Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

Ashes 2019 1st Test: England vs Australia Preview Dream11 Prediction. ENG vs AUS 1st Test Preview Dream11 Prediction August 1 2019

The World Test Championship has a high-profile start. Irrespective of the fragile batting lineups, the 2019 Ashes promises to be one of the closest fought in recent times, with the last really competitive Ashes series set way back in 2009.

Five Ashes series have been played since. Only once has the away side won, with 2010/11 being the only such instance since 2001. This makes England favourites to regain the Ashes in 2019. Though their batting was a horror show against Ireland recently (Jack Leach won man of the match after bowling just three overs for 26), England’s bowling in these conditions with the duke ball presents a significant threat. Can they make a mark right away?

Australia, like England, have made some big selection calls along with their decision to ban reading UK tabloids. Cameron Bancroft returns to open, and has been warned by Joe Denly to expect some sandpaper stick from the crowd. Mitchell Starc, one of Australia’s premier fast men, is on the verge of being left out. Matthew Wade is to slot in at six. All this change requires a reminder that David Warner and Steve Smith are also back in Test Cricket, with the task of leading an Australian batting lineup that has big questions to answer over the coming weeks. Can the Aussies overcome a horrible Edgbaston record and take a 1-0 series lead?

Also read: Will Steve Smith top the Ashes 2019 runscoring chart?

Key to an England win

James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes are set to lead England’s quest for victory. Uncertain on batting combinations, it is the bowlers who will hold the key after saving England’s blushes at Lord’s recently against Ireland. David Warner and Steve Smith will be key wickets given Bancroft’s return and Usman Khawaja’s form and injury worries, then paving the way to target a middle-lower order that could be the ultimate difference in this series.

But, this is not to say England’s batting doesn’t need to contribute to the cause. Their top order looks very fragile. Rory Burns and Jason Roy are cause for concern given their technical shortcomings. But, they can put doubts to rest with solid starts against Australia’s own potent bowlers, setting a platform for number three Joe Root to make his mark on the match. With Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler back, England will want to ensure they have something to build on rather than having to build England up from a mess.

Key to an Australia win

England’s top order is fragile so an opportunity awaits Australia. James Pattinson’s return to Australian colours is cause for excitement. Still bowling with excellent rhythm and pace after numerous injuries, Pattinson holds a significant key to success. Indeed, keeping Mitchell Starc out of the side can be cause for some pressure, as he will have to justify the selectors’ faith in him. His battle against England’s top order will be one to watch out for, along with Josh Hazlewood (if picked), Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, who will be tasked with outbowling their English counterparts.

Also, can Australia make a mark with the bat and raise confidence early? David Warner has been prolific in white-ball cricket in 2019, but this is a different test altogether. Australia will hope for his impetus early, in combination with Bancroft’s patient approach that can wear England down. Usman Khawaja also needs to perform given the likes of Kurtis Patterson were incredibly unlucky to miss the squad, coupled with the fact he is Australia’s number three in an Ashes series. But, Steve Smith holds the biggest key for Australia as the glue that can hold this side together to get enough runs on the board with the likes of Travis Head, Matt Wade and Tim Paine then needed to contribute runs in the middle order.

Pitch and Conditions

Tim Paine was surprised at the Edgbaston pitch, which gave a darker look that coach Justin Langer doesn’t expect to turn green. It could very well be best for batting on days two and three, which makes it an interesting decision for whoever wins the toss. The forecast for the Test is for some showers to fall – possibly each day.

Also read: Who will take the most wickets in Ashes 2019?

Possible Playing 11

England have named their XI. Jofra Archer will have to wait to make his debut, with Joe Denly to bat at four. Sam Curran also misses out.

England: 1. Rory Burns, 2. Jason Roy, 3. Joe Root (c), 4. Joe Denly, 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Jonny Bairstow (wk), 7. Jos Buttler, 8. Moeen Ali, 9. Chris Woakes, 10. Stuart Broad, 11. James Anderson

There have been some big calls in the Australia camp, with Mitchell Starc set to be left out. Cameron Bancroft will open alongside David Warner, with Matthew Wade to bat at six. Also, Peter Siddle is a chance of playing ahead of Josh Hazlewood.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Cameron Bancroft, 3. Usman Khawaja, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Matthew Wade, 7. Tim Paine (c & wk), 8. Pat Cummins, 9. James Pattinson, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood/Peter Siddle

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• Australia have not won a single match in Edgbaston in any format since 2001. The latest defeat was in the World Cup Semi Final. In contrast, England have won 11 straight in all formats at the venue.
• England is the last side to win an Ashes series away from home. They achieved this in 2010/11. Australia haven’t won in England since 2001.
• Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner will play their first Test since March 2018.

Match Prediction

The first match of the series has plenty of uncertainty about it. England’s top order is fragile, which has forced Joe Root to bat at three. Australia have had their struggles in the past against the duke ball.

This has the makings for a bowler-dominated series, and it could start right away. I think England will edge this one out given their strong record at Edgbaston, but Australia could well be in business if they force James Anderson to bowl a lot of overs with his recent injury worries.

Also read: Have a Cricket Blog or looking to start one? Check out my Cricket Blogging Tips!

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