The Ashes Test cricket series featuring England and Australia is here with the first test kicking off on Wednesday at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The most celebrated rivals in international test cricket will play the first test from 10-14 July.
Overview:
Australia come into the contest after losing the last two Ashes series. Adding more salt to the wounds, they were whitewashed in India earlier this year. On the other hand, England have positive result from two of the Test series played this year. They drew the three-test series in New Zealand before beating them at home.
Previous Meetings:
Australia have 31-30 win-loss and five draws record against England in 66 Ashes series played till date. However, England won the last two series.
Team News:
England: Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Swann are back in the team after having recovered from injuries. Nick Compton could not make it to the team, so Joe Root is expected to open with skipper Alastair Cook.
On the bowling front, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan, Steve Finn and Graham Onions will lead from the front.
"This is an incredibly exciting period of cricket coming up against Australia and we know we will need to play to our full potential throughout the entire Ashes series if we are to retain the Ashes," England selector Geoff Miller told BBC.
"Everyone's desperately excited to be here today. It's been such a big build up to (the game). We have to remind ourselves why we're so lucky to get to play an Ashes series. That's why we play sport in the first place," Alastair Cook told ABC News ahead of the series.
"We are satisfied with our preparations so far ahead of the first Test, with both Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad recovering well from the injuries they picked up earlier this week. The squad will continue their hard work over the next few days and will be eagerly anticipating the start of the series on Wednesday at Trent Bridge."
Australia: David Warner, who faced a four-week suspension, is set to return to the team for the Ashes. He is expected to bat at six with Phil Hughes at five and Ed Cowan at three. Skipper Michael Clarke is also back after missing the Champions Trophy due to a injury.
On the bowling front, they have Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, James Faulkner and Ryan Harris.
"I'm 100 per cent fit, yes I have to deal with my back every day of my life but I have come through the tour games fine so far," Michael Clarke told ABC News about his fitness.
"It's about time I scored some more runs for Australia ... the other guys will be fine. I'm focused on my job, I'm really confident in the other guys."
Prediction:
England are the favourites to win the first test.
Squads:
England: Alastair Cook captain), Joe Root, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Steven Finn, James Anderson, Graham Onions
Australia: Michael Clarke (captain), Chris Rogers, Ed Cowan, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Shane Watson, James Faulkner, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, Matthew Wade, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Jackson Bird, Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar
Where to Watch Live:
The match will kick off at 3:30 PM IST (Wednesday) in India and it will be broadcast live on Ten Cricket channel.
