The most awaited test series of the year, The Ashes 2023 (England vs Australia), started off with a bang where the host, England won the toss & decided to bat first on the batters favourable pitch. The Ben Stokes-led side put a total of 393/8 on the score board in 78 overs, thereby declaring their first innings on Day 1, just 7 runs short of 400 mark. Ace batter Joe Root played an unbeaten innings of 118 runs whereas Jonny Bairstow played a crucial knock of 78 runs. In response, the Australian side could play only 4 over till stumps to put a score of 14/0.
Talking about Australian bowlers, Nathan Lyon remained the most successful bowler on this pitch with 4/149 by bowling a spell of 29 overs. Lyon proved quite effective with an economy rate of 5.13 and claiming the important wickets of Ollie Pope (31 runs), Harry Brook (32), Jonny Bairstow (78) & Moeen Ali (18). On the other end, Josh Hazlewood grabbed two crucial wickets of Ben Duckett (12 runs) & Ben Stokes (1 run). For the all rounder genius Moeen Ali, it’s his first match in the past two years after returning from the retirement.
Interestingly, the Aussies have never managed to win this series in England since the year 2001. Though, England vs Australia test matches have always been a thriller but it appears to be a tough challenge for the Australian side to break their losing streak against England at their home. But as the Kangaroos won the recent World Championship 2023 final against India, that too in England, the team will be high on confidence about this series as well.