Ashes 2023: England announce playing XI for first Test, Moeen Ali and James Anderson return

The excitement for the Ashes 2023 is at its highest as the first Test of the five-match series is just two days away. Ahead of the first Test scheduled to begin from June 16, at Edgbaston, England have announced their playing XI two days in advance.

Moeen Ali, who has just come out of his retirement to participate in the Ashes, has been included in the playing XI at his home ground. On the other hand, seamers James Anderson and Ollie Robinson mark their return to the team after missing the Ireland Test because of injuries.

Speedster Mark Wood has been rested with Stuart Broad getting a go-ahead of him to once again give a tough time to David Warner with the new ball. The veteran seamer got the better of the Aussie opener seven times out of ten innings during Ashes 2019 and will be expected to repeat the same in the upcoming series.

Notably, England rested Broad during the first Ashes Test of the last series in 2021-22 at Brisbane. The move allowed Warner to break free as he ended up scoring 94 in the first innings resulting in a nine-wicket loss for the visitors.  Speaking ahead of the series, Broad was unsure of getting a place in the playing XI in the first Test but was ready for his battle once again with Warner.

“And it will be great to continue my battle with David Warner. We’ve had some great matches in the past and this will be just as competitive. I think we are both very competitive and that brings the best out of each other. I had to study him to try and have the success I did last time, and he’s got hold of me a few times too,” Broad was quoted as saying by The Mirror.

England announce their squad Two days in advance to show 'fearless' intent

Meanwhile, young sensation, Harry Brook will continue to bat at number five ahead of Jonny Bairstow, who will don the wicketkeeping gloves and will come in at number 7.  England have made a bold statement by announcing their XI two days in advance, giving a hint of the ‘fearless cricket’ they will be playing in the action-packed series.

England Playing XI for 1st Test: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson