The Ashes 2023: Full schedule and venues of the blockbuster Test series

One of cricket’s greatest rivalries, The Ashes, resumes this week when a buoyant Australia, fresh from their World Test Championship victory, take on an English team known for their attacking prowess. The first Ashes Test begins on June 16 at Edgbaston. 

England have not won this five-match series since 2015, when Alastair Cook was the captain. Besides, England had suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat in the last Ashes in Australia.  The current English unit, led by Ben Stokes, is a team like no other in Test cricket right now. Known for their no-holds-barred batting, this is a side hungry for success and they will take the field on Friday with the sole aim to bury the ghosts of the past.

England coach Brendon McCullum has spearheaded the ‘Bazball’ revolution in the past 12 months. Bazball essentially refers to a very aggressive style of play. England batters have blunted premier bowling lineups of teams like Pakistan and New Zealand through this style of play. Though there are serious question marks over whether the England batters can withstand the Australian attack. 

Last week, Indian batters were found wanting against Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Scott Boland. The Aussie pace attack will be bolstered by a fit-again Josh Hazlewood, if he is available for selection from the first Test itself. So, the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook and Moeen Ali will have to contend with the fearsome Aussie pace battery.

Stokes has proved to be an excellent cricket captain since his appointment last April. Having saicd that there are reports that his performance in the upcoming series might be affected due to his injured left knee.

It can be said that whichever team absorbs pressure better will emerge victorious in this great sporting rivalry.

The Ashes 2023 Schedule

First Test - June 16 - June 20 (3:30 PM IST start)

Second Test - June 28 - July 2 (3:30 PM IST start)

Third Test - July 6 - July 10 (3:30 PM IST start)

Fourth Test - July 19 - July 23 (3:30 PM IST start)

Fifth Test - July 27 - July 31 (3:30 PM IST start)

The Ashes 2023 Venues

First Test – Edgbaston, Birmingham

Second Test - Lord's, London

Third Test - Clean Slate Headingley, Leeds

Fourth Test - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

Fifth Test - The Oval, London