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First Ashes Test preview: England vs Australia - prediction, stars to watch and suggested bets

Australia's Steve Smith reaches his century during day two of the ICC World Test Championship Final - June 2023

The opening Test of the Ashes series starts this week, with both teams looking to set an early precedent.

Who, when, where

England vs Australia, Friday 16 June to Tuesday 20 June, Birmingham

Talking points

One of cricket's oldest rivalries resumes, as England's 'Bazball' era comes up against new World Test Championship title holders Australia. It's Ben Stokes' hosts against Pat Cummins' tourists and we can't wait for what should be an enthralling few days at Edgbaston.

Planet Sport Bet boost: Pat Cummins to Take 10 or More Wickets in the Match (was 16/1 - now 22/1)

England have won seven of their last 10 Tests in Birmingham. Their only two defeats here, though, have come in the last three matches - and one was against Australia. What used to be a veritable fortress for the hosts has been proven penetrable of late.

Several Australian cricketers, past and present, have had their say about how England's newfound aggression under Stokes and Brendon McCullum might soon be found wanting and there is no doubt Cummins, Mitchell Starc and the rest will be the strongest bowling attack the English have faced in a while.

England, remember, only really have their one-off Test against Ireland to go on in terms of form. The Aussies go into this Ashes opener after facing India in the WTC final.

Head-to-head

Australia have not lost a single Test to England in their last five meetings, with four wins and a draw to show for their dominance over the old enemy.

Stars to watch

Harry Brook had a tremendous start to his Test career but this series will be a reckoning of sorts for the young buck. The Aussies will surely look to get under his nose with plenty of short stuff.

Bowling-wise, let's see if Josh Tongue perhaps gains selection ahead of Chris Woakes again. Edgbaston conditions could play right into Tongue's forte.

Scott Boland should get selected ahead of Josh Hazlewood. Even if the more experienced player has regained full fitness, Boland has been in remarkable form. His lines and lengths have been consistently impeccable. He probably deserves a go in, at least, the first Ashes Test ahead of Hazlewood.

Batting-wise, well, Steven Smith - enough said.

Prediction

England are navigating some fitness niggles among their bowlers. They don't have fast bowler Jofra Archer - and seamers James Anderson and Ollie Robinson have all but been wrapped in cotton wool.

The duo will be unleashed for the series opener but against an Australian XI full of confidence and favourites to win at Edgbaston.

Suggested bets

Australia to beat England

Stuart Broad to be the top bowler for England
Steven Smith to be the top batsman for Australia

READ MORE: The Ashes series preview: Squads, star players, dates, venues and tips

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