Stuart Broad has been selected to join James Anderson in England’s pace attack for the opening Ashes Test against Australia. The first Test will take place at Edgbaston from 16th to 20th June. The match will be covered through live text commentary and in-play video clips on the Sport News Center website and app, as well as BBC Test Match Special on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. Daily highlights of “Today at the Test” will be available on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer starting from 19:00 BST.
In the quest to reclaim the Ashes they lost in 2017-18, England has chosen Stuart Broad over Mark Wood to bolster their pace attack alongside James Anderson and Ollie Robinson. Anderson has successfully recovered from a groin injury, while Robinson has overcome an ankle problem to secure their places in the team for the encounter at Edgbaston.
Moeen Ali, who came out of retirement to replace the injured Jack Leach, has been included in the XI as an off-spinner. Captain Ben Stokes, who has been managing a persistent left knee issue, displayed full intensity during training in Birmingham on Wednesday. However, due to lingering concerns about Stokes’ fitness, the team has opted for Broad’s vast experience and resilience over Wood’s additional pace, as Wood would have only been able to bowl in short, sharp spells.
The England XI for the first Ashes Test against Australia consists of the following players: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, and James Anderson.
Both Anderson and Robinson sat out the Test match against Ireland earlier this month as they were recovering from injuries sustained in county cricket. England aims to avoid a repeat of the situation that occurred four years ago at the same venue, when Anderson returned from injury but was forced to withdraw after bowling just four overs in the first Ashes Test.
At the age of 40 years and 321 days, Anderson is poised to become the oldest England player to open the bowling in an Ashes Test since George Geary in 1934. Broad, 36 years old, will have the opportunity to further enhance his remarkable record against Australia, as he currently holds the record for the highest number of Ashes wickets by an England bowler with 131. He will also renew his battle with Australian opener David Warner, whom he dismissed seven times in 10 innings during the 2019 series.
The Ashes series will be a crucial contest, and the performance of each team’s pace attack may play a significant role in determining the outcome. Australia is yet to announce their XI, with the only decision remaining being the selection of two fast bowlers from Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland to join captain Pat Cummins in their pace attack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cricket
Who has been selected in England’s pace attack for the Ashes 2023?
Stuart Broad has been selected to join James Anderson in England’s pace attack for the Ashes 2023.
Is Moeen Ali returning to the England cricket team?
Yes, Moeen Ali has come out of retirement and will be part of the England XI for the Ashes 2023.
What is the status of Ben Stokes’ fitness?
There are concerns about Ben Stokes’ fitness due to a long-term left knee problem, but he has been included in the England squad for the Ashes Test.
Where will the first Ashes Test take place?
The first Ashes Test will be held at Edgbaston.
How can I follow the coverage of the Ashes 2023?
The Ashes 2023 will be covered through live text commentary and in-play video clips on the Sport News Center website and app. Additionally, BBC Test Match Special on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra will provide coverage. Daily highlights will be available on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
What is Stuart Broad’s record against Australia?
Stuart Broad has an impressive record against Australia, having taken 131 Ashes wickets, which is the highest by any England bowler.
More about Cricket
- BBC Sport: The Ashes 2023
- Sport News Center website
- BBC Test Match Special
- BBC Sounds
- BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
- BBC Two
- BBC iPlayer
5 comments
anderson becoming the oldest england player to open the bowling in an ashes test, that’s impressive! broad’s 131 wickets against australia, he’s a real threat. can’t wait for the series to begin!
i’ll be glued to bbc test match special and follow the live updates on the sport news center website. ashes cricket, the ultimate rivalry! fingers crossed for a thrilling contest.
ben stokes’ fitness is a concern, but i hope he can play and make an impact. the ashes at edgbaston, always a thrilling venue! go england, let’s bring the urn back!
wow england has selected stuart broad over mark wood! big game experience matters in the ashes, hope broad does well. excited for the first test!
moeen ali coming out of retirement is a surprise! but it’s good to have him back in the team. can’t wait to see the battle between broad and warner again, broad always gets him out!