The Ashes 1st Test Prediction, Preview, and Odds (June 16-20)
- The Ashes get underway at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Friday, June 16
- Historic rivalry between England and Australia dates back to 1882
Few sporting rivalries are as intense as England and Australia. Every two years, the nations clash in the legendary Ashes series, which sees a total of five tests played across just over a month. This year, England will have home advantage, as they bid to end Australiaโs run of dominance in The Ashes. The 1st Test will take place at Edgbaston, Birmingham, beginning on Friday, June 16.
How To Watch
- When: Friday, June 16, 2023- Tuesday, June 20, 2023
- Where: Edgbaston, Birmingham, England
- How To Watch: Willow TV
Odds
| 1st Test Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| England | |
| Draw | |
| Australia |
Match Preview
Australia will kick off the opening test as the clear favorites in the betting to claim victory at Edgbaston. The Aussies have won 34 of the previous 72 Ashes seriesโ, and they come into this yearโs event having retained the Urn in each of the previous three meetings between the nations. Australia also has a 38.9% success rate in the test seriesโ played in England, winning 29.8% of the tests.
The Aussies should come into the opening test in good confidence, as they were crowned World Test Champions just last week, defeating India by 209 runs at Lords. Australia did the majority of the damage in the opening innings, as they scored an impressive 469 runs. Travis Head hit 163 runs, while Steve Smith scored 121. The bowlers also impressed, with Pat Cummins taking three wickets in the opening innings, before Nathan Lyon dismissed four in the second.
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England will certainly not be fearful of the challenge that awaits them this summer, as the team has transformed under the captaincy of Ben Stokes. The all-rounder has made the team more aggressive with bat and ball, and few nations are more exciting to watch in test match action at present. England warmed up for The Ashes with a comfortable ten-wicket win over Ireland, scoring a tremendous 524 in the first innings.
Ollie Pope was the standout star in that match, as he scored a tremendous 205 runs. Meanwhile, Ben Duckett added 182. England has benefited from home advantage in previous encounters, winning 50% of the seriesโ played at home. However, there are still lingering doubts surrounding the fitness of Stokes coming into the series, as the captain didnโt bowl or bat in the recent win over Ireland. He will need to be at full fitness for his nation throughout The Ashes.
The Ashes 1st Test Prediction
England will be looking to recreate the famous finish to the Ashes test match at Edgbaston in 2005 in the opening test over the next five days. Australia demolished England 18 months ago, but the hosts have certainly improved since then. However, it remains a question whether they have improved enough. England will need to get off to a quick start on Friday. But, we could see the hosts putting down a significant marker with the bat in the opening test, at a ground that is well-suited to hit big boundaries.
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