Category: Cricket

England go 2-0 down in yet another thrilling 2023 Ashes test.

Another nail-biting encounter and another agonising defeat for England in a somewhat controversial second Ashes Test at Lord’s. A thrilling game of cricket saw Australia come away as winners by 43 runs after yet another dogged Ben Stokes innings of 155. The defeat saw England go 2-0 down to Australia in the series with the home side having a mountain to climb if they are to have any hope of regaining the Ashes.

After losing the toss, Australian opening pair David Warner and Usman Khawaja strode out to the crease to put on an opening partnership of 73. It was Josh Tongue, in only his second test match for England, who drew first blood as he dismissed Khawaja for a timid 17 compared to his superb batting display at Edgbaston. It was also Tongue who dismissed Warner for 66, the number one’s highest score so far in the series. But it was Steve Smith, England’s nemesis, who was back to his usual self as he scored yet another test match century, his 32nd of his career and his second at Lord’s. It was a dominant first innings display from Australia and one that saw them bowled out for 416.

It was then up to Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley to chip away at that total with the pair achieving England’s highest opening partnership since 2013 of 91. Fast hands from Australian wicket keeper Alex Carey saw Crawley fall for 48 as Duckett ploughed on. Pope was the second to fall as a culmination of poor batting and tactical bowling saw England slip from 188-1 to 222-4. Alongside it fell the wicket of Ben Duckett pulling to David Warner at fine leg on a bitter-sweet 98 runs. A good knock, but not good enough as far as England were concerned.

The next 6 wickets fell for 103 runs as England saw themselves bowled, or ‘bounced’, out for 325 in front of a full capacity home crowd. Some would argue a good score but after starting so strongly, England fans couldn’t help but think ‘what if’.

And so back out came the Australian openers hoping to extend their lead of 91 runs. Extending their lead they did, but not quite how they wanted as far as Pat Cummins was concerned, as they were bowled out for 279 while seeing 92 runs fall for 7 wickets. England deployed a similar tactic used by Cummins and his side, bowling the short stuff, setting England a target of 371 to win.

It was always going to be a tough target for England to chase, however, one thing was for certain, they weren’t about to give it up easily. A poor start from England made day 5 look uncertain after some unplayable Aussie bowling saw Stokes’ side 45-4. But it was the two Bens, Duckett and Stokes, who rallied taking the score to 114-4 overnight.

Duckett was the first to fall on Day 5 for another commendable knock of 83 silencing many of the critics after the first test. England found themselves 177-5 with a mammoth task ahead of them as Jonny Bairstow came out to bat.

A dubious dropped catch by Mitchell Starc was given ‘not out’ on day 4, as he appeared to run the ball along the ground after catching it. This was much to the disagreement of former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath exclaiming it was ‘the biggest load of rubbish he had ever seen.’ But Starc’s drop wasn’t the biggest controversy of England’s second innings.

In the last delivery of a Cameron Green over, Bairstow ducked out of the way of a short ball, tapped his foot and began walking to meet Stokes for a chat. While doing so he left his crease as wicketkeeper Alex Carey threw the ball and hit the stumps. Australia appealed and umpire Marais Erasmus had no choice but to give Jonny Bairstow out for 10 runs.

Australia’s unsporting behaviour was ridiculed by many and very nearly came back to bite them. The dismissal of Bairstow only put Stokes in the mood as he raced from 62 to 100 in just 16 balls. Partnered with Stuart Broad, Stokes hit nine sixes, a record in an Ashes innings, while Broad tried to start an argument with anyone in Australian whites. Dropped on 77 and twice on 114, it was looking like another miraculous innings from the all rounder and he would have had to surpass even his heroics from Headingley four years ago. And he was threatening to do so until a top-edge on 155 off the bowling of Josh Hazelwood. A trudge back to the pavilion after another remarkable innings from the Durham man as he got his team to within 70 of the target.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. England were shortly bowled out afterwards for 327 runs, with Josh Tongue being the last wicket to fall.

Positives for England

Yet again an enthralling test match that went right down to the final day and a match that England can take many positives from. Consecutively scoring more than 300 runs against Australia is something many England fans could only have dreamed of in 2019 the last time the visitors were here. Impressive batting displays from Duckett and Stokes will give England confidence ahead of the next test on Thursday. Not to mention, an injury to Australian spinner Nathan Lyon on day 2 ruling him out of the Ashes which could be pivotal if England are to find a way back into this series.

Questions over ‘Bazball’

After another defeat, England fans and critics are starting to question whether this new era of entertaining cricket from England known as ‘Bazball’ is really working. This comes after England’s batting display where many claim the top and middle order ‘threw their wickets away’ falling victim to the short ball that Australia persistently bowled. Particularly, it was Harry Brook who fell under heavy criticism after his shot caught by Cummins was described as not dissimilar to a ‘baseball’ shot. With that said, when England bowled the short ball to Australia, they also fell into a similar trap. So is it really poor cricket or is it about practising to face the short ball?

A game of controversy

In a game that saw some incredible cricket played, it was clouded over by some questionable Australian tactics after the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow. There is no question that it was out, however, should Pat Cummins have withdrawn the appeal and invited Bairstow back on? The incident resulted in many disagreements including constant booing from the home crowd, confrontation between Usman Khawaja and MCC members as well as Stuart Broad doing his best to wind up the Australian fielders explaining to Alex Carey ‘it was the worst thing he has ever seen in cricket’. Many have branded the Australian team a ‘disgrace’ and it is safe to say it will be a fiery encounter at Headingley on Thursday.

England have a mountain to climb if they are to have any hope of regaining the Ashes and the task will require them to win all three of their remaining games. They haven’t played particularly badly throughout the series and if the previous tests are anything to go off, it will be another edge of the seat affair at Headingley. Why not watch the Ashes from the best seats in the house with Engage Hospitality?

England lose a close first test of the 2023 Ashes

After months of build up and selection headaches, cricket fans up and down the country finally got to see how ‘Bazball’ would fare against Australia in the first Test of this Ashes series.

Ultimately, the result didn’t go England’s way but in one of the most enthralling Test matches in recent history, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic going forward.

Any nerves that had set in at Edgbaston were quickly put to bed as Zak Crawley smashed Pat Cummins for four off the Test’s first ball. That confidence from England’s opener urged on the vocal crowd and set the tone for the rest of the match.

Ben Stokes and co. epitomised England’s new bold, aggressive and all-round entertaining approach as they built up a healthy first innings score. And our new era offered the first signs of unpredictability as well. Stokes shocked fans, pundits and Aussies alike as he opted to declare on 393 before the first day had come to a close.

It proved to be a risky strategy. Australia, led by the stubborn Usman Khawaja who racked up 141, got to just 7 runs shy of England’s total, meaning it was all to play for going into the second innings.

As England went back out to bat, they would have been hoping for more than 273, which left the visitors with a chase just one run fewer than their unsuccessful Edgbaston target back in 2005.

But on a final day that was disrupted by rain, offering ideal conditions for England’s swing bowlers, Australia somehow ground their way to a two-wicket victory thanks to an impressive 55-run partnership from Cummins and Nathan Lyon.

What positives can England take?

In years gone by, a defeat like this would have resulted in doom and gloom. Although, such is the nature of this new era of English cricket, attention is already focussed on continuing in the same manner next time out.

The match was decided on fine margins. It could have been so different had Stuart Broad’s foot been an inch further back for Khawaja’s no-ball dismissal or if our fielders showed a tiny bit more composure on one of our many dropped catches.

By the time the second Test comes around, Moeen Ali’s blistered finger will have had time to heal, giving England an extra weapon in attack. And while there were some grumblings about Jonny Bairstow’s capability as wicket keeper, four catches in Australia’s second innings will have done his confidence the world of good.

Stokes has already made it clear that he won’t change approach for the Lord’s Test and for good reason. For the first time in a long time, England are bold, exciting and entertaining. It feels as though interest in Test cricket in this country is back to where it should be – long may it continue.

Test 2: Lord’s – 28th June to 2nd July

Next up, Ben Stokes takes his side to Lord’s, where the skipper scored a second innings century and was crowned player of the match last time out in a test that was eventually drawn due to the rain.

The scene of some of the most iconic moments in Ashes history, Lord’s is regarded as one of the most prestigious sporting venues in the world. Can England create magic once again in London?

Hospitality at Lord’s

At The Ivy you’ll enjoy a stunning day of exquisite cuisine at the famous Ivy restaurant in between watching all the thrilling action at Lord’s.

Includes a hot breakfast, premium lunch and afternoon tea at The Ivy, as well as inclusive drinks throughout including access to the Father Time Bar after 4pm. Only available for days one to three of the Lord’s test.

There’s no better place to watch a full day’s cricket than at Lord’s in our ICON facility at the Nursery Pavilion. You’ll be entertained throughout by world-renowned cricket names and ICON includes a full complimentary premium food and drink offering in the Grand Stand.

Secure your own private box at Lord’s for your company to enjoy a premium experience at the home of cricket. Holding up to 18 guests, with a designated seating area, a complimentary bar and a brilliant informal grazing menu.

A Summer of Ashes Cricket

An English summer wouldn’t be quite the same without cricket’s two oldest rivals locking horns in the Ashes – and you can be part of the action, with five thrilling Test matches to look forward to.

For the first time since 2019, England go head-to-head with bitter rivals Australia on home soil in a bid to win the trophy that may be world sport’s smallest in size, but is arguably its biggest in tradition.

It all started at the Oval way back in 1882, when Australia shocked the world by beating England for the first time. A newspaper claimed that it was the ‘death of English cricket’, joking in an obituary that English cricket would be burned and the ashes sent to Australia. Fast forward to the next tour in Oz and a pair of bails were burned, placed in an urn and awarded to the winner. The rest, as they say, is history.

England haven’t claimed the famous urn since 2015, with Australia targeting their fourth successive series win and their 35th Ashes title. But a lot has changed for the hosts since their disappointing showing ‘down under’ at the start of last year and they’ll be keen to show the world that English Test cricket is well and truly back.

2023 Ashes team news

Having lost the last three Ashes series, England have undergone a huge overhaul, with T20 World Cup hero Ben Stokes now leading them as captain. The all-rounder scored the most runs for England in 2019 and, alongside coach Brendon McCullum, he’s looking to turn their fortunes around.

They’ll be aided by former captain Joe Root, who’s still a key cog in the side despite stepping down as skipper last year. Johnny Bairstow has been recalled having recovered from a broken leg, with fellow wicket keeper Ben Foakes set to miss out.

Sadly, England will be without Jofra Archer, who has been ruled out for the entire summer with a stress fracture in his elbow. They’re also sweating on the fitness of veteran Jimmy Anderson, who is struggling with a groin injury.

For the Aussies, Steve Smith will be looking to continue his stunning Ashes form in England, having finished as the highest runs scorer in 2019, notching three centuries.

Meanwhile, captain Pat Cummins will once again strike fear into the hearts of England’s batting line-up. The fast bowler has topped the wicket-taking charts in each of the last two Ashes series.

Elsewhere, David Warner is expected to keep his place in the squad despite his disappointing record in England, recording an average of just 9.6 in 2019.

2023 Ashes Schedule

Test 1: Edgbaston – 16th to 20th June

The first Test takes us to Edgbaston, home of Warwickshire and the annual host of the T20 Vitality Blast Finals Day. England will be looking to get off to a strong start but will be wary of a repeat of the opener in 2019.

Smith scored centuries in both innings last time out, giving Australia their first win at Edgbaston since 2001, as well as their first win in an opening Ashes Test on English soil since 2005.

Hospitality at Edgbaston

The Skyline is an exciting, new and premium facility situated at the very height of the Pavilion Stand. Boasting a live DJ, premium buffet and a complimentary drinks package.

The 1882 Club offers you the chance to enjoy the day’s play from a fantastic viewing restaurant on the second tier of the Pavilion Stand.

Aylesford Boxes are located behind the Raglan and Priory Stands, catering for 12 or 16 guests with their very own private balcony.

The Edgbaston Experience Club hospitality offers an informal option.  The quality of the breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea will not disappoint.

TV screens are on display so you can soak up the build-up and analysis during the breaks in play and you will only ever be a short stroll from your official match seat.

Test 2: Lord’s – 28th June to 2nd July

Next up, Ben Stokes takes his side to Lord’s, where the skipper scored a second innings century and was crowned player of the match last time out in a test that was eventually drawn due to the rain.

The scene of some of the most iconic moments in Ashes history, Lord’s is regarded as one of the most prestigious sporting venues in the world. Can England create magic once again in London?

Hospitality at Lord’s

At The Ivy you’ll enjoy a stunning day of exquisite cuisine at the famous Ivy restaurant in between watching all the thrilling action at Lord’s.

Includes a hot breakfast, premium lunch and afternoon tea at The Ivy, as well as inclusive drinks throughout including access to the Father Time Bar after 4pm. Only available for days one to three of the Lord’s test.

There’s no better place to watch a full day’s cricket than at Lord’s in our ICON facility at the Nursery Pavilion. You’ll be entertained throughout by world-renowned cricket names and ICON includes a full complimentary premium food and drink offering in the Grand Stand.

Secure your own private box at Lord’s for your company to enjoy a premium experience at the home of cricket. Holding up to 18 guests, with a designated seating area, a complimentary bar and a brilliant informal grazing menu.

Test 3: Headingley – 6th to 10th July

The midway point of this year’s Ashes takes place at Yorkshire’s Headingley, where another Stokes century saw England narrowly win by one wicket four years ago.

Having fallen to a dismal 67 runs in the first innings, the hosts recorded their highest ever successful run chase in a Test match. That iconic comeback joined Ian Botham’s 1981 heroics in the Headingley history books.

Hospitality at Headingley

Hospitality for The Ashes Series is incredibly high in demand and Headingley hospitality is always highly sought after, including some of the best packages in world cricket.

Test 4: Old Trafford – 19th to 23rd July

The old enemies stay up north for the fourth Test and England will be forgiven for having nightmares ahead of the clash in Manchester. Australia retained the Ashes with a win here last time, strolling to victory thanks to Steve Smith’s incredible 211 runs.

Lancashire’s home patch was also the scene of the ‘ball of the century’, with Shane Warne famously dismissing ICON’s very own Mike Gatting with the first ball of the Test back in 1993.

Hospitality at Old Trafford

The ICON facility at The Emirates Old Trafford is a stunning hospitality option situated within a premium section of The Point.

Guests can enjoy a specially designed menu from our award-winning catering team, plus full complimentary drinks service and special appearance from a Cricketing legend.

Test 5: Kia Oval – 27th to 31st July

The final Test of the series sees the two sides return to the Kia Oval, the place where the Ashes began 140 years ago. Joe Root notched his 7,000th Test run on Surrey’s turf as England won to level the series in 2019.

But it was too little too late as the draw saw holders Australia keep the urn once again. Fancy England to get their vengeance this time around? You can support the team in style with one of Engage’s Ashes hospitality packages.

Hospitality at the Kia Oval

Our brilliant ICON facility in the second tier of the JM Finn stand is one of the best views you can have at the Kia Oval.

You’ll be entertained throughout by world-renowned cricket names and ICON includes a full complimentary premium food and drink offering.

Our LIVE hospitality package at the Kia Oval is a more relaxed, informal hospitality offering that also provides a brilliant view of the cricket, with a complimentary bar for you to enjoy throughout the day.

Alongside a brilliant informal buffet menu, it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet and take photos with cricket legends.

Which Ashes stars are playing in the IPL?

The Ashes are fast approaching and England haven’t won the famous Urn since 2015, including two 4-0 series losses away in Australia.

Ben Stoke’s men will be looking for revenge under new[ish] coach Brendon McCullum who led England to an unbeaten 2022 after he took charge that March.

The bookmakers can’t split the two sides ahead of the tournament. At this stage, predicting a winner is virtually impossible, but one thing is for sure, the series will be a spectacle.

The real winners are going to be those who can get their hands on tickets across the five nominated venues; Edgbaston, Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval. Not only are these some of the most sacred stadiums in world cricket, but the promise of more runs and quick wickets courtesy of ‘Bazball’ should make this series one of the most entertaining yet.

With little to choose between the two teams, cricket analysts are looking for any clues ahead of the 1st Test in June. A glance at both prospective squads and both England and Australia have key players playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the series.

The IPL is the pinnacle of franchise T20 cricket and boasts some of the biggest stars in the sport including David Warner, Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes. The league began in late March with the final game being played on 1 June, just two weeks before the first Ashes Test.

Ahead of the IPL, the respective stances of the two Ashes captains was notable. Pat Cummins of Australia opted out of this year’s IPL in order to focus on the Ashes. Ben Stokes, on the other hand, has received pain-killing injections to ensure he can play in the tournament.

With one eye on the Ashes, here’s a look at some of the key players for England and Australia currently plying their trade in the IPL.

England Test players in the IPL

Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings)

Test skipper Ben Stokes has missed the first two games of the IPL due to injury but is set to return as a specialist batter for the Chennai Super Kings before heading off to prepare for England’s first Test of the summer against Ireland on 1 June.

England fans will be praying Stokes avoids an injury during his stint in the IPL. As captain, he carries the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, a position he seems to thrive in. During the 2019 Ashes, at the end of a decisive third Test at Headingley, Stokes finished unbeaten on 135 as England recorded their highest successful chase. His final four was one of the most thrilling moments in the history of the Ashes.

Harry Brook – Sunrisers Hyderabad

Yorkshire batter Harry Brook was snapped up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad just four months after making his Test cricket debut. Brook recently recorded his first century in this year’s IPL after a slow start in his opening three games. Since making his Test cricket debut, Brook has scored 807 runs and averaged 100.87 in his first nine innings – a new Test cricket record. England fans will be hoping he carries this form over into the Ashes.

Jofra Archer – Mumbai Indians

Fast bowler Jofra Archer will have his finger crossed for a Test return after a two-year absence due to injury. For Archer, the IPL may have come at the right time as he tries to build up match fitness.

Archer has claimed 42 wickets with an average of 31.04 in his 13 Tests for England, although his last appearance came during a 10-wicket defeat against India in February 2021, a year before McCullum took charge.

Joe Root – Rajasthan Royals

Star batter and former England captain Joe Root makes his IPL debut for the Rajasthan Royals. Root hasn’t played T20 cricket since 2019 and it’s unclear how much of a role he will play for the Royals, although the experience will stand him and other England players in good stead ahead of the ODI World Cup in India this Autumn.

As for Test cricket, Root’s record is there for all to see, he is England’s second-highest Test run-scorer of all time behind Alistar Cook, and he’s only 32.

Australia Test players in the IPL

Cameron Green – Mumbai Indians

23-year-old all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive Australian in the history of the IPL when he joined the Mumbai Indians for approximately $3.15 million AUD. Considered to be of the country’s brightest young stars, Green claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket in 2020 and scored his first Test century in March 2023 in a series against India.

Josh Hazlewood – Royal Challengers Bangalore

The tall pace bowler has been a part of the last two Ashes series and has often been compared to Aussie bowling legend Glenn McGrath.

Hazlewood currently ranks no.2 in ODI, and no.1 in T20I in the ICC Men’s Player Rankings. He was a part of the Australian side that won both 2015 Cricket World Cup and 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Australia fans will be hoping he can carry over his strong form with the white ball into Test cricket, although his Ashes build up has been blighted by injury – he is yet to make an appearnace for the Royal Challengers due to an issue with his achilles.

David Warner – Delhi Capitals

A batsman whose skill has been undermined by several controversies, the most high profile of which was a ball-tampering scandal in 2018 that ultimately led to a one year suspension from international cricket.

The former vice Test captain is the third highest run scorer of all-time in the IPL but he’s currently winless in five matches with the Capitals this year. The left-hander is yet to hit a six in 228 runs and 195 deliveries in the competition, which is well below expectiations for a cricketer of his stature in the T20 format.

Time will tell if Warner finds his feet before the start of the Ashes, where a more conservative approach might suit the Aussies go-to opener of the last decade.

Our Ashes Hospitality

Experience one of Cricket’s biggest test matches with Engage Hospitality. With packages for every test match over the summer, Engage can guarantee great service while watching an exciting match.

Find out more about our Ashes Hospitality.

Rarely has there been so much optimism surrounding England Test cricket. Following the Ashes debacle down under in 2021/22, England secured eight wins from nine since April last year.

The most recent of these victories came against Pakistan in December 2022, as the tourists claimed a series whitewash, winning the final test by eight wickets.

It capped off a remarkable year for England in Test cricket, one that saw them defeat New Zealand, India and South Africa. However, it’s not just England’s winning record that is impressing fans but the style in which they are playing.

‘Baz’ ball success

Much of England’s recent success can be attributed to New Zealander Brendon ‘Baz’ McCullum, who was announced as England’s Head Coach in April last year. Since then, England have averaged 4.77 runs every over, their previous best was 3.81 in 2011 and they have only surpassed the 3.5-run mark in five out of 145 years of Test cricket.

McCullum’s super-aggressive tactics have been likened to T20 – regardless of England’s position in the game, all batters are encouraged to go for their shots rather than sit back and defend.

In a sport so often written off as slow and boring, this England team is reinventing the way Test cricket can be played, and winning convincingly in the process. It is therefore unsurprising to see so many fans buoyed by a festival of summer cricket.

Before England’s Ashes showdown with Australia, they must first take on the Kiwis in a two-test series in New Zealand. This will be the second time New Zealand have faced England in the McCullum era, it will be fascinating to see if they approach the game any differently, we know England won’t.

Summer Test Cricket

England vs Ireland: Thursday June 1 – Monday June 5 – Lord’s, London

In a one-off Test match ahead of the Ashes England will take on Ireland at Lord’s. The last time the two teams faced each other was in the T20 World Cup in October 2022, when Ireland caused an upset, winning by five runs. Thankfully for England that would remain the low point of a tournament they ended up winning, beating Pakistan in the final by five wickets.

The Ashes 2023

1st Test – Friday June 16 – Tuesday June 20 – Edgbaston, Birmingham

2nd Test – Wednesday June 28 – Sunday July 2 – Lord’s, London

3rd Test – Thursday July 6 – Monday July 10 – Headingley, Leeds

4th Test – Wednesday July 19 – Sunday July 23 – Old Trafford, Manchester

5th Test – Thursday July 27 – Monday July 31 – The Oval, London

The highlight of the summer is undoubtedly the 2023 Ashes series in England. Australia is currently the world’s number-one ranked Test side and will arguably be England’s toughest opponent since McCullum was appointed, not least because of their impressive bowling attack, which will put England’s front-foot batting firmly under the microscope.

With the likes of Hazelwood, Cummins and Starc, Australia boasts one of the fastest bowling lineups of all time and are likely to meet fire with fire if England continues to bat as aggressively as they are.

England haven’t lost an Ashes series on home soil since 2001 and the bookmakers can’t split the two sides ahead of the tournament. At this stage, predicting a winner is virtually impossible, but one thing is for sure, the series will be a spectacle.

The real winners are going to be those who can get their hands on tickets across the five nominated venues; Edgbaston, Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval. Not only are these some of the most sacred stadiums in world cricket, but the promise of more runs and quick wickets courtesy of Bazball should make this series one of the most entertaining yet.

Not only that but the aggressive style of both teams could lead to quicker innings and reduce the impact the notoriously unpredictable English weather might have on playing time.

Summer T20 cricket

Twenty20 International Series vs New Zealand

Wednesday August 30 – Riverside, Chester-le-Street (6pm)

Friday September 1 – Old Trafford, Manchester (6pm)

Sunday September 3 – Edgbaston, Birmingham (2:30pm)

Thursday September 5 – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (6pm)

Many England fans are still buzzing from England’s T20 World Cup triumph in October. With a series to contest with New Zealand shortly after the Ashes, will it be a case of bouncing back from defeat or building on the momentum from victory? One thing is for sure, putting bat to ball for 20 Overs will be the perfect response.

Summer ODI cricket

ODI Series vs New Zealand

Friday September 8 – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (12:30pm)

Sunday September 10 – The Ageas Bowl, Southampton (11am)

Wednesday September 13 – The Oval, London (12:30pm)

Friday September 15 – Lord’s, London (12:30pm)

ODI Series vs Ireland

Wednesday September 20 – Headingley, Leeds (12:30pm)

Saturday September 23 – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (11am)

Tuesday September 26 – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol (12:30pm)

With all the excitement of The Ashes and England’s recent T20 success, it’s easy to forget that there’s a cricket World Cup to be won this year, which is played in the ODI format (One inning with 50 Overs per side). Of course, England will go into the tournament as reigning champs, and who could forget the heroics of Ben Stokes in the final vs New Zealand in 2019? The all-rounder scored 14 runs from four balls to take the match into an unprecedented Super Over, with six balls for each side to decide the winner. England ultimately claimed victory and will be hoping to repeat their success at the World Cup in India this October/November.

However, before that, England will play against New Zealand and Ireland in warm-up matches before the big event. With Ben Stokes retired from the ODI format, will a new England player announce themselves as a potential hero before entering the world stage?

This time last year, England’s Test team were well on their way to a 0-4 Ashes thrashing in Australia. The dismal performance down under sparked a series of sackings, including that of head coach Chris Silverwood.

Fast-forward to winter 2022 and ‘Bazball’ is in full swing under new coach Brendon McCullum, who, along with captain Ben Stokes has secured eight wins from nine since April.

The latest of those victories came against Pakistan on December 12th, as the tourists sealed a 26-run victory in the second Test in Multan, to clinch the series with one Test remaining. England won the 1st Test in record-breaking fashion, by becoming the first team ever to end day one of a Test match with four centurions, they were also the first team to cross the 500-run mark on the first day of a Test match since Australia in 1910.

It caps off a remarkable year for England in Test cricket, one that has seen them defeat New Zealand, India and South Africa. However, it’s not just England’s winning record that is impressing fans but the style in which they are playing.

What is Bazball?

It has been a theme since New Zealander Brendon ‘Baz’ McCullum took the realms – to bat every Test match as though it’s T20. Since April, England has averaged 4.77 runs every over, their previous best was 3.81 in 2011 and they have only surpassed the 3.5 run mark in five out of 145 years of Test cricket.

Regardless of their position within the game, the approach of the England batting team under McCullum has been to bat aggressively at all costs. This was none more evident than in the 5th Test against India in July, where England chased a record 378 to win the match.

With each passing victory, the feeling has always been England will get found out by their next opponent, but that so far hasn’t happened. In Spring 2023, England will face New Zealand for the second time under McCullum, it will be fascinating to see how they will fare against a team that has played them in this groove before.

Ashes 2023

All this leads nicely into the 2023 Ashes series in England. Australia is currently the world’s number-one ranked Test side and will arguably be England’s toughest opponent since McCullum was appointed, not least because of their impressive bowling attack, which will put England’s front-foot batting firmly under the microscope.

With the likes of Hazelwood, Cummins and Starc Australia boast one of the fastest bowling lineups of all time and are likely to meet fire with fire if England continues to bat as aggressively as they are.

England haven’t lost an Ashes series on home soil since 2001 and the bookmakers can’t split the two sides ahead of the tournament. At this stage, predicting a winner is virtually impossible, but one thing is for sure, the series will be a spectacle.

The real winners are going to be those who can get their hands on tickets across the five nominated venues; Edgbaston, Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval. Not only are these some of the most sacred stadiums in world cricket, but the promise of more runs and quick wickets courtesy of Bazball should make this series one of the most entertaining yet.

Not only that but the aggressive style of both teams could lead to quicker innings and reduce the impact the notoriously unpredictable English weather might have on playing time.

Edgbaston

The 1st Test of the Ashes Series will be hosted at Edgbaston in Birmingham between 16–20 June 2023. The venue has happy memories for head coach McCullum who achieved the highest score in English domestic T20 history for the Birmingham Bears with 158 not out off 64 balls.

Edgbaston was also the setting for England’s closest-ever Ashes Test victory in 2005, where the Barmy Army roared the team on to a two-run victory, hailed by many as the greatest Test of all time.

Lord’s

Commonly referred to as the home of cricket, this is a must-visit stadium for any self-respecting cricket fan. The historic ground will host the 2nd Test on 28 June–2 July 2023.

Not always the happiest stomping ground for England but a history-making venue nonetheless, in 2005 Glen McGrath of Australia got five wickets from 54 balls to rescue his side in one of the greatest bowling displays in Ashes history.

Headingley

Based in Leeds, this ground will host the 3rd Test from 6–10 July 2023.

In 2019, England chased down their highest-ever fourth innings target in the third Test of the 2019 Ashes series against Australia. England scored 362-9 to win, with Ben Stokes scoring 135 while being latterly partnered by the bespectacled Jack Leach who scored 1. This was one of the greatest Test matches in recent memory, as the Headingley crowd cheered the winning boundary by Stokes. A moment that still gives England fans goosebumps to this day.

Old Trafford

The 4th Test will be in Manchester between 19–23 July 2023. It is the second oldest Test venue after The Oval and hosted the first Ashes Test in England in 1884.

In the 1956 Ashes series, England’s right-arm spinner Jim Laker claimed a ten-wicket haul in single innings and achieved 19 wickets for 90 runs – a bowling record which is unmatched in Test and first-class cricket, but is only one England capitulation from being broken in 2023!

The Oval

As is tradition, the final Ashes Test will be at The Oval in South London on 27–31 July 2023.

The closest Ashes Series’ have all been decided here, including 2005, where a young Kevin Pietersen secured England’s first Ashes since 1989.

With the 2023 series expected to be every bit as close, The Oval is definitely a venue to keep an eye on.

Written by @BayleyCakes_

Disruptions don’t scupper England’s explosiveness to secure the series

England sealed an impressive 2-1 series win against South Africa with yet another dominant display on home soil this summer at the Kia Oval. With Crawley and Lees resuming on 97-0, England required just 33 more runs heading into the final day to wrap up the series, which, despite the fall of Lees, were knocked out with minimal fuss to win convincingly by nine wickets.

South Africa storm the opener at Lord’s

When this series began at Lord’s in mid-August, many a pundit and commentator were of the opinion that the swashbuckling brand of cricket England had displayed in their 3-0 series win against New Zealand and their record breaking test win against India earlier on in the summer would not be sustainable. And, for a few days, after being put into bat first for the only time this summer, you might have been forgiven for agreeing with them. South Africa, winners by an innings and 12 runs had humbled England at “The Home of Cricket” in under three days.

Questions were once again being asked of a faltering batting line up struggling for runs with fingers pointed most notably at the opening pair of Crawley and Lees. Even Jonny Bairstow who had thus far been the darling of the English summer was wavering against a four-pronged pace attack consisting of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen.

Stokes’ best performance as captain at Emirates Old Trafford

However, despite the embarrassing reality check inflicted upon them at Lord’s, this England side helmed by Ben Stoke and Brendan McCullum refuse to know when they are beat. Under a week later we were back underway, this time, instead of at The Home of Cricket, they were at the home of Jimmy Anderson – Emirates Old Trafford. With humid, overcast skies above, Dean Elgar the Proteas skipper, surprised everyone by opting to bat first.

Jimmy Anderson, bowling from the Jimmy Anderson end was to make Elgar regret that decision, taking 6 wickets across the match, aided by a returning Ollie Robinson (5) and Stuart Broad (4) as England cruised to an innings and 85 run victory. It was a test match to remember for Ben Stokes as well as he hit his first century since becoming England captain, scoring 103 off 163 deliveries alongside fellow centurion Ben Foakes (113 off 217) as England recaptured some of the batting form shown earlier in the summer on their way to a declaration at 415/9.

The decider goes ahead and an inspired England win in 3 days

Momentum then was with England as they headed back to London to wrap up the series win at The Kia Oval, making it 6 wins out of 7 under the captaincy of Ben Stokes this summer – a feat not achieved since 2004. If the test cricket on show earlier on in the summer was about “Baz-ball”, a new brand of positive test match cricket where caution and doubt was cast aside in favour of an attack at all odds philosophy, the South Africa series showed England to have more nuance to their game.

The Batsmen were required to dig in at times, Zak Crawley’s 38 off 101 at Old Trafford might not have caught the headlines but was an important innings regardless in steadying the ship before Stokes, Bairstow and Foakes could capitalise. England’s seam attack also proved their worth to the team with control and skill on show in equal measure as they consistently squeezed the life out of South Africa’s batting line up before striking at key moments.

Overall, in being completely different to the New Zealand and India tests from June and July, this South Africa series provided the England team and supporters with the perfect end to a superb summer, showing they can win test matches in more than one way, when only 6 months ago, it didn’t look like they could win test matches at all.

2023 The Ashes

This new-look England side will face the toughest test of all in 2023 as they welcome the oldest of enemies, Australia, in The Ashes. Dates have yet to be confirmed by The ECB but matches will take place at the same venues as in 2019 – Edgbaston, Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Kia Oval – we can’t wait!