Get ready as we delve deep into the 2017/18 Ashes Series, kicking off Thursday 23 November!
Cricket’s timeless rivalry lights up Brisbane this month, with Australia aiming to bounce back from a challenging 2017 against India and Bangladesh, while England looks to build on recent Test victories over the West Indies and South Africa.
Both teams bring experience from limited-overs formats, but now face the endurance and strategic demands of Test cricket in a demanding tour ahead.
Series Winner Odds
Australia 7/20 | Draw 33/10 | England 15/2
Australia Overview
Currently sitting fifth in the ICC Test rankings, Australia is keen to reclaim a top spot by capitalising on home advantage. Managing key players like Pat Cummins and the stunning return of Tim Paine will be pivotal. Excitingly, the Sydney Cricket Ground is ready to restore its reputation, and the Adelaide Oval will proudly host its inaugural day-night Ashes Test.
England Overview
With Joe Root taking the helm as captain and the return of Alastair Cook, England face a test of mettle far from home. The team grapples with injury setbacks in their bowling lineup and depend heavily on Moeen Ali, their frontline spinner. Root’s leadership and the squad’s ability to adapt under pressure will set the tone for this fiercely contested series.
Team News
Australia’s selection surprises include Tim Paine over Matt Renshaw for wicketkeeping duties, while Cameron Bancroft pushes for middle-order prominence. England faces injuries to key bowlers like Steven Finn, with new talents such as Mason Crane vying for spots. The balance between experience and youth will be crucial for both sides.
Ashes Records
Alastair Cook and James Anderson lead England’s runs and wickets against Australia, while Steve Smith and David Warner top Australia’s batting stats versus England. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon are the key bowlers to watch for the Aussies.
Recent Ashes History
Over the last decade, both nations have claimed five series wins each. England last triumphed away in 2011, while Australia’s 2014 whitewash shows their potential dominance. The 2015 series thrilled fans with a close 3-2 finish to England.
What the Captains Said
Steven Smith said, “It’s time to make better decisions under pressure and play the game properly. We need to change what isn’t working on the field.”
Joe Root shared, “We expect the series to be hostile and loud, with a strong competitive edge. We’re ready to face the challenge head-on.”
Fixtures
First Test: 23-27 November 2017, 02:00, Brisbane
Second Test: 2-6 December 2017, 02:00, Adelaide
Third Test: 14-18 December 2017, 04:30, Perth
Fourth Test: 26-30 December 2017, 01:30, Melbourne
Fifth Test: 4-8 January 2018, 01:30, Sydney
Squads
Australia (1st & 2nd Test): Steve Smith (captain), David Warner (vice-captain), Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers.
England: Joe Root (captain), James Anderson (vice-captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Crane, Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), George Garton, Jake Ball, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Chris Woakes.
Our Verdict: Australia 7/20
Timing and injury woes tip the scale in Australia’s favour on home soil. While England will put up a strong fight, expect Australia to clinch the series comfortably, possibly by a margin of two or more Tests.
