Summer is finally on the horizon. The sun is beginning to shine, the beer gardens are beginning to fill and the cricket is just hotting up. This summer, we will once again enjoy an Ashes series on home soil as the men go to battle as they look to win their first title since 2015. Meanwhile the women haven’t tasted success since 2014, meaning wins for both are long overdue.
Here we bring you everything you need to know about the men’s, and women’s Ashes in 2023.
Men’s
What is the format?
As is tradition, the men’s Ashes will be contested over five, five-day Test matches.
When does it start?
It all begins on June 16 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
What grounds are being used?
After Edgbaston, the teams will travel to Lord’s, followed by Headingley, Old Trafford and the Oval.
Full dates:
Edgbaston, Birmingham - June 16 to June 20.
Lord’s, London - June 28 to July 2.
Headingley, Leeds - July 6 to July 10.
Old Trafford, Manchester - July 19 to July 23.
The Oval, London - July 27-31.
Who is in the squad?
Well, England are yet to name their full squad, but we do know that Jofra Archer has been ruled out through injury, which is a blow for Brendon McCullum. Captain Ben Stokes is the only certainty, but we will update you when the full squad has been officially announced.
Meanwhile, the Aussies have named their immensely talented squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
Who is going to win?
All the signs point to an enthralling series as the stubborn Aussies come face to face with Bazball. 18 months ago it looked like it could be another whitewash but now England are a real threat. Archer’s absence is a blow, but England still have the firepower, especially with the bat and the emergence of Harry Brook. He’s been in sensational form since his introduction to the side and could be a key factor in England’s success in this series. We can see him flourishing under the spotlight of the Ashes after a remarkable start.
The bookies can’t seem to separate them either. England are 11/10 - Australia are 5/4 to win the series with Betfred, while a draw is priced at 11/2.
Cummins (C), Smith, Starc, Warner, Boland, Carey, Green, Harris, Hazlewood, Head, Inglis, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Lyon, Marsh, Murphy and Renshaw.
Women’s
What is the format?
Slightly different for the women. It begins with the only Test match of the series and is then followed by three T20 matches and three one day internationals. It’s worked out by a points system, the Test match is worth four points and the shorter form games two apiece. Whoever has the most points after the seven matches, wins!
When does it start?
It begins with the Test match from June 22-26 at Trent Bridge.
What grounds are being used?
Trent Bridge, Nottingham - June 22 to 26
Edgbaston, Birmingham - July 1
The Oval, London - July 5
Lord’s, London - July 8
Bristol County Ground, Bristol - July 12
Rose Bowl, Southampton - July 16
County Ground, Swindon - July 18
Who is in the squad?
As with the men, the women are keeping their cards close to their chest while the Australians have already named a travelling squad that includes Meg Lanning, Kim Garth and Grace Harris.
For England, captain Heather Knight is a certainty, while te other names likely to be included are Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Issy Wong, Emma Lamb, Freya Davies, Alison Davidson-Richards, Kate Cross, Lauren Winfield-Hill.
Australia confirmed squad: Meg Lanning (captain), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham.
Who is going to win?
It could be another toss of the coin. England face a tough test if they are to win for the first time in nine years, and all the pressure is on the Aussies. However, if Knight can inspire them to a Test win, they have what it takes to secure a historic win.
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