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The oldest and the biggest rivalry in Test cricket, the Ashes is all set to commence on June 16 at Edgbaston. In the last edition of the competition, Australia absolutely decimated England but since then, the Ben Stokes-led side has completely transformed Tests by playing an attacking brand of cricket, which helped the team win series against New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and they also defeated India in the rescheduled fifth Test in 2022. However, against Australia, how successful will their new approach be? That’s the hottest topic in world cricket at the moment.

Well, The Pat Cummins-led side has been too hot to handle in Test cricket in the recent past. Their bowlers breathe fire in the middle and thus, England will definitely feel the heat. However, the English boys are confident about their approach and expect to finally win the urn back. On the other hand, Australia have not faced the wrath of this new-look England so far and it’s very difficult to predict how it will be. Thus, it won’t be surprising if the current World Champions in Test cricket play defensive cricket in the opening match, just to understand England’s brand of cricket.

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is currently fit and is likely to bowl after the cricketer recently became the first skipper in the history of Test cricket to win a match without batting, bowling or wicket-keeping. Other than that, James Anderson will most likely be making his return to the playing XI and so will Ollie Robinson, who suffered an injury while playing in the county championship.

Australia will be more or less confident after their brilliant win over India in the WTC final. Travis Head and Steven Smith were phenomenal with the bat while Scott Boland wreaked havoc in the middle. However, with Josh Hazlewood available for selection, it will be interesting if the team management backs Boland to get the job done in the middle. Nevertheless, a cracking series is very much expected.