson

Pre-Match Analysis:

Coach Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have completely revolutionized Test Cricket with their Bazball concept of play. Their attacking mode of play keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. Over the last year, Three Lions have played 6 Test series including the 5th Test against India, and didn’t lose any of them. Earlier this month they humbled Ireland in the Only Test by 10 wickets. They have already announced their playing eleven for the series opener with pacers James Anderson and Ollie Edward Robinson making their return after recovering from injuries. All-rounder Moeen Ali came out of the Test retirement and replaces the injured Jack Leach. They have been beaten 4-0 in the last Ashes and it’s a good opportunity to take back the Urn at their home.

Australia needs to plan their strategies perfectly to stop England’s run flow who are playing an attacking brand of cricket over the last 12 months. The Aussies are over the moon right now having won the mace, beating India by a massive 209 run margin in the 2nd WTC Final earlier this week to become the 1st side to win all the ICC events. They are not willing to make too many changes to their playing eleven for the opening Test that played against India. Scott Boland’s impressive show in the final is a healthy selection headache for the management means he will be fighting for a spot along with Josh Hazlewood. Vice-captain Steven Smith who has an incredible record in England is the main man for them.