England v Australia: Three Key Ashes Battles To Look Out For

16.06.2023 - 02:32 sports.ndtv.com

England face Australia in the first Test of the five-match Ashes series starting at Edgbaston on Friday. Australia are aiming to retain the urn, while England hope to win the Ashes for the first time since 2015.

AFP Sport looks at three key battles that will help decide the series. Broad v Warner As two of the most outspoken and combative players in recent Ashes history, England pace bowler Stuart Broad and Australia opener David Warner will be at the centre of the drama.

Broad taunted Australia in the build-up to the series by saying he regarded England's 4-0 defeat "Down Under" in 2021/22 as a "void series" because of the strict coronavirus restrictions in place for his team.

The 36-year-old, with 582 Test wickets, remains one of England's key bowlers and will expect to back up his fighting talk with match-winning deeds.

cricket Australia Cricket Team England Cricket Team David Warner Australia South Africa Birmingham

Australia's Usman Khawaja dug in to put Australia in control against England after the hosts' batting collapse in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Friday. Ashes-holders Australia were strongly placed at 130-2 in their second innings, a lead of 221 runs, when rain forced an early close to the third day's play. Conditions for batting, with the floodlights switched on to counter the gloomy skies in London, were challenging.

Khawaja adds to England's Ashes agony after Starc strikes in 2nd Test

Australia's Usman Khawaja dug in to put Australia in control against England after the hosts' batting collapse in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Friday.

England vs Australia, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 2: Australia Stay In Game As England Gift Wickets

Australia preyed on England's determination to stick to aggressive 'Bazball' cricket as several batsmen fell into a hooking trap during the second Test at Lord's on Thursday. England, enjoying the best batting conditions of the match, were well placed at 188-1 in reply to Australia's first innings 416, with the visitors' spin bowler, Nathan Lyon, off the field with a calf injury. But England slumped to 222-4 as Australia bowled bouncers with as many as four men deep on the legside -- a tactic that could scarcely have been more obvious had it been signalled in neon lights.

Hook-happy England give away their wickets in 2nd Ashes Test

Australia preyed on England's determination to stick to aggressive 'Bazball' cricket as several batsmen fell into a hooking trap during the second Test at Lord's on Thursday.

Jonny Bairstow sent message by England teammate over reaction to Ashes protestor

Jonny Bairstow has been praised as a hero by his England teammate Josh Tongue after he prevented Just Stop Oil protesters from potentially disrupting the opening day of the second Ashes Test at Lord's.

England vs Australia, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 2, Live Score Updates: Steve Smith Eyes Ton, England Look To Bounce Back

ENG vs AUS, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 2, Live Updates:Australia will begin the Day 2 of the ongoing second Ashes Test against England from 339/5, at Lord's in London. Currently, Steve Smith (85*) and Alex Carey (11*) are standing unbeaten at the crease. Earlier on Day 1, David Warner smashed 66 while Travis Head scored 77 off 73. For England, Josh Tongue and Joe Root claimed two wickets apiece while Ollie Robinson scalped one wicket. England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl. (Live Scorecard)